At every Living On The Cheap workshop, I quiz the audience members on the most valuable card in their wallet. Usually someone says their credit card or Social Security card. But we at LOTC know it's your library card.Library offerings that might surprise you These days, libraries go far beyond … [Read more...] about Most valuable card in your wallet? You might be surprised
Family
Free or cheap SAT and ACT test prep
College admission pressure is getting more intense, and both students and parents are feeling the heat. Many, seeing SAT or ACT scores as an area for improvement, are shelling out big bucks for prep courses. An SAT course can cost $1,000. An SAT tutor can cost (hold onto your hat) as much as $6,600. … [Read more...] about Free or cheap SAT and ACT test prep
Chuck E. Cheese celebrates Halloween with lots of events and giveaways in October
Halloween and pizza are the perfect pairing! And Chuck E. Cheese is going all out for Halloween again this year.Families can enjoy a month of safe and affordable Halloween entertainment and food at every Fun Center across the country, including FREE game play, daily dance parties with FREE candy … [Read more...] about Chuck E. Cheese celebrates Halloween with lots of events and giveaways in October
A complete guide to celebrating Halloween on the cheap
With more than 41 million potential trick-or-treaters knocking on 120 million doors, Halloween can become one of our most expensive holidays. But even if you don't want to spend a lot, there is no need to turn off the lights and pretend you aren’t home or try to persuade your kids that sweets are … [Read more...] about A complete guide to celebrating Halloween on the cheap
101 easy and cheap Halloween costume ideas for 2023
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Halloween will be here before you know it. There's no need to settle for the high-priced, mass-produced, store-bought costumes (although we have seen some clever and cute ones on Amazon). We've gathered up easy and inexpensive homemade Halloween costume ideas for you here. DIY your Halloween … [Read more...] about 101 easy and cheap Halloween costume ideas for 2023
How to host a kid’s birthday party for less than $100
It seems as if advertisements for kids' parties are everywhere I go — restaurants, gymnastics studios, the YMCA, hair salons, on and on. It only makes sense that all of these places want in on the kid birthday party scam; they know they can make a fortune hosting one. While it might be easier … [Read more...] about How to host a kid’s birthday party for less than $100
How to cut the cost of pet care
I hadn’t planned to get a new dog after my beloved Daphne died just short of her 15th birthday. However, I developed a bad habit of scrolling through the adorable faces of dogs up for adoption at my local Humane Society. As soon as I spotted Matilda and her huge ears, I had to jump in the car and … [Read more...] about How to cut the cost of pet care
Enjoy family-friendly Disney+ at 75% off for 3 months
Who's ready to watch Disney flicks on a budget? One of the most popular streaming services is Disney+. However, it's not often you can find a discount on the monthly subscription.That's what makes this limited-time discount even more "magical" for families and children of all ages. Get ready to … [Read more...] about Enjoy family-friendly Disney+ at 75% off for 3 months
19 restaurants where kids eat free or for cheap
When you take a whole crew out to eat, it can burn through your food budget. Thankfully, many national and local restaurants let kids eat free or at a discount on select days of the week. Taking advantage of these free meals will cut down your restaurant bills and allow you to eat out as a family … [Read more...] about 19 restaurants where kids eat free or for cheap
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
Hiking with kids: How to have family fun outdoors
The weather is beautiful, and you want to get outdoors with your family, away from TV and video games. Lace up those walking shoes and take the kids on a hike. Look for a big park, a nature preserve or a designated open space with trails that's a short drive from home and hit the road.Wait, you … [Read more...] about Hiking with kids: How to have family fun outdoors
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
The secret to serving a quick, cheap family dinner every night
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In today’s crazy-busy world, family dinner is especially important. Even though Susie has karate, Joey has swim lessons and Mom and Dad commute to work, you need time to connect as a family and eat a nutritious meal. Even better if that meal's a home-cooked one.The idea of cooking dinner every … [Read more...] about The secret to serving a quick, cheap family dinner every night
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
12 great free educational websites
Education doesn't end at the school building's doors. In fact, with the aid of these free websites, students of all ages can get extra practice, learn subjects in different ways and explore their own interests independently. These websites are just a few of the many that help kids (and adults) … [Read more...] about 12 great free educational websites
