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
Budgeting and Organization
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
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
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
11 ways to save money using social media
Social media is a daily distraction, but not many people know they can use Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and other channels to save money. That's right, you can use your break-time scrolling to find deals and resources to keep your expenses down. Embrace high-tech frugality with these 11 ways to … [Read more...] about 11 ways to save money using social media
How to teach your kids about budgets
We’ve all heard the horror stories: young people who graduate from college, move back home with their parents, make very little money and mishandle the cash they do earn. While it’s never too late to teach young people to budget, you also can’t start too early. If you don’t want to be supporting … [Read more...] about How to teach your kids about budgets
10 ways to get your financial life in order
Are you spending too much and saving too little? Do you not even know where your money is going? If the answer is yes, it's time to get your financial life in order. Even if you're doing well financially, the beginning of the year is a good time to take a look at your savings, your spending … [Read more...] about 10 ways to get your financial life in order
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 finishes organizing their life; … [Read more...] about Tools to organize your life in the new year
10 ways to change bad spending habits and save money
Make this the year you make changes to your bad spending habits and have a positive impact on your household budget. It’s easier than you think. Check this list of tips for smart spending and pick a few money-saving strategies to try. Definitely do not adopt them all at once, as you’re bound to … [Read more...] about 10 ways to change bad spending habits and save money
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 … [Read more...] about 21 ways to deal with your post-holiday financial hangover
