It’s time to look at real ways to save money during trying times. During the Great Depression, people employed 1930s frugality and simple-living tricks to save money and survive the lean years. We can take a page from their book and do it again.Here are 10 Depression Era hacks and frugal living … [Read more...] about 10 Depression-era hacks and frugal living ideas to save money now
Clothing the kids without busting your budget
Kids go through clothes like boxes of Cheerios. We say: don’t spend a lot of money on play wear and school clothes. By the time kids wear them or use them once or twice, who can tell if they’re new or used anyway?You can find some kids’ clothes in excellent condition at thrift stores like … [Read more...] about Clothing the kids without busting your budget
Teaching children to cook will save them (and you) money
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Finding activities to keep children busy over school holidays can be a challenge. Some kids are happy to spend hours a day in front of a screen, but there's another option that's creative and educational, not to mention fun and, well ... yummy.This is as good a time as any to teach your children … [Read more...] about Teaching children to cook will save them (and you) money
Elegant holiday party on a beer budget
You’d love to give a holiday party, but those events can be real budget-busters. Well, ho-ho-hold on there. There are ways to do it up right and not break the bank. Here are some tips.Invitations Most people today are OK with an e-mail invitation. If you know someone who isn’t, get … [Read more...] about Elegant holiday party on a beer budget
What to do with leftover Thanksgiving side dishes
After spending all that money on a homemade Thanksgiving feast, you're not going to waste a scrap of it. You’re going to get creative with the leftovers, right? Ideas for using the extra turkey are abundant, but how do you use the rest of the Thanksgiving leftovers?We’ve rounded up some ideas … [Read more...] about What to do with leftover Thanksgiving side dishes
6 ways to save by shopping for Christmas gifts super early
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Real frugalistas know that you should start next year’s holiday shopping the day after Christmas. But let’s face it: Not everyone is in the mood. For me, starting after Labor Day is early enough, unless I spot some perfect and irresistible item in May.The thing about early holiday shopping … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save by shopping for Christmas gifts super early
10 tips to organize back-to-school life
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When the kids go back to school, life should get easier, right? Nope. It gets way more complicated. You need to get the kids to school and back (if they don’t ride the bus). You need to get them to soccer, swim or ballet practice. They need lunches and after-school snacks. They have homework. And … [Read more...] about 10 tips to organize back-to-school life
Easy recipes with cheap summer corn
There’s something about fresh, sweet, juicy corn on the cob that just screams summer. You bite into those pearl-like kernels and taste a burst of sweet juice. It doesn’t get better than this.Except it does: Sweet corn, in season, is really cheap. It starts out at two for $1, then four, then … [Read more...] about Easy recipes with cheap summer corn
Got tomatoes? Recipes to make the most of your summer tomato bounty
It’s a fruit we treat like a vegetable, a nontoxic member of the nightshade family, born in South America but internationally famous. It’s the tomato, of course. And though it can be pricey in winter, in summer it’s indecently cheap at farm stands and markets. You can buy a whole basket for just a … [Read more...] about Got tomatoes? Recipes to make the most of your summer tomato bounty
17 summer water-saving tips to reduce your bill
In summer, water usage can account for as much as 50% or more of your monthly utility bill, depending on where you live. Learning how to conserve water during the hottest months not only can save you money, but it's good for the planet. It's doubly important to think about ways to save on water use … [Read more...] about 17 summer water-saving tips to reduce your bill
Cooking for 1 – or 2 – without waste
When we live alone or with just one other person, it can be hard to scale down portion sizes so that you don’t waste a lot of food or end up throwing your grocery money in the trash.It’s not only a poor financial investment, it’s just wrong to waste that much food! So how do we avoid tossing out … [Read more...] about Cooking for 1 – or 2 – without waste
Tasty recipes for cheap and abundant zucchini
The zucchini are here! The zucchini are here! The world’s cheapest ingredient has arrived in gardens, farmers’ markets and grocery stores, and it’s cheap, cheap, cheap. So what do you do with all this bounty? Well, you can pan-fry it as a side vegetable, cube it and put it on kabobs, slice it … [Read more...] about Tasty recipes for cheap and abundant zucchini
How to find military discounts year-round
Editor's note: Please follow this link for an updated version of this story! Read Military Discounts available year-round.Stores know it’s good for their image to be patriotic. They also know that the military men and women who serve our country are potential shoppers who deserve a break, not … [Read more...] about How to find military discounts year-round
Quick and easy ways to use leftover turkey
You paid good money (but hopefully not too much) for that Thanksgiving turkey. Do not let the leftovers go to waste. Turkey is not only a bargain (especially during pre-Thanksgiving sales), it’s tasty and good for you. And sometimes the leftovers are even better than the original meal.First, … [Read more...] about Quick and easy ways to use leftover turkey
Valentine’s Day: Big romance at a small price
Valentine’s Day can turn out to be a pricey proposition. Card: $5. Candy: $25. Flowers: $50. Dinner: $75. Gift: $100. Total: $255. And we’re being modest here. Whew! There must be a less expensive way to say “I Love You” without looking cheap. Try the thoughtful, romantic approach, instead.The … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Day: Big romance at a small price
