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
Budgeting and Organization
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
8 ways to keep your budget on a diet
Why reinvent the wheel? Winning strategies from one area of your life can often work in another. That's why effective communication aids all sorts of relationships, and efficiency tips for quick cleaning also work for other tasks. Spend and save wisely with these eight proven techniques borrowed … [Read more...] about 8 ways to keep your budget on a diet
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
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
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. Gift cards are high on the list of requested gifts, but many people forget to use them or never use the full amount.In addition, … [Read more...] about How to use gift cards to save money
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
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
How to set (and stick to) a vacation budget
For Kathy Lopez, it’s all about the spreadsheet. When she started planning a future trip to Europe with her friends, she put every expense into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to determine how much the month-long adventure would cost.“We’re going to save a lot of money and planning time on the … [Read more...] about How to set (and stick to) a vacation budget
How to build an emergency fund
No matter how we may plan, stuff happens. Your glasses break. Your car needs work to pass its emissions test. The water heater goes out. Your employer announced layoffs – and you're one of the victims.Unexpected expenses seem to show up more often than windfalls. That's why you need to set aside … [Read more...] about How to build an emergency fund
