For the first time in decades, American shoppers are having to deal with inflation — the widespread, general rise in prices for goods and services. Since you're reading this post on a site called Living on the Cheap, you're probably looking for ways to stretch your dollars to cover some of that … [Read more...] about How to beat inflation and save on almost everything
Money
What to do if you’re more frugal than your spouse
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"Did you use the coupon?" I asked my husband this question when he returned from the store. I had a good idea his answer would be some variation of no. Usually he says "I forgot." But that hasn’t stopped me from trying for the past 20 years. My husband doesn’t understand coupons or sales or … [Read more...] about What to do if you’re more frugal than your spouse
4 phone calls that can lower your bills
Putting money back into your pocket every month by lowering your bills would be great, right? By making a few key phone calls and being a smart consumer, you can do just that. All you need to get the job done is some dedicated time to get the right person on the phone. Easier said than done, right? … [Read more...] about 4 phone calls that can lower your bills
5 quick ways to save money right now
If you have taken a pay cut, lost a job or gotten hit with high bills, you're probably looking for ways to save money ASAP. From your cellphone to your grocery bill, here are five strategies for tightening your belt right now. Negotiate with your service providers You don't want to … [Read more...] about 5 quick ways to save money right now
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
10 guilt-free ways to stop overspending on your kids and grandkids
Raise your hand if you overspend on your kids for birthdays and holidays because you want them to be happy. Do you spoil your grandkids because you don’t see them often and hope that presents will lead to warm feelings? Do you wish your mom would stop spending money on your kids, or that you could … [Read more...] about 10 guilt-free ways to stop overspending on your kids and grandkids
Do a no-spend challenge to see where you can save
If your spending has gotten out of control or you want to cut down on unnecessary expenses, it might be time to embark on a no-spend challenge. Going an entire month without spending beyond necessities can be an eye-opening experience. We think any budget-minded individual should try a no-spend … [Read more...] about Do a no-spend challenge to see where you can save
How ‘mean moms’ teach their kids about money
How much do your kids know about money? I don’t mean, how much do they know about how to wheedle a dollar out of your wallet for the vending machine. I mean, how much do they know about how money is earned, saved, invested and spent? Do yourself and your children a favor and teach them about … [Read more...] about How ‘mean moms’ teach their kids about money
How to wipe out debt — this time, for good
Many people believe getting out of debt is all about math: spending less than you earn and paying the difference to your debt until it's gone. Jackie Beck, author of The Debt Myth, says that it takes more than just math to get out of debt. It's about changing your money habits and the way you view … [Read more...] about How to wipe out debt — this time, for good
10 smart ways to spend your tax refund
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for some — the season in which your state and federal government pays its debt to you in the form of a big, fat tax refund. If you’re expecting Uncle Sam to be generous this year, it’s tempting to spend the money on luxury items or vacations as soon as it … [Read more...] about 10 smart ways to spend your tax refund
8 resolutions to make before next Tax Day
Phew.... That’s the collective exhale you hear as another Tax Day comes and goes. Maybe you filed early and already have that refund in hand. Perhaps you waited until the last minute to dig out those dog-eared receipts, credit card statements and 1099s, and your return is still winging its way … [Read more...] about 8 resolutions to make before next Tax Day
Smart habits of millionaires you should adopt
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The best way to become a self-made millionaire is to learn from people who are already there. And as you can see from the list below, these habits of self-made millionaires are pretty easy to follow in your daily life. Because becoming a millionaire isn’t about spending like you are rich; it's … [Read more...] about Smart habits of millionaires you should adopt
How frugal are you? 25 things frugal people do
Many people choose to be frugal for different reasons. Maybe they were raised to live a frugal life, so it’s second nature to them. Perhaps they are consciously frugal and are saving to pay cash for a house, or they have a child about to head off to college. Maybe they simply don’t see any other … [Read more...] about How frugal are you? 25 things frugal people do
Credit cards to help you save money on gas
With today’s rising gas prices, it’s even more important to manage your expenses. The rising cost of groceries is made worse by the rising cost of driving to the grocery store. And as road trip season approaches, vacationers are going to need to budget a lot more for filling up their gas … [Read more...] about Credit cards to help you save money on gas
How I slashed $25,000 in credit-card debt to zero
A few years ago, my long-term partner and I were living in his home country of Canada, and I put a lot of time and money into obtaining permanent residency. But relationships sometimes don’t move forward as planned. I returned to the U.S. in the spring of 2019 with only a truck full of belongings, … [Read more...] about How I slashed $25,000 in credit-card debt to zero
