Ho-ho-homemade is the key to cheap, but pretty, holiday decorations. I mean, have you seen the prices on real Christmas wreaths? Here are some ideas we gleaned from various sources to help you put some sparkle into your holidays without busting the budget.Bonus: Most of these ideas are … [Read more...] about 12 cheap, easy Christmas DIY decor projects
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What happened at Equifax and how can you protect yourself
On September 7, 2017, Equifax announced that its massive database of consumer credit data was breached. If you had never heard of Equifax before, you may be in for a surprise.Equifax is one of three companies that keeps a copy of your credit history, which includes your name, address, social … [Read more...] about What happened at Equifax and how can you protect yourself
An easy and cheap way to make your own Christmas ornaments
Every year throughout December our family does a Christmas countdown calendar. It's full of activities like making cookies with Mom, swimming with Daddy, driving around town looking at Christmas lights, and 21 more. One of those activities is always making homemade ornaments for our tree and as … [Read more...] about An easy and cheap way to make your own Christmas ornaments
6 holiday shopping apps to score deals and stay organized
Back in the day, holiday shopping prep was looking through the circulars from the Sunday paper, making a list of gifts you had to buy, and then heading to the mall. You had high hopes that the items on sale would still be there when you arrived, and depending on how late in the season it was, you … [Read more...] about 6 holiday shopping apps to score deals and stay organized
How to avoid buying the wrong home in a hot market
Many home-buyers are finding themselves in an unusual situation: They have enough money and are preapproved for a mortgage, but can they actually secure a house?The number of homes for sale continues to fall, with the supply of homes of homes for sale even tighter at the lower price … [Read more...] about How to avoid buying the wrong home in a hot market
How to use your coupon skills to help others
A few weeks ago, I bought 56 tubes of toothpaste, 43 cans of shaving cream and 35 bottles of liquid hand soap. Not that I need 56 tubes of toothpaste, 43 cans of shaving cream and 35 bottles of liquid hand soap, but my favorite local charity does. How much did I spend? Zero. Well, that's not exactly … [Read more...] about How to use your coupon skills to help others
Twice I got scammed buying discounted gift cards — here’s what I learned
I’m a sucker for buying discounted gift cards to retailers where I normally shop. An extra 18 percent off at Old Navy or 24 percent off at Michael’s in addition to their coupons and sales?Yes, please!Online marketplaces allow you to resell unwanted gift cards and get money you can spend … [Read more...] about Twice I got scammed buying discounted gift cards — here’s what I learned
Earn college savings from your shopping
Earning cash for your kid’s college education from money you’d spend anyway is the easiest way to save for college without it impacting your finances. You can do so by getting a credit card that offers cash back or earning money through shopping rewards programs.Here are some of the … [Read more...] about Earn college savings from your shopping
Are Basic Economy airfares worth the savings?
All three of the legacy airlines (American, Delta and United) are now selling Basic Economy fares. As a fairly frequent traveler I decided I needed to understand these fares. Here's what I've learned.We all strive to save money but sometimes the savings aren't worth it. Buying a Basic … [Read more...] about Are Basic Economy airfares worth the savings?
Plan for needed home repairs
A major home repair can tax any budget. But you don’t have to be surprised when something in your home goes kaput.It’s possible to know, more or less, how long most home components are likely to last and plan for their replacement. Plus, knowing the life span of appliances and home fixtures can … [Read more...] about Plan for needed home repairs
How to protect yourself (or your parents) from scams against seniors
We've all heard the sad stories: A senior citizen was fleeced out of his home by an unscrupulous caregiver. A home repair worker turns out to be a thief who takes all the jewelry. A call announcing you've won a prize turns out to be a ploy to get you to empty your bank … [Read more...] about How to protect yourself (or your parents) from scams against seniors
How to pay for major home improvements
Do you want to improve your home? We all do. Your list may include renovating the kitchen, addding a deck, changing outdated light fixtures, building an addition, update the heating and cooling systems or other projects.All those things sound great but they cost home. Home improvements can be … [Read more...] about How to pay for major home improvements
13 ways to save money on hotel rooms
What everyone wants to hear is that there are one or two apps or websites that will always find you the best deal on hotel rooms.Sorry. It’s just not that easy.What worked for last month’s business trip to Chicago may not work for this summer’s family vacation to Disney World – or even … [Read more...] about 13 ways to save money on hotel rooms
Setting up your perfect home office: what you need
If you are lucky enough to work at home full time, or just get an opportunity to work from home occasionally, do not underestimate the value of a great home office. A well-planned home office can lead to endless productivity and success. A poor work environment, on the other hand, can lead to … [Read more...] about Setting up your perfect home office: what you need
Make your own flavored oils
Lots of recipes these days call for flavored oils. They add a punch of flavor for not a lot of extra ingredients. But the commercial ones can be expensive, and you may only use a little bit, so the rest might go to waste. We at “On the Cheap” are all about not wasting things -- especially … [Read more...] about Make your own flavored oils
