Val McCauley

About Val McCauley

Val McCauley was drawn to writing about Living on the Cheap after moving to Columbus from her small hometown after college. She realized that there were a ton of events and activities going on around the city, but there wasn't a website that made it easy to find out about these things. Her love of travel and desire to get out of debt after college cemented the need to live on less while still having fun. Over the last several years, she has paid off all of her debt and still has fun. In her free time, she loves to workout, play sports, and cook gluten-free meals. Val is the owner and operator of Columbus on the Cheap and That’s What We Did.

Tips for traveling with family and friends on a budget

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Traveling with a family can be expensive, but the memories are priceless. Whether you are envisioning a relaxing trip to the beach, a thrilling amusement park visit, or exploring one of our great national parks, there are ways to make a vacation fit your budget. With careful planning and great … [Read more...] about Tips for traveling with family and friends on a budget

Mother’s Day gift ideas she’ll love

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There’s an important holiday coming up in May and it’s time to start thinking about gifts! Whether you’ll be celebrating your mom, stepmom, mother-in-law, mother of your children, or someone you think of as a mom, it’s a holiday that deserves more thought than a bouquet of grocery store flowers. … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day gift ideas she’ll love

Free house cleaning for cancer patients

If you or someone you know is battling cancer, Cleaning for a Reason Foundation can help on the home front. This nonprofit organization offers FREE professional housecleaning and maid services to those undergoing treatment for any cancer.A local insured and bonded professional house … [Read more...] about Free house cleaning for cancer patients

Does your pet need food stamps? Find pet care when you can’t afford it

Owning a pet can be one of the most rewarding relationships in your life. Pets are loyal, loving and even provide health benefits for their owners, such as lower blood pressure and stress reduction. Unfortunately, pets can be expensive when you add up food costs, supplies and trips to the … [Read more...] about Does your pet need food stamps? Find pet care when you can’t afford it

Recycle old magazines into beautiful bowls

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I love reading magazines and get a lot of free and cheap subscriptions. Once I'm done reading them, I often swap them with friends or leave them at the gym for others to read, but I always end up with a stack at home that I need to get rid of.If you're wondering what to do with old magazines, … [Read more...] about Recycle old magazines into beautiful bowls

6 reasons to choose an Amazon wedding registry

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Getting engaged and planning a wedding often means that a friend or family member will offer to throw you a bridal shower, and Amazon Wedding Registry will make the gifting part easy for you and your guests.Bridal showers stem from the old-fashioned practice of the bride needing a dowry to marry … [Read more...] about 6 reasons to choose an Amazon wedding registry

65+ white-elephant gift exchange ideas

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White Elephant gift exchanges, or as some call them, Yankee Swaps, are about as popular as ugly Christmas sweater parties. Finding the perfect gift can be difficult because there are often a variety of people participating, and you may have to gear the appropriateness around the type of party: … [Read more...] about 65+ white-elephant gift exchange ideas

Stocking stuffers for grownups

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When it comes to holiday gifting, stocking stuffers often get the least attention. But why should kids have all the fun? Stockings can offer delightful surprises for grownups too! From small luxury items to practical gadgets, stocking stuffers can be a thoughtful and creative way to show … [Read more...] about Stocking stuffers for grownups

Budget-friendly kitchen gifts under $25

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Finding the perfect gift for the culinary enthusiast in your life doesn't have to break the bank. Whether you're shopping for a seasoned home cook, a budding food enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys the heartwarming vibe of a well-stocked kitchen, there's a treasure trove of thoughtful and … [Read more...] about Budget-friendly kitchen gifts under $25

Make felted wool dryer balls, a cheapskate’s fabric softener

Here's a project that will help you save on electricity from your dryer and eliminate the need for fabric softener, which has harmful chemicals and perfumes. Fabric softener can be expensive, isn’t recommended for certain articles (towels, cloth diapers) because it reduces absorbency, and it can … [Read more...] about Make felted wool dryer balls, a cheapskate’s fabric softener

How to have a great wedding on a small budget

I was never one to dream of a big, traditional wedding with all of the trimmings when I was a little girl. When my now-husband and I got engaged, we talked about exactly what we wanted for our wedding and reception, instead of what we were “supposed” to do.We didn’t realize it right away, but by … [Read more...] about How to have a great wedding on a small budget

Build a salad table to grow your greens

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Do you love vegetables and salad, but can't plant a regular garden? A salad table might be the ideal solution for you. What is a salad table? A salad table is a portable, waist-high table just deep enough to grow salad greens, herbs and other shallow-rooted plants and vegetables. The … [Read more...] about Build a salad table to grow your greens

Great gifts for a first Mother’s Day

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Being a new mom is hard. Really hard. So let the new mom in your life know what a good job she's doing by giving her a great first Mother's Day. Giving gifts for first-time moms can be tricky, as they are usually responsible for catering to every whim of a helpless tiny human. Here … [Read more...] about Great gifts for a first Mother’s Day

How to eat gluten-free on the cheap

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Learn how to eat gluten-free without breaking the bank. Here are cheap, gluten-free options for anyone who needs to cut costs while staying true to their diet and nutritional needs. Many people are making the switch to a gluten-free diet due to food allergies, sensitivities, or dietary … [Read more...] about How to eat gluten-free on the cheap

Decluttering? Sell on Facebook to earn quick cash!

Learn how to sell items on the Facebook marketplace to earn extra cash! You can easily declutter, and make some quick cash in the process. These tips are great for online selling - and are fast, simple, and easy to do. Be sure to read through our selling tips so that you can earn quickly … [Read more...] about Decluttering? Sell on Facebook to earn quick cash!

Val McCauley

About Val McCauley

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