Living On The Cheap

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Home & Garden

What to include in a minimalist wedding registry

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One of the things I struggled with the most while planning the wedding of the century was registering for gifts. I mean, I don't like the idea that only married people get to have neat kitchen things. And furthermore, we're both past 30. We have a stocked kitchen. Our home lacks for nothing, really. … [Read more...] about What to include in a minimalist wedding registry

5 things renters should negotiate before signing a lease

This post is by Catey Hill of Zillow.com. While many people fear negotiating with landlords, car dealers or salesmen, finding the courage to negotiate up front can save time, money and a lot of hassle down the road. For most people, housing is the largest monthly bill they pay, whether that’s … [Read more...] about 5 things renters should negotiate before signing a lease

5 things to consider when buying a used lawn mower

One of my readers, Amanda, recently moved into her first home with a yard and grass that needs cutting. "It's huge," she told me, "and I don't know what to do. Is it OK to buy a used lawn mower or does it have to be new?" That's a great question. Whether your old lawn mower has finally called it … [Read more...] about 5 things to consider when buying a used lawn mower

How to find the best home inspector

Before you buy a home, it’s always a good idea to get a professional home inspection. In most cases, you can make your purchase contract contingent on a satisfactory inspection. That means if you don’t like the inspection results, you can cancel the contract, get your deposit back and walk away from … [Read more...] about How to find the best home inspector

How to get along with your HOA

If you buy a condominium, townhouse or single-family home in a newer development, you’re likely to become a member of a community association. About 20 percent of Americans live in a community governed by a condo association, homeowners association or co-op board, according to the Community … [Read more...] about How to get along with your HOA

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

How to get your adult child out of your basement

It’s become somewhat of a stereotype: Young adults are living in their parents’ basements, unable to secure gainful employment and unwilling to grow up. While that’s a bit of an exaggeration, 33% of 25- to 29-year-olds  were residents of multi-generational households in 2016, according to a Pew … [Read more...] about How to get your adult child out of your basement

Great tips for a successful garage sale

A garage sale is still a great way to get rid of unwanted stuff around your house. We've put together a list of garage sale tips that can help you hold a successful garage sale. The best day to hold a garage sale depends on where you live. Many locations prefer one or both weekend days. Dates … [Read more...] about Great tips for a successful garage sale

How to do your own landscaping

If you want a garden that turns heads but don’t want to empty your wallet in the process, do your own landscaping. It’s easy to familiarize yourself with the basic principles of design in order to create the yard of your dreams. Decide on a theme Figuring out the theme of your garden gives you … [Read more...] about How to do your own landscaping

Create your own cheap summer camp for kids

For many, summer camps have become as integral a part of childhood as school. They provide a safe place for the children of working parents, allow kids to explore new activities and retain and continue their learning, and so much more. However, summer camps can be expensive, from $100 to $400 or … [Read more...] about Create your own cheap summer camp for kids

How to buy your first house

Buying your first home is intimidating, and the current economy makes it even tougher. According to a recent article in Market Watch, the inventory of starter homes available to first time home buyers is dwindling. Many homes are in need of major repairs, which drives up the investment cost. But … [Read more...] about How to buy your first house

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