Spring cleaning is a long tradition, often in cold climates, but also in cultures around the world as a New Year rite. Cleaning and decluttering the home is a great prelude to a change in seasons. But spring cleaning isn’t just a feel-good task. It’s also a source of found money. Here are typical … [Read more...] about 12 spring-cleaning tasks that can save you money
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How to get a good deal on your first apartment
Striking out on your own for the first time can be exciting, but the whole thing can be daunting. Millennials face a different housing world than their parents did at the same age. According to a survey done by RentCafe.com, millennials could pay $92,600 in total rent by the time they turn the … [Read more...] about How to get a good deal on your first apartment
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, which has harmful chemicals and perfumes. Fabric softener can be expensive, isn’t recommended for certain articles (towels, cloth diapers) because it reduces absorbency, and it … [Read more...] about Make dryer balls, a cheapskate’s fabric softener
Cooking for One – or Two
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. Food waste is a big problem in America. Some sources estimate that we waste as much as 40 percent of our … [Read more...] about Cooking for One – or Two
Staycations for frugal families
When I was in school, my parents worked full time and taking a week off for a vacation wasn't always possible. Instead, they would take a day or two off during the spring break week and we'd do fun things in town. If you'd rather not spend spring break spending, why not stay in your city instead of … [Read more...] about Staycations for frugal families
Get free stuff on your birthday
Blow out the candles for great birthday freebies as a member of these online loyalty eClubs. The month of your birthday you'll receive some sort of email you can exchange for your goodie. Many of these are valid during your entire birthday month, but be sure to read each coupon for the details. Some … [Read more...] about Get free stuff on your birthday
Free or low-cost things to do in national parks
National parks – “America’s Best Idea” – offer a wealth of free entertainment options. Spending vacation time in a U.S. national park is a rewarding and memorable family experience, and accommodations within parks are less expensive than you might think, especially in spring and fall. Admission is … [Read more...] about Free or low-cost things to do in national parks
Best Chain Restaurant Happy Hours
Happy hour can be a great way to unwind and spend some time with friends. And it can be affordable if you know when and where to find the best deals. Most bars and taverns now have that information online, but sometimes restaurants don't advertise their happy hour times or specials, so make sure you … [Read more...] about Best Chain Restaurant Happy Hours
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
14 creative and cheap Valentine dates
Ah, Valentine’s Day, that one day of the year that you spend, spend and spend on little tokens of love for your sweetie. You probably BUY a card, BUY candy, BUY flowers, BUY dinner, etc. See the running theme here ... it can get pretty costly, but it doesn’t have to. Just because it is … [Read more...] about 14 creative and cheap Valentine dates
Get organized using containers you already own
Ever want to get organized but the thought of spending money on containers talked you right out of it? Marie Kondo's The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing book and her Netflix show is a hot topic, but the cost of containers might stop you from taking … [Read more...] about Get organized using containers you already own
16 ways to cut expenses this year
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It's a new year, and that means it's time to get your financial house in order. No matter what mistakes you made last year, you get a do-over this year. The beginning of the year is a great time to make changes that will boost your bottom line going forward. But before you can make a plan to save … [Read more...] about 16 ways to cut expenses this year
