If you're in the South where snow is a rarity, or you've been caught unprepared for an early season snow, you may find yourself in a conundrum when the white stuff starts pouring down. Lots of snow, no sled. Maybe you're one of the lucky few with a store-bought sled. You'll be the envy of the … [Read more...] about No sled? No problem. 17 DIY ideas
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18 strategies for $5-a-day budget meal planning and grocery shopping
The trend for extreme budget meal planning was popularized by Leanne Brown in her free online book Good and Cheap, developed primarily for those using SNAP (food stamp) benefits. At the time the book was written, the budget was $4 a day. When I heard about the project, I decided to try that budget … [Read more...] about 18 strategies for $5-a-day budget meal planning and grocery shopping
Can Costco membership save you money?
Many people seem to have a love-it-or-hate-it attitude toward warehouse stores, but I am a proud card-carrying Costco member because it does save me money. Here's how I save money at Costco and avoid the (expensive) pitfall of overspending on bulk goods. With only two in our household, we … [Read more...] about Can Costco membership save you money?
11 ways to get free or cheap ski lift tickets
Skiing and snowboarding may not be cheap hobbies to pick up, but despite the cost of equipment and full-day lift tickets, there are plenty of ways to save money. After all, who wants to pay $200-plus to hit the slopes when they can have the adventure for much less? Follow these tips on getting … [Read more...] about 11 ways to get free or cheap ski lift tickets
What to know about student loans before you borrow
Considering borrowing student loans for your education or your children’s? Here’s the basic information you need to know: Federal Student Loans aren’t always superior Long ago, private student loans were awarded in ridiculously high amounts and interest rates varied, meaning over a 10-year … [Read more...] about What to know about student loans before you borrow
12 fixes that will get you a higher price for your house
If you’re looking to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, there are some lesser-known words that match the importance of the famous real estate phrase "location, location, location." Those all-important words? Curb appeal. As the saying goes, "You don’t get a second chance to make a … [Read more...] about 12 fixes that will get you a higher price for your house
How to start a minimalist wardrobe
Brent moved in recently, and can I just say? The boy has a lot of stuff. Holy cow. In fact, I think he has more clothes than I do. Which is fine, because I really don’t have very many clothes. I teased him a little about it, and he got rid of a few more shirts, but the fact of the matter is, I … [Read more...] about How to start a minimalist wardrobe
AMC Theatres offers blockbuster savings on Discount Tuesdays — $5 for a limited time
Going to the movies is a fun adventure, but it can also take a big cut from your entertainment budget. That's why bargain hunters are always "so dramatic" about saving money at the box office. It's an essential part of the plot on how to go to the movies on the cheap. And loyalty pays … [Read more...] about AMC Theatres offers blockbuster savings on Discount Tuesdays — $5 for a limited time
16 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 wondering what to do with the old cards. Recycling is a better option than … [Read more...] about 16 cool things to do with used Christmas cards
Christmas dinner to go 2022
Celebrate the holidays, or just the end of the year, by gathering around the table. If you're looking to avoid all the cooking that comes with these celebrations, consider ordering a fully cooked Christmas dinner to go so you can spend more time with your family than in the kitchen. You can … [Read more...] about Christmas dinner to go 2022
Affordable, practical gifts your friends and family will love in 2022
We’ll never forget the story of the practical gift that saved a family — literally. A young man’s gift to his parents — a smoke detector — sat under the tree when a fire broke out in the house in the middle of the night. Fortunately, the giver had put batteries into his gift. Even though it was … [Read more...] about Affordable, practical gifts your friends and family will love in 2022
What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
This annual Mother's Day or Christmas or birthday conversation is so predictable it's aggravating: “Mom, what can I get you?” "Oh, I don't need anything!" She means it. Most mothers really don’t need anything. But handing her an overpriced store-bought card and saying “Thank you for being my … [Read more...] about What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
Save money by daring to change holiday traditions
If you secretly wish that you could skip the whole holiday gift-giving chaos, you are not alone. A 2017 survey found that 33% of Americans would rather skip the holiday season than spend money on gifts. We can feel their pain. In fact, 60% of Americans are carrying some credit card debt, and … [Read more...] about Save money by daring to change holiday traditions
Stocking stuffers for grownups
Just as you’re never too old to rock 'n' roll, you’re never too old for a stocking from Santa. Chances are your stocking was the first thing you saw when you came into the living room on Christmas morning when you were a child, and now it can bring back warm holiday memories. While receiving … [Read more...] about Stocking stuffers for grownups
Where to buy Thanksgiving dinner to go in 2022
If spending the day in the kitchen isn't your idea of a holiday, be thankful you don't have to prepare your own meal this Thanksgiving. Consider ordering a cooked Thanksgiving dinner from a grocery store or restaurant, if you want some extra time to spend with those close to you. You can … [Read more...] about Where to buy Thanksgiving dinner to go in 2022