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 … [Read more...] about How to teach your children to budget
Budgeting and Organization
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
8 holiday spending mistakes to avoid if you don’t want to bust your budget
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
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?
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
6 ways to save at least $400 this month
Are you independently wealthy, or could you use six ways to save $400 this month? You may be looking for ways to free up some cash to pay for college, afford your children's clothes, pay for holiday gifts or just be able to sock away more money for retirement. Recently, we revisited some of our … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save at least $400 this month
How to simplify your life (in 3 easy steps)
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You want to simplify your life, but don't know where or how to start. Maybe you’re thinking about retirement, or you’re looking to change jobs, or the return to work and school seems overwhelming again. Your journey to happiness starts now.When I think of the word “simplify” I am reminded of … [Read more...] about How to simplify your life (in 3 easy steps)
Easy ways to save 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 on school supplies
Money management strategies for new grads
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Looking to impart some financial wisdom on the soon-to-be college grads in your life? We turned to Scott Gamm, author of More Money, Please: The Financial Secrets You Never Learned in School, to help you do just that.As someone who wrote a book on finances when he was in his twenties, … [Read more...] about Money management strategies for new grads
Downsize your clutter and build wealth
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Are you ready to downsize your home and save money? If so, you'll need to decide which of your current belongings you're going to keep and which need to go. Even if you're not planning on moving, decluttering can save you money by freeing up space and keeping you from buying more storage … [Read more...] about Downsize your clutter and build wealth
Should you spend money to save time?
Time and money are both limited resources. How do you decide when to spend money to save time versus when to save money by doing something yourself that takes time?The decision of whether to spend money to save time comes down to time management and the state of your finances. Look … [Read more...] about Should you spend money to save time?
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
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 budget with the envelope system
This post is by Eva Baker of Teens Got Cents.Have you bought a new pair of sunglasses lately? Sunglasses from one of those fancy sunglass shops start around $50 and go on up — way up. I've never been one to spend $150 on a pair of sunglasses. Truth is, I lose them. Drop them. Sit on them. … [Read more...] about How to budget with the envelope system
How to beat inflation and save on almost everything
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
