We’re going to let you in on a secret: Living on the Cheap is publishing a book. It’s not quite finished, but next month you’ll be able to get your hands on “The Ultimate Guide to Coupons,” which takes all the great couponing information we’ve shared here, adds more and puts it all together into … [Read more...] about Psst: Want to help us promote our book?
Food
Healthy school lunches kids won’t toss in the trash
If your child regularly brings his or her 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
Preserve food with cheap canning equipment and free recipes
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This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste. Do you want to can food at home, but are put off by the cost? For around $15, you pull together most of the essential equipment by using equipment you probably already own. Below we list a … [Read more...] about Preserve food with cheap canning equipment and free recipes
How to preserve and avoid wasting fresh fruit
This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste. Americans waste about 25 percent of their grocery shopping dollars (or about $2,000 per year for the average family). Fresh fruits are high on the list of wasted foods. Here are some … [Read more...] about How to preserve and avoid wasting fresh fruit
18 strategies for $4-a-day budget meal planning and grocery shopping
The recent trend for $4 a day 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. When I heard about the project, I decided to try the $4-a-day food budget on a trial basis. Spending … [Read more...] about 18 strategies for $4-a-day budget meal planning and grocery shopping
How to save money on food without using coupons
Groceries for a family of four cost an average of $727 to $1,303 a month, not including takeout and restaurant meals, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s a big chunk of change. But there are ways to spend less on food and still eat a healthy, nutritious diet. And you may … [Read more...] about How to save money on food without using coupons
Keep the kids cool with DIY ice pops
It may be mid-summer, but for many, the hottest days of summer are just beginning. You want the kids to get outdoors and be active, but running around can build up a thirst. Ice pops are a great way to cool off and keep hydrated. Still, with some brands costing nearly $5 for a box of six, … [Read more...] about Keep the kids cool with DIY ice pops
Got tomatoes? Recipes to make the most of your summer tomatoes
It’s a fruit we treat like a vegetable, a nontoxic member of the nightshade family, born in South America but internationally famous. It’s the tomato, of course. And though it can be pricey in winter, in summer it’s indecently cheap at farm stands and markets. You can buy a whole basket for just a … [Read more...] about Got tomatoes? Recipes to make the most of your summer tomatoes
Cheap recipes for your barbecue
Are you starting to panic because you have a big crowd coming over for a barbecue? Here is our guide to cooking on the cheap for a crowd. Find guidelines for cooking for a crowd on one of our favorite free recipe sites, allrecipes.com. Where to buy bulk meats at big savings Use your club … [Read more...] about Cheap recipes for your barbecue
Free guides on how to barbecue safely
The last thing you want to end up with after a barbecue is food poisoning. As this short YouTube video on Safe Summer Grilling by the USDA reminds us, it's important to pay extra attention to food safety during summer when the weather is warmer. Here is a list of downloadable, free food safety fact … [Read more...] about Free guides on how to barbecue safely
Easy recipes with cheap summer sweet corn
There’s something about fresh, sweet, juicy corn on the cob that just screams summer. You bite into those pearl-like kernels and taste a burst of sweet juice. It just doesn’t get better than this. Except it does: Sweet corn, in season, is really cheap. It starts out at two for $1, then four, … [Read more...] about Easy recipes with cheap summer sweet corn
How to save money on a summer party
You like to entertain, but you can't afford to spend a fortune every time you invite people over for a party. Here is our guide to saving money when planning for a summer party or barbecue. Decorate with items from around the house and yard. Arrange them casually down the center of the table, or … [Read more...] about How to save money on a summer party
