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.

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, step-mom, mother-in-law, mother of your children, or someone you think of as a mom, it’s a holiday that deserves more thought for gifting than grocery store … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day gift ideas she’ll love

Six benefits of joining Amazon Student

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Attention, college students: Whether you're headed near or far to college this year, you're going to need "stuff." Join Amazon Student and get FREE two-day shipping for college students. The online shopping mecca is offering its Amazon Student program free for six months, so you can get all of the … [Read more...] about Six benefits of joining Amazon Student

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 are some ideas … [Read more...] about Great gifts for a first Mother’s Day

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

How to build and grow your own salad table

Do you love vegetables and salad, but can't plant a regular garden? 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 shallow wooden box frame has a large surface area and a mesh bottom that allows water to … [Read more...] about How to build and grow your own salad table

Make 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. Wool dryer balls are simple to make and can cut your drying time by 25 to 50 percent by separating clothing and allowing warm air to circulate more evenly. By soaking up some of the … [Read more...] about Make dryer balls, a cheapskate’s fabric softener

Got clutter? Donate and save on taxes

Most people will agree that clutter is bad. It takes up valuable space in your home, is difficult to clean around, and makes it hard for you to keep organized and find things. Cleaning out your household and clothing clutter can earn you money if you choose to sell it, but that can take time and … [Read more...] about Got clutter? Donate and save on taxes

Create your own Valentine’s Day candy gifts

Valentine’s Day is coming up and if you want give your sweeties (or friends) some sweets, go beyond the heart-shaped box and get creative with items you already have around the house. Add their favorite candy and cute sayings, and you’ll have cute, upcycled Valentine’s Day gifts that they’ll … [Read more...] about Create your own Valentine’s Day candy gifts

7 cool things to do with used Christmas cards

Every year before Christmas, our mailbox fills with holiday cards from family and friends. I hang them on the refrigerator or banister during the season for display, but once the holiday decorations come down, I’m always looking for something to do with the cards. Recycling is a better option than … [Read more...] about 7 cool things to do with used Christmas cards

50 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 50 White Elephant gift exchange Ideas

Thoughtful holiday gifts on a budget

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Holiday shopping can make you feel as if the "reason for the season" is emptying your wallet, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of ways to save money on holiday gifts, entertainment and dining out through the holidays. Sign up for Living on the Cheap daily emails so you'll get the … [Read more...] about Thoughtful holiday gifts on a budget

10 great gadget gifts under $25

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This list of gifts would make perfect stocking stuffers or gifts for guys and girls who love gadgets. The best part is that they are all affordable, at less than $35, and have free shipping with purchases over $25 from Amazon. Most of these are items that I've given in the past, own myself or have … [Read more...] about 10 great gadget gifts under $25