You’d love to give a holiday party, but those events can be real budget-busters. Well, ho-ho-hold on there. There are ways to do it up right and not break the bank. Here are some tips.Invitations Most people today are OK with an e-mail invitation. If you know someone who isn’t, get … [Read more...] about Elegant holiday party on a beer budget
Home & Garden
Great gifts for organic gardeners
Home gardening is a popular pastime across the country. Here are our gift ideas, especially for those who practice vegetable gardening and organic home gardening. We’ve selected the best gardening gift ideas costing $25 or less (prices accurate at the time of publication). Our gift ideas … [Read more...] about Great gifts for organic gardeners
20 creative Thanksgiving leftover recipes
Do you love Thanksgiving dinner, but want fresh ideas for Thanksgiving leftover recipes that go beyond pot pie and tetrazzini? We found a rafter of turkey ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner that make frugal and delicious use of all the food in your fridge.Breakfast dishesThanksgiving … [Read more...] about 20 creative Thanksgiving leftover recipes
Throw a Halloween party on a budget
Halloween is one of those times of year in which we can all revert to being kids. We dress up and enjoy a little extra candy and parties. Planning a Halloween party can be so much fun, and it's even more fun when you throw a Halloween party on the cheap.Choose one of these Halloween party ideas … [Read more...] about Throw a Halloween party on a budget
Halloween movie night ideas
Halloween is slowly creeping up on us, but the day isn’t all about trick-or-treating. It’s also about watching some great Halloween movies that make us laugh with the kids or keep us up all night hiding in horror under the covers. Here's what's ahead: Scary (or fun) Halloween … [Read more...] about Halloween movie night ideas
4 easy and cheap Halloween decorations
The Halloween season is upon us, making it the perfect time to get started on ghoulishly good crafts and cheap Halloween decorations. Gather some items from around the house, stop at a craft store with a coupon for the rest, and you can make your house spooky on the cheap or dress up your … [Read more...] about 4 easy and cheap Halloween decorations
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
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 ropeBurlap sack or pillowcase for … [Read more...] about Make a scarecrow from items you have at home
15 fall home maintenance jobs to do now
With fall in the air, your thoughts may turn to what needs to be done to your home before winter sets in. Many tasks are done much more easily when the weather is still nice. Plus, taking care of routine maintenance tasks now can save you aggravation and money down the road. "If you … [Read more...] about 15 fall home maintenance jobs to do now
5 easy, frugal steps to sustainable living
I’d like to live more sustainably and make choices that are kinder to the earth. However, the magnitude of the changes can feel overwhelming. I can’t see myself living off the grid in a yurt with a herd of goats doing my landscaping. I need simple ideas — baby steps. So I went to the expert, Kris … [Read more...] about 5 easy, frugal steps to sustainable living
Cheap recipes for your backyard barbecue
Backyard barbecues are a great way to entertain, but even when you host a potluck, they can be a pricey way to party. Whether you are entertaining a small or large crowd at your backyard barbecue, you can still stay on budget. Here is our guide to cooking on the cheap for a crowd at your next … [Read more...] about Cheap recipes for your backyard barbecue
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
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