The sales circulars are full of great buys on groceries, electronics and more just about every week, but running around to all of those stores to snag the bargains can be a drain on time and gas. To avoid that inconvenience, stick to your local store and employ a price-matching strategy. What is … [Read more...] about How to save with price matching
Back to school
Easy ways to give back to your kids’ school
As schools try to balance their budgets while keeping up with always-increasing expenses, they are looking more to families and parent-teacher organizations to help with school supplies, field trips and other programs. Doing a little can sometimes go a long way. Below are some funding ideas that you … [Read more...] about Easy ways to give back to your kids’ school
Find consignment sales to help you save on kids’ stuff
Consignment sales offer a great way to save money on kids' clothes, toys, nursery items and maternity wear, and they're springing up all over the country. Seasonal consignment sales are increasingly popular as a way to replenish the kids' closets with gently used, good quality children's … [Read more...] about Find consignment sales to help you save on kids’ stuff
Healthy school lunches kids won’t toss in the trash
If your child regularly brings their lunch to school, you've faced the "what to pack" dilemma. You want to pack something nutritious, but you also need to be sure your kids will eat it. A thrown-out lunch does nothing for your child's health or your wallet; it's basically cash in the … [Read more...] about Healthy school lunches kids won’t toss in the trash
10 ways to save on college textbooks
College students, as well as their parents, can experience sticker shock when they shop for textbooks. Books for a full schedule can easily add up to $1,000 or more a year. I asked my daughter, who is the most resourceful and thrifty textbook shopper I know, for some tips. One thing I learned is … [Read more...] about 10 ways to save on college textbooks
iPad, Fire or other? Buying guide to tablet devices
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Tablet computers have come a long way since their introduction. Modern tablet computers are powerful devices that can handle many computing needs, and may even replace your old laptop or desktop completely. Tablets, such as the iPad and Amazon Fire, may offer some budget savings compared to a full … [Read more...] about iPad, Fire or other? Buying guide to tablet devices
Easy ways to save on school supplies
—It's the most exciting time of the year for bargain shoppers who have kids in school (or for anyone who likes cheap office supplies). For some people, school supply shopping is a big, fun, traditional spending spree. It was for my mom and me. But I’ve made this time of year into a big, … [Read more...] about Easy ways to save on school supplies
How to score little-known college scholarships
College tuition is outrageous and full scholarships are hard to come by. If a student isn't the valedictorian of a huge school, or a nationally ranked high school athlete, taking out massive loans may seem like the only option available to finance the soaring costs of higher education. But there are … [Read more...] about How to score little-known college scholarships
Back to school: Is it time for your student to have a phone?
With a son going into fifth grade, I’m one of the few holdouts among the class parents who hasn’t given into peer pressure and gotten my child a smartphone. I have my reasons, most notably among them, he hasn’t asked for one ... yet. Truth be told, I also don’t think he’s ready for the … [Read more...] about Back to school: Is it time for your student to have a phone?
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
When cheap school supplies aren’t a good deal
Bargain shopping is always a good thing, but there is a difference between living on the cheap and buying cheap things. Living on the cheap means living well on less money, not living with poor quality things that don't perform. When you're buying school supplies and office supplies, it’s important … [Read more...] about When cheap school supplies aren’t a good deal
How to leave college with less student loan debt
More than six in ten (62%) college seniors who graduated from public and private nonprofit colleges in 2019 had student loan debt and they owed an average of $28,950, according to an October 2020 report by The Institute for College Access and Success. But smart planning can help you graduate … [Read more...] about How to leave college with less student loan debt
30-plus discounts teachers can use all year long
Teachers are rarely paid what they're worth. Recognizing that, many businesses offer discounts to educators year-round. Teachers can get a percentage off the regular price when they buy books and decorating supplies for their classroom, work clothes, even travel, since they can only vacation during … [Read more...] about 30-plus discounts teachers can use all year long
6 ways to save on kids’ back-to-school clothes
Most parents do not relish back-to-school clothes shopping. The crowds and the cost create a less-than-enjoyable experience. I can’t fix the crowds, but I can help with the cost. Last year, I outfitted my two kids for the school year for less than $100 each. Considering many items … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save on kids’ back-to-school clothes
Save on back-to-school shots, sports exams
The kids soon head back to school and you’ve already shelled out money for new clothes and school supplies. Now you need to come up with more cash for sports physicals and back-to-school vaccinations. Here are some tips that might help you save on those expenses. Visit your primary care … [Read more...] about Save on back-to-school shots, sports exams
