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?
Hot Deals
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
7 stores to buy trendy fashion inexpensively
Keeping up with all of the latest fashion trends can make your head spin. The struggle is real for consumers trying to save a buck. Luckily, there are stores that allow shoppers the opportunity to stay up to date without having to completely deplete their bank accounts. Make the most of your … [Read more...] about 7 stores to buy trendy fashion inexpensively
Quick and easy budgeting on paper
Happy New Year! If you've been thinking about preparing and living on a budget this year following is how to get started immediately. With a little tracking (that can lead to some self-awareness) you can be on your way to achieving your financial goals in no time.Pen and paper v. Software and … [Read more...] about Quick and easy budgeting on paper
High-style, low-cost party outfits
We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, Living on the Cheap earns from qualifying purchases.
Fall fashion magazines showed that design this season tapped into baroque-style, but that doesn't mean you need to go b-r-o-k-e to keep up with the trends. Everyone has read an article in a fashion magazine that promises the "look for less," only to find pieces still priced in the hundreds of … [Read more...] about High-style, low-cost party outfits
How to pack a winter emergency kit for your car
We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, Living on the Cheap earns from qualifying purchases.
Cooler weather has started to spread across the United States, and snow isn’t far behind for many states, if you haven't seen it already. As you start to pull out your winter gear (or light jackets for those in warmer climates), it's a good time to make sure your car is stocked with a few … [Read more...] about How to pack a winter emergency kit for your car
Navigating the minefield of office gift exchanges
It's awkward enough choosing the wrong gift for Uncle Fred for Christmas, but at least you won't see him for another 364 days. Choose incorrectly for the gal in the next cubicle, and you have to live with that embarrassment on a daily basis.That's why personal etiquette and branding expert Vicky … [Read more...] about Navigating the minefield of office gift exchanges
How to start your career and your financial life on the right foot
Congratulations, you've ready to start your real job. Welcome to the world of work. Following are some tips you should follow to help get your career and financial life off to a good start.Even though you've graduated you may not know exactly what you want to do or you think you do but once … [Read more...] about How to start your career and your financial life on the right foot
Five simple life lessons for my younger self
Recently, I spoke to a group of much younger women to let them in on my secret life lessons. You could certainly describe my life as a normal, middle-class American upbringing. Through the years, I've had perhaps an average number of ups and downs. But things have not turn out as planned.My … [Read more...] about Five simple life lessons for my younger self
Best cloud storage for photos and music
We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, Living on the Cheap earns from qualifying purchases.
If you’re like most Americans, you have hundreds of photos, videos and songs scattered among your cellphone, computer, tablet and whatever other devices you own.In recent years, cloud storage options have made it easier to share and organize your multimedia content. With your documents on the … [Read more...] about Best cloud storage for photos and music
9 best apps to stay productive on the go
Smartphones are both a curse a blessing. While they may act as an electronic leash hooking us to our employer wherever we go, they can also turn downtime into productive time. I strongly believe that you should never kill time or waste time. Every minute is precious. If you are constantly on the … [Read more...] about 9 best apps to stay productive on the go
7 free education resources to help students get ahead
One secret to getting ahead is knowing that getting ahead takes work. We found several free and cheap education resources to make your journey easier. It might be easier for you if learning comes naturally to you or your family emphasizes education. But even if you are just "average," you can make … [Read more...] about 7 free education resources to help students get ahead
Make your own quick and easy convenience foods
No one can argue that convenience foods are a huge time-saver. When you’re in a rush to get dinner on the table, it’s tough to beat a pouch of flavored rice that cooks in 90 seconds to pair with some chicken nuggets or hamburger patties. A packet of flavored oatmeal makes a fast breakfast on a … [Read more...] about Make your own quick and easy convenience foods
