Time was, going to the prom meant you got a new dress (or a sister’s hand-me-down). Your date, who wore a suit and brought a corsage, picked you up in his own (or his parents’) car. You went to the dance and then he took you home. Any teenager today would laugh at such an idea.When my own kids … [Read more...] about How to cut the cost of prom and still be cool
Hot Deals
What you need to know about energy-saving light bulbs
Recently, I discovered that I was down to one old-fashioned incandescent 60-watt light bulb. The day of reckoning had arrived. I was finally going to have to figure out the new energy-saving light bulbs.The standard Thomas Edison incandescent light bulb is extremely inefficient, wasting about … [Read more...] about What you need to know about energy-saving light bulbs
Taste top restaurants for less during restaurant weeks
For the cheapskate-gourmet, it’s better than Christmas: Restaurant Week, when some of the best — and priciest — tables offer a three-course prix fixe lunch.As a New Yorker, I look forward to this event each year, during which I can enjoy an all-star chef-prepared $25 lunch and/or a three-course … [Read more...] about Taste top restaurants for less during restaurant weeks
Which is cheaper? Cloth diapers vs. disposables
When people find out that we use cloth diapers, I get a few different reactions:“Gross! I would never want to wash dirty diapers” “Why? Disposables work so well. Don’t your utilities bills increase from the extra laundry?” “Cool. I wish I could use cloth diapers, but I don’t … [Read more...] about Which is cheaper? Cloth diapers vs. disposables
How to build a cheap cloth diaper stash
If you’re interested in using cloth diapers, the choices and up-front cost can be daunting. Prices vary greatly among styles and brands, but plenty of affordable ways can be found to purchase cloth diapers, especially if you plan ahead.When building your stash, aim for 20 to 24 … [Read more...] about How to build a cheap cloth diaper stash
5 tips to find the best local prices on clothing in 10 minutes or Less
While new technologies in virtual retail are allowing you to browse a store’s merchandise and see fashion catwalks in action, we all still have times when we just have to run to a local store and get something in person. Whether we are down to the wire with finding an outfit for an office party or … [Read more...] about 5 tips to find the best local prices on clothing in 10 minutes or Less
5 free things to do in Miami
When you see Miami on TV, you see glitz and glamour and celebrities and think everything there must be incredibly expensive. But the Miami of the locals, while still filled with waterfront views and sunlight, is much more affordable.Here are five free or cheap things to do in Miami:Go to the … [Read more...] about 5 free things to do in Miami
New site showcases free and cheap things to do in the Triangle in North Carolina
The Triangle--the area of North Carolina anchored by Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill--is a thriving, growing region. Boasting three major universities, the University of North Carolina, Duke University and N.C. State University, it's home to countless cultural, entertainment, arts and sports events. … [Read more...] about New site showcases free and cheap things to do in the Triangle in North Carolina
5 ways to cut bridesmaids’ costs (and keep them as your friends)
It's exciting when a friend asks you to be a bridesmaid at her wedding. But it's also expensive, starting with the fact that bridesmaids are expected to buy their own dresses. According to the Dessy Group, the average cost of a bridesmaid dress is $200, not including alterations — usually another … [Read more...] about 5 ways to cut bridesmaids’ costs (and keep them as your friends)
How the rich get rich — and stay rich
Recently, I was having a conversation with someone who commented on how appalled they were that a friend of ours, with a high-level and high-paying job, had recently purchased a very basic car. “How can he drive that cheap car when he has such a high-level job?! It just looks bad.” Huh?The … [Read more...] about How the rich get rich — and stay rich
Is it time to buy a house? 7 questions to ask
For many people, moving time means decision time: Do we buy a home or find a place to rent? This dilemma doesn’t just face young people starting out, but it also stumps established professionals relocating for a job and empty nesters who have sold the big family home.Corey Fick and his wife, … [Read more...] about Is it time to buy a house? 7 questions to ask
The Coupon Insider: What’s stacking?
When it comes to coupons, we're always stoked about stacking. What's stacking, you ask? It's when you stack a manufacturer's coupon on top of a store coupon for a double-dip discount.Many retailers offer store coupons, including most grocery stores, Target, Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS -- just … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: What’s stacking?
Free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime Video Streaming
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 not already an Amazon Prime member, this is the perfect time of year to try it out free for 30 days. You can binge-watch your shows and then decide before the 30 days are over if you want to cancel Prime (and pay nothing) or continue it.During the 30 day free trial you can take … [Read more...] about Free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime Video Streaming
How to keep 0% financing from costing you big bucks
This post is by Odysseas Papadimitriou, CEO of Card Hub.After all the pushing, shoving, coffee drinking and waiting in interminable lines on Black Friday to score savings and cross some items off your holiday shopping list, were you convinced to take a store up on its offer for 0% … [Read more...] about How to keep 0% financing from costing you big bucks
12 places to find free or low-cost job training
If you feel trapped in a job with limited potential or want to make sure you stay ahead in a career that pays a living wage, listed below are several ways that you can get job training. Many of these career education resources are free and some are low-cost.It’s worth noting that finding a job … [Read more...] about 12 places to find free or low-cost job training
