For the first time in decades, American shoppers are having to deal with inflation — the widespread, general rise in prices for goods and services. Since you're reading this post on a site called Living on the Cheap, you're probably looking for ways to stretch your dollars to cover some of that … [Read more...] about How to beat inflation and save on almost everything
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What you need to do before buying a trampoline
As sure as spring turns into summer, or wish lists for Santa are being made, many parents across the nation will soon give into their children's pleas and buy a backyard trampoline.As you might guess, a trampoline is one item that you don't want to buy second-hand, second-rate or, … [Read more...] about What you need to do before buying a trampoline
Virtual tours and other tools to check out colleges for free
This post is by Reyna Gobel of GraduationDebt.org.College visits are expensive. Flights, hotels and rental cars add up. It can cost more than $2,000 for a family to check out five schools for one child. Even local trips can easily cost $500 between gas, meals and hotels. While … [Read more...] about Virtual tours and other tools to check out colleges for free
Free alternatives to MS Office software
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If you need to do anything with a computer involving word processing, spreadsheets, or presentations, the longtime default software package was Microsoft Office. While many businesses and schools still rely heavily on Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office programs, … [Read more...] about Free alternatives to MS Office software
Enjoy lots of exclusive deals and perks with Popeyes Rewards
If you love Popeyes' chicken, you can now earn points every time you bite into a drumstick, tender or nugget ... or anything else on the restaurant's popular menu.The fast-food chain just introduced its first loyalty program, Popeyes Rewards. It's one more reason for loyal customers to love … [Read more...] about Enjoy lots of exclusive deals and perks with Popeyes Rewards
Secrets to clothes shopping at Marshalls, Ross and T.J. Maxx
Do you have a closet full of nothing to wear, but can't spend a ton on a new wardrobe? It's time to head out to a discount department store, like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and Ross. Bargain hunters can find name-brand clothing at these nationwide retailers, as well as shoes, accessories, health and … [Read more...] about Secrets to clothes shopping at Marshalls, Ross and T.J. Maxx
Best chain restaurant happy hours
Happy hour can be a great way to unwind and spend some time with friends on the cheap. Half-price appetizers or $5 cocktails make it easy to enjoy an early evening out without breaking the bank. While most bars and taverns post their happy hour drink or appetizer discounts online, many restaurants … [Read more...] about Best chain restaurant happy hours
Make your own shampoo and other cheap natural personal hygiene products
Here are the simplest natural products we could find for personal hygiene, including shampoo, hair conditioner, face and body soap, skin moisturizer, deodorant and toothpaste. There are lots of natural products you can buy and home recipes you can try to create a complete cleansing routine. But we … [Read more...] about Make your own shampoo and other cheap natural personal hygiene products
How to eat healthy on a budget
Many people believe that eating healthy is hard on the wallet, but the opposite is actually true. Eating nutritious food is definitely affordable, even on a tight budget. The key to eating healthy on a budget is knowing which healthy foods to buy in general and on any given week.Sure, if you're … [Read more...] about How to eat healthy on a budget
How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car, or go car-free
I remember my first car, a 1969 Chevelle Malibu. It was blue with a black hardtop, three-speed on the column with vinyl bench seats – and a lot of problems under the hood. But I loved my “Blue Goose.” It was my first big purchase, my first “payment plan” to the Bank of Father, and my shout-out to … [Read more...] about How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car, or go car-free
6 easy ways to earn miles and points to travel for less
Ever since my college days, I’ve found ways to leverage frequent flier miles and hotel loyalty points and turn them into some pretty amazing — and super low-cost — vacations. I’ve given my family travel experiences that would otherwise be out of our reach. I’ve earned and redeemed miles for … [Read more...] about 6 easy ways to earn miles and points to travel for less
Apps that can help you shop for cars
If you are in the market for a new or used car, these car shopping apps will help you find the best deal and save money. What I love about these hand-held tools is that you can use them to find a better price than a dealer is offering you even while you are inside the dealership, and use that to … [Read more...] about Apps that can help you shop for cars
How to negotiate the best deal when buying a house
The old saying is that in real estate, everything is negotiable. But is it really? When you go to buy a house, you’re certainly hoping to get the best price and terms. To do that, you need to know when to start negotiating and when to stop. That begins with being familiar with the market, down to … [Read more...] about How to negotiate the best deal when buying a house
12 cheap ways to kill time without using technology
In today’s technology-driven world, many people kill time by playing games on their smartphone or computer, or by watching television or movies. While there’s nothing wrong with these technological time-wasters, they can cost a fair amount of money to own and update. In addition, these passive … [Read more...] about 12 cheap ways to kill time without using technology
Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber band-powered boat
I remembered learning how to make a rubber band-powered boat out of a Styrofoam plate when I was young, and just knew it would make for some thrifty fun at home. This project was a hit at my house. Kids making their own toys -- what's not to love? It's frugal and it keeps the kids busy when you most … [Read more...] about Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber band-powered boat
