This article was written by Kate Oczypok of DC on the Cheap, Valerie Cannell of Columbus on the Cheap and Jody Mace of Charlotte on the Cheap. Our country is currently facing some unprecedented times. If you are feeling a bit lonely, or perhaps starting to work from home and unsure of how to stay … [Read more...] about Staying connected with Skype, Zoom, Facetime and Google Hangouts
Home Electronics and Computers
How to stream on your TV
Picture it -- everyone pushing and shoving to get a good look at your little computer screen so they can watch YouTube, Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime. If you need a little more elbow room now that everyone is home or if you would just rather watch on a bigger screen, here’s what you need to know … [Read more...] about How to stream on your TV
Tech tools and apps for seniors
The stereotype is that older people are leery of technology and lag behind their digital native grandchildren. But statistics from the Pew Research Center find that 82% of 65- to 69-year-olds use the Internet, and two-thirds have home internet connections. Seniors aged 80 and older are slower to … [Read more...] about Tech tools and apps for seniors
Avoid phone scams, plus some apps that might help
Since I’ve been working from home full-time, I can’t believe the number of unsolicited phone calls I get. I’m used to the e-mail spam, of course, but I had no idea that scammers would be working so hard to get a hold of my personal information, or flat out steal my money, via phone. After doing … [Read more...] about Avoid phone scams, plus some apps that might help
How to choose the best desktop, laptop, or tablet computer under $500
If your computing needs have changed or your current computer is performing poorly and will cost more to repair than buying a new computer, it is time to purchase a new one. But which type of computer offers the most bang for your buck? What benefits do you get with a tablet computer or laptop? Is a … [Read more...] about How to choose the best desktop, laptop, or tablet computer under $500
Best cloud storage for photos and music
If you’re like most Americans, you have hundreds of photos, videos and songs scattered among your cellphone, computer, tablet and whatever other devices you own. In recent years, cloud storage options have made it easier to share and organize your multimedia content. With your documents on the … [Read more...] about Best cloud storage for photos and music
How to save money on electronics
The holiday shopping season is well under way even though we just celebrated Halloween. A big item that people purchase at this time of year is electronics. Great deals can be had but it pays to enter into your purchases with knowledge because not all deals are created equal. Following are some … [Read more...] about How to save money on electronics
Create an online journal with free services
Journaling dates back well before computers, typewriters and even pencil and paper. If you've every considered journaling, but just don't know how to get started, online resources make it easier than ever. Instead of keeping a handwritten journal — which is awesome — some people prefer to journal … [Read more...] about Create an online journal with free services
Save 50% or more on home phone with wireless service
Would you like to save $30, $40, $50 a month or more? If you’re like thousands of people, you’ve already given up your home phone and rely solely on your smartphone. You are already saving money. But what if you just can’t part with a home phone or a number you've had for years? Do you really … [Read more...] about Save 50% or more on home phone with wireless service
Save money with your own home security system
If you have reviewed your household budget lately, you might have been amazed by how many recurring monthly charges have added up over the years. One that jumped out at me recently was the amount we spend for my home security system's alarm monitoring. ADT service starts at about $30 a month. … [Read more...] about Save money with your own home security system
Free cell phones with texting for eligible households
If you’ve wanted a cell phone but couldn’t afford one, the federal government may be able to help. Thanks to the Lifeline Assistance program, everyone who needs a telephone for emergencies can get one. Back in the day, that meant a landline, but since 1996, the subsidy has been available to wireless … [Read more...] about Free cell phones with texting for eligible households
5-plus places to find free and legal music
This is a good time to have an insatiable appetite for music. There are more ways than ever to listen to a wide variety of music for free or very little money, and the future will only bring more. Use free services to explore new artists and, in some cases, share them with your friends. Just one … [Read more...] about 5-plus places to find free and legal music
Get free – and legal – music and audiobooks
I love music, and I have always spent money on it. It is one of the things that I try to work into my budget, no matter what else is going on. In my search for new music, I have found a lot of sources of free music. That's great, because it can be hard to spend money on something that you have … [Read more...] about Get free – and legal – music and audiobooks
How to find a great $100 camera
If you’re thinking about giving a camera as a gift or buying one for yourself to capture some great holiday photos, you don’t have to spend a bundle. It's possible to get a camera for under $200, even under $100, that will do the job for most people. We asked professional photographer Ed … [Read more...] about How to find a great $100 camera
Where to find free and cheap audiobooks
So many books, so little time. Thank goodness for audiobooks and the talented voice actors who read to us while we're driving or exercising or otherwise engaged. You can find tens of thousands of books in audio format, many of them for low or no cost if you know where to look. Here are five sources … [Read more...] about Where to find free and cheap audiobooks