Prices at the grocery store and at the gas pump are two of the most common ways people gauge the cost of living. You don't need to wait for the government to release inflation statistics when you can see the price of a single cucumber go up to 60 cents or watch the digits keep rolling past on the … [Read more...] about How to save money on gas
Free Passover resources for families with children
Children play an important role at the Passover celebration. One of the most well-known moments of the Jewish holiday is when the youngest child at the table asks "the four questions," beginning with "How is this night different from all other nights?"As the writer of this essay notes, "In light … [Read more...] about Free Passover resources for families with children
Old-school, no-tech gifts for kids
Technology is great, but when it come to younger children, it has not-so-great aspects, including the creation of ecowaste, negative effects on children's attention spans and problems associated with social media use by preteens. And, less importantly but of more immediate significance, the … [Read more...] about Old-school, no-tech gifts for kids
Are ‘buy now, pay later’ alternatives to layaway a good idea?
If you're old enough to remember shopping before the Internet, you might remember the layaway desk at department stores. Shoppers who wanted to buy a big-ticket item, or do holiday shopping ahead of time, would put the goods "on layaway." The store would hold the items for them and the customer … [Read more...] about Are ‘buy now, pay later’ alternatives to layaway a good idea?
Living on the Cheap gift guide roundup 2023
Some people enjoy thinking about what to buy for gifts, going out to buy gifts, getting home and wrapping gifts, going out to deliver gifts or mail gifts . . .I am not that person.Don't get me wrong. I love it when I happen to see something in a shop or online and think, "That would be … [Read more...] about Living on the Cheap gift guide roundup 2023
When mobile payment apps can cost you
When you're out to dinner with a group and it's time to split the tab, the odds keep getting better that someone is going to say "Let me Venmo you" instead of pulling out their wallet. But while settling a tab between friends is a quick, easy and sensible use of a payment app, there are times … [Read more...] about When mobile payment apps can cost you
Scary good (and cheap) Halloween party food
Planning a Halloween party but don't want it to bleed your food budget dry? We've got you covered tighter than a mummy's wrappings! Here are ideas for snacks and beverages for both kids and adults, so no one leaves your celebration looking like a skeleton.(For more Halloween party tips, … [Read more...] about Scary good (and cheap) Halloween party food
College financial aid: A timeline for high-school students and families
For the six years that our daughters were in college, my husband dreaded filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid more than doing our income tax return. Like students in most families, though, our girls were going to need some combination of loans and scholarships to pay for college. … [Read more...] about College financial aid: A timeline for high-school students and families
Is it worth the cost to upgrade my cellphone now?
According to a 2021 survey from tech care company Asurion, the cellphone has taken the top spot as most essential item for Americans, overtaking their vehicle or their refrigerator — which makes sense when you consider that you can't do a group text with Uber or Lyft. So whenever a new phone model … [Read more...] about Is it worth the cost to upgrade my cellphone now?
How to beat inflation and save on almost everything
For the first time in decades, American shoppers are having to deal with inflation — the widespread, general rise in prices for goods and services. Since you're reading this post on a site called Living on the Cheap, you're probably looking for ways to stretch your dollars to cover some of that … [Read more...] about How to beat inflation and save on almost everything
Amtrak BOGO sale for Valentine’s Day
The quickest way to my heart isn't with chocolate or flowers, though they'll both get you where you want to go. But ask me to be your traveling companion and my bag will be packed within minutes.If your Significant Other is like me, Amtrak has a Valentine's deal they'll love.Now through … [Read more...] about Amtrak BOGO sale for Valentine’s Day
2 weeks left to get Affordable Care Act health insurance for 2021
Have you looked at getting health insurance under the Affordable Care Act in the past but decided it didn’t work for you? If so, it may be time to take another look at the health care program that’s also known as “Obamacare.” You have about two weeks to enroll and have insurance through … [Read more...] about 2 weeks left to get Affordable Care Act health insurance for 2021
The best shopping deals in September 2021
The experts at Consumer Reports are a great source for buying guides, based both on price and on how well the product did in their independent tests. Here are their suggestions for the best types of products to buy in September, along with added suggestions from our Living on the Cheap … [Read more...] about The best shopping deals in September 2021