Earth Day was born in 1970 to help Americans to understand that taking care of the environment was not just a fad invented by hippie culture.In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 as International Mother Earth Day, and it is now celebrated by nearly 200 countries. Whether you set aside … [Read more...] about Money-saving ways to celebrate Earth Day every day
23 restaurants where kids eat free or for cheap
When you take a whole crew out to eat, it can burn through your food budget. Thankfully, many national and local restaurants let kids eat free or at a discount on select days of the week. Taking advantage of these free meals will cut down your restaurant bills and allow you to eat out as a family … [Read more...] about 23 restaurants where kids eat free or for cheap
Restaurants offering senior discounts
After the kids moved out and I had to cook for one, I quickly grew tired of it. At home, I get caught in a routine of chicken soup, pasta and sauce, or fish and potatoes. But when I dine out, I am a global traveler — spicy ethnic food, or juicy burgers and fries. I don't have to shop, and I don't … [Read more...] about Restaurants offering senior discounts
Credit cards to help you save money on gas
With today's gas prices, it’s even more important to manage your expenses. The rising cost of groceries is made worse by the rising cost of driving to the grocery store. And as road trip season approaches, vacationers are going to need to budget a lot more for filling up their gas … [Read more...] about Credit cards to help you save money on gas
How I slashed $25,000 in credit-card debt to zero
A few years ago, my long-term partner and I were living in his home country of Canada, and I put a lot of time and money into obtaining permanent residency. But relationships sometimes don’t move forward as planned. I returned to the U.S. with only a truck full of belongings, my dog and about … [Read more...] about How I slashed $25,000 in credit-card debt to zero
How to shop and save at ALDI
You may have wondered what the big draw is to ALDI grocery store chain. Some say it’s a strange cult, a mecca for frugal shoppers. The store even has fan clubs with impressive numbers of followers. And I think it might be the only store that has a secret language. Stay with me and I’ll … [Read more...] about How to shop and save at ALDI
What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
This annual Mother's Day or Christmas or birthday conversation is so predictable it's aggravating: “Mom, what can I get you?” "Oh, I don't need anything!"She means it. Most mothers really don’t need anything. But handing her an overpriced store-bought card and saying “Thank you for being my … [Read more...] about What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
Free pumpkin stencils for creative Halloween carving
Ask my kids and they’ll tell you I’m a pretty pathetic pumpkin carver. Or I was, until I discovered free stencils to guide me to the gory. And I watched this video to teach me the basics, like how to keep my pumpkin top from falling inside.Pick up a nifty Halloween tool set … [Read more...] about Free pumpkin stencils for creative Halloween carving
5 ways to happily live with less
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines minimalism as “a style or technique that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity.” Living on the Cheap readers don’t have to scrimp to use many of the same techniques and start living within their means.Be purposeful in your … [Read more...] about 5 ways to happily live with less
12+ new ways to use old sweaters
What should you do with old sweaters?You bought those sweaters for ski slopes you no longer visit, holiday and ugly-sweater parties at offices where you no longer work, or for fashions and sizes you no longer wear. Now, they take up space in your closets and drawers. The wool sweaters itch; … [Read more...] about 12+ new ways to use old sweaters
Comparing drugstore card perks: Rite-Aid vs. CVS vs. Walgreens
Drugstores carry everything from health and beauty items to school supplies and kitchenware, often at relatively low prices. We looked at three nationwide chain drugstores to decipher their rewards programs and let you in on the potential perks and pitfalls.Rite Aid Sign up for a Rite Aid … [Read more...] about Comparing drugstore card perks: Rite-Aid vs. CVS vs. Walgreens
Help for college students who have moved back home (and their parents)
Congratulations! You graduated!And now you are moving back home.The reason is probably financial. Tuition isn’t cheap and you may have tackled that bill on your own. Although some colleges and universities froze or lowered tuition during the pandemic, many cite lower enrollment numbers … [Read more...] about Help for college students who have moved back home (and their parents)
A $50-a-week meal plan for 1 by shopping at ALDI
Sticker shock used to be synonymous with new cars. Now it's in the grocery store (and everywhere else). Along with gasoline prices, the cost of food has increased across the United States. And although the rate of inflation has slowed since this story was first published, cutting your … [Read more...] about A $50-a-week meal plan for 1 by shopping at ALDI
11 best websites for kids’ crafts
When kids get bored, let them use their imaginations with fun craft projects. The internet is full of creative art project ideas that are easy for kids to do and don't involve fancy materials. Here are a few of my favorite kids craft websites that offer FREE instructions for games and crafts, as … [Read more...] about 11 best websites for kids’ crafts
Homemade cards and gifts for Father’s Day
Some dads are notoriously difficult to buy for, which can make Father’s Day stressful for their children. We want our gifts to show Dad how special he is in our lives. When budgets are limited, that can be a real trick, especially when dads are of an age where they really don’t need … [Read more...] about Homemade cards and gifts for Father’s Day