It's always fun to get new stuff, and even better if you can get what you need for free or at bargain-basement prices. Personally, I also like getting rid of stuff I no longer need. I find I'm more productive and more relaxed in a less-cluttered environment, but I hate creating more garbage. … [Read more...] about Online yard sales, beyond Craigslist
Home & Garden
12 fixes that will get you a higher price for your house
If you’re looking to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, there are some lesser-known words that match the importance of the famous real estate phrase "location, location, location." Those all-important words? Curb appeal. As the saying goes, "You don’t get a second chance to make a … [Read more...] about 12 fixes that will get you a higher price for your house
How to save money on food without using coupons
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Groceries for a family of four with young children cost an average of about $1,100 a month in the first half of 2022, 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 … [Read more...] about How to save money on food without using coupons
How to start a minimalist wardrobe
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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
Conserve water, save money with a home garden xeriscape
Xeriscape is a landscaping idea that works to conserve water through the planting of an attractive, useful, water-efficient home garden. While often associated with desert climates, xeriscapes can save you money no matter where you live. The savings come from your water bill as well as the cost … [Read more...] about Conserve water, save money with a home garden xeriscape
Throw a memorable kids’ birthday party for less
The birthday dilemma: Parents want their children to have great childhood memories – but is it necessary to dish out the big bucks for an expensive kid’s birthday party? The short answer is no. When I did an impromptu poll with my kids, my daughter piped in right away that her … [Read more...] about Throw a memorable kids’ birthday party for less
How to create your own retirement community
A few years ago, Marianne Kilkenny’s elderly parents moved into an assisted living community. That got her thinking about her own plans because she didn’t want to end up in a similar community or a facility run by a company. Kilkenny, 65, the founder of Women For Living in Community, is among a … [Read more...] about How to create your own retirement community
26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning
My experiment with a $4-a-day budget has become a welcome and permanent adjustment to my menu planning and grocery shopping routine. It has saved not only money, but my time as well as some of my sanity. The $4 a day food budget was popularized by Leanne Brown in her free online book, Good and Cheap … [Read more...] about 26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning
How to save thousands around the house
We are all looking for ways to save money, especially if you are a homeowner. Homes and their regular upkeep and maintenance can easily drain your wallet. In this busy world, there can still be ways to DIY that don't consume every second of your free time but still save thousands on home … [Read more...] about How to save thousands around the house
Make a scarecrow from items you have at home
For fall decorating, you could purchase a ready-made scarecrow-on-a-stick from a craft store. Or, you can make your own one-of-a-kind scarecrow mostly using materials you have at home. Here’s what you’ll need Safety pins and/or various lengths of rope Burlap sack or pillowcase for … [Read more...] about Make a scarecrow from items you have at home
Make the most of your garden’s harvest
In midsummer it's exciting to see that first bright red, ripe tomato dangling off of its vine or pick and eat the first zucchini. At first, you relish in your harvest and your neighbors love your homegrown gifts. However, by late summer it's a different story — you're up to your ears in tomatoes, … [Read more...] about Make the most of your garden’s harvest
Got tomatoes? Recipes to make the most of your summer tomato bounty
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 tomato bounty
DIY 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. If you do your homework and start looking early, it is … [Read more...] about DIY summer camp for kids
Tasty recipes for cheap and abundant zucchini
The zucchini are here! The zucchini are here! The world’s cheapest ingredient has arrived in gardens, farmers’ markets and grocery stores, and it’s cheap, cheap, cheap. So what do you do with all this bounty? Well, you can pan-fry it as a side vegetable, cube it and put it on kabobs, slice it … [Read more...] about Tasty recipes for cheap and abundant zucchini
Plan the perfect summer picnic for less
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Use our tips to plan the perfect summer picnic on a budget. Whether you're planning to do a backyard picnic for the family or putting together a picnic in the park for you and your best friends, it doesn't have to be expensive. With a little forethought (and our summer picnic checklist), it’s easy … [Read more...] about Plan the perfect summer picnic for less
