You can always spot a true cheapskate: We make a beeline for the clearance aisle. For novices, this can be tricky, as the clearance section is not always easy to find. In most cases, it's “hidden” in the store, most often in the back. However, each store is different: Some grocery stores keep it in … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: Save big in the clearance aisle
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Why all-inclusive resorts are a vacation deal
Forget the stereotype of watered-down booze, tacky wristbands and bad buffets. Today’s all-inclusive resort boasts rooms with private pools, gourmet white-linen restaurants, butler service and spas, not to mention, golf courses, scuba diving and entertainers with names you know. Some tips before you … [Read more...] about Why all-inclusive resorts are a vacation deal
Changing careers? Know the income potential
If you’re thinking of going back to school, or have a college-bound senior in high school, you should know the opportunity for financial payback from the career you choose. PayScale's 2013-2014 College Salary report is out, and the fiscal news is good for some careers (not so much for others).If … [Read more...] about Changing careers? Know the income potential
Use a travel agent to save money
The Internet may have become your go-to source for planning a vacation, but savvy travelers head to a travel agent when they want to save time and money. “Why spend four weeks planning a four-day vacation, when you could call a professional agent at no additional cost?” says Michelle Fee of Cruise … [Read more...] about Use a travel agent to save money
Which no-contract cellphone plan costs less?
Last year at Living on the Cheap, we covered a wide range of prepaid cellphone options if you were looking to save money on your cellphone bill. Prepaid plans are an alternative to the contract-based plans that the big cellphone companies are offering and they can save you some real money over those … [Read more...] about Which no-contract cellphone plan costs less?
New rules for buying a house in a sellers’ market
It wasn’t so long ago that you could shop for homes at your leisure, offer significantly below asking price and end up with a bargain.No more.In many parts of the country, buyers outnumber sellers, and homes listed for sale in the morning may be under contract by lunch. Homes in good … [Read more...] about New rules for buying a house in a sellers’ market
10 ways to get your retirement plan back on track
Back in 2001, David Raether was a comedy writer for the TV sitcom "Roseanne," earning $300,000 a year. He and his wife and their eight children lived comfortably in a big house in an upscale suburb of Los Angeles.That was before the recession, before Raether lost his career, his home and his … [Read more...] about 10 ways to get your retirement plan back on track
‘Pay later’ plans: The fine print may cost you thousands
Although the true tightwad saves up money before buying anything, that doesn't work for most of us all the time. Sometimes, a refrigerator breaks down before we have time to save for a new one, the couch of our dreams goes on sale two months before the bonus check arrives, or a retailer is offering … [Read more...] about ‘Pay later’ plans: The fine print may cost you thousands
5 affordable photo gifts your family will love
We are a photo-loving generation, aren’t we? What’s often lost in our digital world of photo sharing via text or upload, however, are printed photographs. You remember those, right? The ones in frames, in photo albums, in your wallet? Because we tend to forget about all those great photos sitting … [Read more...] about 5 affordable photo gifts your family will love
3 creative ways to cut holiday childcare costs
‘Tis the season for holiday parties, and that means, assuming you want to enjoy yourself a bit sans the kiddies, it’s also a season when you especially need babysitting help.However, hiring someone to watch your kids doesn’t come cheap, and you’re not imaging it if you think sitter costs seem to … [Read more...] about 3 creative ways to cut holiday childcare costs
3 tips for repaying private student loans
By Reyna Gobel, Wise BreadRepaying private student loans can be confusing. Most of what you hear in the news applies to federal student loans. So where can private loan borrowers get information on repayment? From their lenders.Since private student loans are essentially bank loans, it’s up … [Read more...] about 3 tips for repaying private student loans
5 easier ways to repay federal student loans
This post is by Reyna Gobel at Wise Bread.If you’re a recent college grad, you’re probably dreading when you have to start repaying your federal student loans as much as if you were going to the dentist to get your wisdom teeth pulled. But student loan repayment is a lot less painful and doesn't … [Read more...] about 5 easier ways to repay federal student loans
Cut up your own veggies and save $1,000 a year
How many times have you grabbed a bag of baby carrots at the store instead of buying and cutting up full-sized ones? Or picked up a package of pre-shaped burgers instead of a pound of ground beef? While these pre-prepared foods may save you a few minutes here and there, the convenience may not be … [Read more...] about Cut up your own veggies and save $1,000 a year
The 4 scariest things on your credit report
Think you’re safe from creepy credit? Think again. There may be things lurking on your credit report that you least expected. That’s why it’s so important to check on it at least once a year (it’s free, via annualcreditreport.com), so that you won’t get a spooky surprise. Even better, because there … [Read more...] about The 4 scariest things on your credit report
How to deal with debt collectors
Debt collectors have a way of tracking people down, and sometimes, they track down the wrong people. That's why it's important to know how debt collectors work. No matter what your credit rating, you may get a call one day. When that happens, you need to figure out how to deal with the collector and … [Read more...] about How to deal with debt collectors