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?
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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 Your list may include renovating the kitchen, addding a deck, changing outdated light fixtures, building an addition, update the heating and cooling systems or other projects.All those things sound great but they cost home.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
7 money-saving tips for buying (and not losing) new luggage
Summer means travel. Living On The Cheap is all about saving readers money and that includes travel. I’m a bit of a suitcase addict -- you should see my basement -- and every year attend to the Travel Goods Showcase to see what’s new.It’s all about FUNCTION, SAFETY, SIZE, and WEIGHT -- and … [Read more...] about 7 money-saving tips for buying (and not losing) new luggage
How to fly through airport security lines
With headlines screaming about long airport security lines, odds are you may have thought twice about taking that last-minute getaway or considered a road trip instead of a trip to Rome. Or maybe you have just landed after a long flight from an exotic destination and then cool your heels for hours … [Read more...] about How to fly through airport security lines
House-Hacking: Eliminate your housing expense using other people’s money
This blog post provides an overview of some concepts discussed at length in my new book, "Set for Life." The book walks full-time employees from little to no net worth to hundreds of thousands of dollars in after-tax wealth not including home equity and retirement accounts and towards early … [Read more...] about House-Hacking: Eliminate your housing expense using other people’s money
How to save money at CVS
CVS has some great deals, especially when you find a sale. Here are the techniques you can use to save even more money. Get an Extra Care Card Sign up online. This gives you access to special coupons and Extra Care Bucks (ECB). Extra Care Bucks are CVS gift certificates worth $1-10 that print on … [Read more...] about How to save money at CVS
Where should you keep your emergency fund?
When you start paying attention to your finances, one of the first things you'll want to do is start an emergency fund. The idea behind the emergency fund — which should eventually be enough to pay for three to six months of living expenses — is that you should be able to use it … [Read more...] about Where should you keep your emergency fund?
The ultimate guide to protecting yourself from identity theft and financial fraud
If you’re like most people, you take care of most of your finances online these days. While you might have once been hesitant about online banking or typing in your credit card number to buy that sleek new laptop, now, you’ve probably come around to thinking nothing of depositing checks using your … [Read more...] about The ultimate guide to protecting yourself from identity theft and financial fraud
How to renovate your home to age in place
On his 59th birthday, Robert Criner's house burned down.While planning the rebuild, he thought about what elements would make life easier for him and his wife as they get older. Like many baby boomers who remodel, he wants an attractive house that doesn't scream "old people live here," while … [Read more...] about How to renovate your home to age in place
3 cheap, eco-friendly cleaning products for everything
You don’t need to buy a cupboard full of expensive cleaning products. Just three ingredients clean almost everything in your house. Using vinegar, baking soda and Borax, you can make your own all-purpose spray cleaner, cleanser, drain cleaner and disinfectant.Here’s our handy list … [Read more...] about 3 cheap, eco-friendly cleaning products for everything