We have great intentions when we create our holiday shopping plan of attack. Maybe you're the type who hits the stores armed with flyers, coupons, apps and lists. Or maybe you’re the type to hit the online stores without a plan and marathon shop till you drop. Either way, you could be blowing your … [Read more...] about 8 holiday spending mistakes to avoid if you don’t want to bust your budget
Money
Are ‘buy now, pay later’ alternatives to layaway a good idea?
If you're old enough to remember shopping before the Internet, you might remember the layaway desk at department stores. Shoppers who wanted to buy a big-ticket item, or do holiday shopping ahead of time, would put the goods "on layaway." The store would hold the items for them and the customer … [Read more...] about Are ‘buy now, pay later’ alternatives to layaway a good idea?
10 best shopping apps for Black Friday deals 2023
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Are you getting excited about all of the Black Friday deals that are headed your way? More likely, you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant sneak peeks, early bird deals and Black Friday email blasts flooding your inbox and mailbox this year.Don’t worry about missing out. Phone shopping … [Read more...] about 10 best shopping apps for Black Friday deals 2023
12 ways to get your car ready for winter and save money
Spending some time preparing your car for winter not only can help prevent a breakdown or accident, but it can also save you money on repair costs and gas. If you don’t know how to get your car ready for plummeting temperatures and icy roads, follow this checklist of 12 quick and easy fall and … [Read more...] about 12 ways to get your car ready for winter and save money
Does your pet need food stamps? Resources for pet care when you can’t afford it
Owning a pet can be one of the most rewarding relationships in your life. Pets are loyal, loving and even provide health benefits for their owners, such as lower blood pressure and stress reduction. Unfortunately, pets can be expensive when you add up food costs, supplies and trips to the … [Read more...] about Does your pet need food stamps? Resources for pet care when you can’t afford it
4 money talks to have with your family
Finances are a family affair, and there’s no better time than the present to take stock of your spending and saving. Call a family meeting and start working together to spend wisely, save more and work toward financial goals together.Here are some conversation starters. What are we paying … [Read more...] about 4 money talks to have with your family
When mobile payment apps can cost you
When you're out to dinner with a group and it's time to split the tab, the odds keep getting better that someone is going to say "Let me Venmo you" instead of pulling out their wallet. But while settling a tab between friends is a quick, easy and sensible use of a payment app, there are times … [Read more...] about When mobile payment apps can cost you
5 little-known ways to apply to colleges for free
Five hundred dollars to apply to college? That's what my high school senior almost spent. No, she didn't fall for some Internet scam. Instead, at one point she had a list of 10 prospective colleges. With each school charging $50 or so to apply, we were likely going to spend as much on college … [Read more...] about 5 little-known ways to apply to colleges for free
5 ways to happily live with less
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines minimalism as “a style or technique that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity.” Living on the Cheap readers don’t have to scrimp to use many of the same techniques and start living within their means.Be purposeful in your … [Read more...] about 5 ways to happily live with less
7 ways to get free money for college
My niece, Kendalynne Hohe, a kindergarten teacher in Independence, Mo., is an expert at finding free money for college. She not only paid for four years of college using nothing but grants and scholarships, but also walked away with an extra $5,000 when she graduated with a degree in … [Read more...] about 7 ways to get free money for college
12 ways to save more money, starting now
We hear all the time about how people cannot save any money anymore. The U.S. savings rate has traditionally been abysmal, though it surged to historic levels during the pandemic. In normal times, though, whether it’s by habit, convenience or lack of priorities, many people have a mindset that … [Read more...] about 12 ways to save more money, starting now
Top 10 sites for college financial aid
If you have college-bound children, you probably spend a lot of your day worrying about how you could possibly afford to help them pay for their degree. We won't lie — it is a huge investment, considering student loan debt reached $1.75 trillion in this country last year. The good news is there any … [Read more...] about Top 10 sites for college financial aid
Is pay-per-mile car insurance right for you?
Depending on your driving habits, you can cut the price of your car insurance in half. Sound too good to be true? It’s not—as more insurers offer pay-per-mile car insurance, more people are dropping their traditional car insurance for this potentially cost-saving option.Here’s a look at how … [Read more...] about Is pay-per-mile car insurance right for you?
Want to get rich? The secret is living below your means
Many experts will tell you that to get rich, you should live below your means. That is, spend less money than you earn. This advice holds true whether your income is $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, or $1 million a year. Sounds simple, right? Of course, it is easier to live below your means if … [Read more...] about Want to get rich? The secret is living below your means
The ultimate guide to saving money by cutting cable
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.
When was the last time you looked at your cable or satellite TV bill? When I looked at my bill a few years back, I was disgusted to be paying $70 each month to sit on the couch and zone out.Cheaper cable alternatives give you the same entertainment for a lot less money, and you may even discover … [Read more...] about The ultimate guide to saving money by cutting cable
