A lot of people are surprised that I run Chicago on the Cheap, because it seems like such a deviation for someone who wrote Hedge Funds For Dummies. However, you can't enter the world of high finance if you don't have money to invest. Here's something interesting I've learned over the years: Just … [Read more...] about Teaching kids about money with allowances
Hot Deals
The Coupon Insider: Dining out with savings
The passion for savings usually extends beyond the grocery aisle for most couponers. Once hooked, you realize there's a whole world of coupons just waiting to be clipped. I don't purchase much in life without some sort of coupon, promo code or discount, including dining out. It's now just second … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: Dining out with savings
When medical bills go bad: Fixing costly insurance errors
Each year, the American Medical Association issues its health insurer report card, which reports on the costs and efficiency of health care billing. In 2013, they found that commercial health insurers made mistakes on 7.1% of submitted claims and denied coverage on another 1.8%. The numbers have … [Read more...] about When medical bills go bad: Fixing costly insurance errors
5 ways to get discounted gift cards
Looking for a way to stretch your shopping dollars? Get gift cards for less than their face value. If you pay $80 for a retailer card that has a value of $100, it’s like finding $20 in FREE money. You should never have to buy gift cards at full price. Here are five strategies for finding them at a … [Read more...] about 5 ways to get discounted gift cards
Save money by dehydrating home-grown foods
My sister, Andrea Vargo, lives in Minnesota and is an avid gardener. She also is a dedicated dehydrator. She says if you grow a garden, dehydration is the best method for preserving all that bounty. It’s easy, the food retains its flavor, and it takes up way less space and equipment than … [Read more...] about Save money by dehydrating home-grown foods
Meat truck deals: How to tell a bargain from a bad idea
The idea of strangers peddling a side of beef, chicken cuts or maybe even bacon slices door to door isn't actually new. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says it has taken reports of meat vendors for "many years" now. But with the popularity of consumer items being sold from a moving vehicle … [Read more...] about Meat truck deals: How to tell a bargain from a bad idea
Grocery savings: Price book smacks down warehouse stores
A price book is simple, powerful cheapskate tool. You start taking notes of what particular items cost at different stores you shop. It does not have to be fancy; start by tracking items you usually buy, like this:PASTA Store brand: $0.89 (must buy 10 offer) Brand X: $1.25 Brand Y: … [Read more...] about Grocery savings: Price book smacks down warehouse stores
How to feed your book habit without going broke
With the younger generations headed off to school, it's natural to feel a tad nostalgic for No. 2 pencils and a backpack. Only hitting the books, adult style, is way more fun. As you send the kids back to the classroom, why not look into increasing your own reading time — and at a budget that can … [Read more...] about How to feed your book habit without going broke
Seniors save 20% at Rite Aid first Wednesday
It does really pay to a little older and wiser, especially when it comes to senior discounts. Walgreens has been offering its Senior Savings Day for several months now. Not to be outdone, Rite Aid has now joined the bargain bonanza for seniors the first Wednesday of the month. While the discount is … [Read more...] about Seniors save 20% at Rite Aid first Wednesday
Baby’s first circus free, thanks to Ringling Bros.
Welcoming a new baby home can be like a three-ring circus -- filled with lots of excitment and animals (stuffed, of course.) There are so many first-time experiences that await a newborn, including his or hers first circus. Thanks to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, your baby can get a ticket … [Read more...] about Baby’s first circus free, thanks to Ringling Bros.
In over your head with debt? How to find real help
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.
Nathan Rabin is a great writer who has published several books about pop culture. Among other things, he is the co-author of Weird Al Yankovic's biography, Weird Al: The Book. He also got himself in a mess of financial trouble that only got worse when he signed up with a … [Read more...] about In over your head with debt? How to find real help
Kroger stores offer free product coupon every Friday
Every Friday, the Kroger family of grocery stores (including Kroger, Baker's, City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Gerbes, Jay C, King Soopers, Owen's, Pay Less, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's) each offer a FREE product coupon, which you download directly to your respective shopper loyalty card. The … [Read more...] about Kroger stores offer free product coupon every Friday
Free cell phones with texting for eligible households
If you’ve wanted a cell phone but couldn’t afford one, the federal government may be able to help. Thanks to the Lifeline Assistance program, everyone who needs a telephone for emergencies can get one. Back in the day, that meant a landline, but since 1996, the subsidy has been available to wireless … [Read more...] about Free cell phones with texting for eligible households
Purina offers free cat or dog adoption for 55+
The unconditional love of a pet is priceless at any age. And, if you're 55 or older, the adoption itself is priceless -- thanks to Purina. The iconic pet food brand is committed to finding a loving home for all cats and dogs. However, it's even more important to find your new family member at a … [Read more...] about Purina offers free cat or dog adoption for 55+
10 ways to wipe out your student loan debt
Beginning July 1, new federal student loans will carry an interest rate of 6.8%, twice the 3.4% rate on loans issued last year. Given that student loans cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, the rate should be close to zero, as the lender has very little risk. But no one is listening to me!Student … [Read more...] about 10 ways to wipe out your student loan debt
