Budgeting and Organization

16 ways to cut expenses this year

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It's a new year, and that means it's time to get your financial house in order. No matter what mistakes you made last year, you get a do-over this year. The beginning of the year is a great time to make changes that will boost your bottom line going forward. But before you can make a plan to save … [Read more...] about 16 ways to cut expenses this year

12 ways to save more money this year

We hear all the time about how people cannot save any money anymore. The U.S. savings rate is abysmal. Whether it’s just by habit, convenience or lack of priorities, many people have a mindset that leads to wasting money. If you start consciously thinking about how you spend money … [Read more...] about 12 ways to save more money this year

Tools to organize your life in the new year

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With the new year upon us, we’re all thinking about resolutions. While losing weight and getting your finances in order are two popular choices, one resolution many of us make year after year is to get organized, once and for all. The truth is, no one ever gets organized once … [Read more...] about Tools to organize your life in the new year

21 ways to deal with your post-holiday financial hangover

Now that the holidays are over many people are starting the New Year saddled with an overwhelming financial hangover of bills and debt. How do you deal with it? While it might be easier to just make the minimum payments, that’s not a good long-term plan. If you don’t make a plan to reduce your debt, … [Read more...] about 21 ways to deal with your post-holiday financial hangover

New Year’s resolutions that will save you money

This year, make a change that will help you keep more change in your own pocket with one of these money-saving resolutions. And we asked a few Living on the Cheap experts to share their best resolutions: Money-Saving Resolution #1: Learn a new skill. Learning keeps your mind agile and … [Read more...] about New Year’s resolutions that will save you money

How to use gift cards to save money

Gift cards and certificates are a favorite holiday or birthday gift for many people who want their loved ones to choose exactly the gift they want. According to a 2016 Barron's report, over $970 million in gift card cash went unused in 2015. Although the amount seems high, numbers have dropped … [Read more...] about How to use gift cards to save money

Save money using social media

Social media is a part of our daily lives. We are distracted at work by posts from friends, breaking news Tweets and colorful pictures waiting to be pinned to boards. But we can use the same media to save money. Here are some ideas: Early birds hear the tweet. You can gain early access to deals … [Read more...] about Save money using social media

Easy ways to save money on school supplies

It's the most exciting time of the year for bargain shoppers who have kids in school (or for anyone who likes cheap office supplies). For some people, school supply shopping is a big, fun, traditional spending spree. It was for my mom and me. But I’ve made this time of year into a big, fun, … [Read more...] about Easy ways to save money on school supplies

Beware of automatic renewals

I once got a phone call offering me a six-month subscription to a publication. I took them up on the offer. When I got a renewal notice six months later, I ignored it because I didn’t want to continue the subscription. Tip No. 1: You can no longer afford to ignore subscription notices for print … [Read more...] about Beware of automatic renewals

How We Got Out of Debt by Coloring

This guest post is by Heidi Ifland Nash Our story is not unique in how it begins. We were very “normal”. We were the typical American couple, no budget, consuming all of our income each month, and using credit cards to buy and pay for the things we didn’t save up for. We weren’t … [Read more...] about How We Got Out of Debt by Coloring

How to simplify your life (in three easy steps)

When I think of the word “simplify” I am reminded of Henry David Thoreau’s famous directive to “Simplify, Simplify!” Thoreau carried his belief in simplifying to what most of us would consider an extreme in today’s world. He chose to live alone in a cabin in the woods, off the grid (not that there … [Read more...] about How to simplify your life (in three easy steps)

Expert advice on teaching kids about money

Do you remember your dad asking: “Do you think money grows on trees?” or “Do you think I’m made of money?” Well, yes, as a matter of fact, we kind of did. If anything, that attitude is multiplied many times by today’s kids.The time to teach our children about money is when they’re young, so when … [Read more...] about Expert advice on teaching kids about money