It's exciting when a friend asks you to be a bridesmaid at her wedding. But it's also expensive, starting with the fact that bridesmaids are expected to buy their own dresses. According to the Dessy Group, the average cost of a bridesmaid dress is $200, not including alterations — usually another … [Read more...] about 5 ways to cut bridesmaids’ costs (and keep them as your friends)
Shopping
The Coupon Insider: What’s stacking?
When it comes to coupons, we're always stoked about stacking. What's stacking, you ask? It's when you stack a manufacturer's coupon on top of a store coupon for a double-dip discount.Many retailers offer store coupons, including most grocery stores, Target, Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS -- just … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: What’s stacking?
6 ways to save when buying new luggage
Even a luggage junkie like me has had her share of suitcase mishaps. My favorite came while sprinting through Los Angeles International Airport when my nifty (and pricey) wheeled overnight bag lost a wheel. Well, not the entire wheel, just the outer rim, which had peeled off in pieces behind me. It … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save when buying new luggage
7 places to find cheap books
I’m a hands-on person when it comes to books. I like to touch them, hold them, read a page or two before I buy. I don’t like ordering them online (though I have, from time to time), so I have to find ways to feed my reading habit that involve going to actual brick and mortar stores.Here are … [Read more...] about 7 places to find cheap books
How to maximize credit card rewards
When it comes to credit cards, if you’re pretty good at paying your bill on time and keeping your debt load manageable, you’re ahead of the game. But are you really getting the most from your perks and rewards programs? If the answer is no, you’re like most card users, says Matthew Goldman, CEO of … [Read more...] about How to maximize credit card rewards
7 ways to save big by buying in bulk
Buying in bulk can help you save a lot of money. But you can waste money, too, if you don’t plan your purchases and buy what your family will use. Here are seven tips for maximizing your savings and avoiding pitfalls when it comes to buying large quantities of product.1. Plan your list and your … [Read more...] about 7 ways to save big by buying in bulk
How to organize an estate sale
An estate sale, estate auction or tag sale is an efficient way to break up a household. An estate liquidation company runs the sale in exchange for a percentage of the proceeds. Depending on the area of the country and the number of items in the house, the commission may range from 25% to 45% of … [Read more...] about How to organize an estate sale
The Coupon Insider: Walgreens tightens coupon policy
Every coupon clipper knows that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to a store's coupon policy. If you're well-informed at checkout, it's one of the best weapons in your arsenal against paying full price. Unfortunately, every store has a different policy on limits, stacking and doubling. … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: Walgreens tightens coupon policy
Graduation gift ideas for less than $50
When I graduated from high school, I received a matching set of luggage to take me off to college. I used it for years. When I graduated from college, the best gifts I got were cash, because I had student loans to repay.Surprisingly enough, those two gifts still stand the test of time.But … [Read more...] about Graduation gift ideas for less than $50
Best way to buy and sell furniture on Craigslist
The garage and the basement are full. You can’t stand that old entertainment center. You really want a new sofa but don’t want to pay new-furniture prices.In decades past, you might have put up a notice on the bulletin board at your local coffee shop or checked the newspaper classifieds. But … [Read more...] about Best way to buy and sell furniture on Craigslist
How to consign your old clothes
Buying new clothes usually means spending money, no matter where you shop.One thing I learned not long ago was how to consign clothes for sale in order to better afford new ones. This is also a great way to make sure that your closet, drawers and other places you store clothes are more … [Read more...] about How to consign your old clothes
The Coupon Insider: Save big in the clearance aisle
You can always spot a true cheapskate: We make a beeline for the clearance aisle. For novices, this can be tricky, as the clearance section is not always easy to find. In most cases, it's “hidden” in the store, most often in the back. However, each store is different: Some grocery stores keep it in … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: Save big in the clearance aisle
Which no-contract cellphone plan costs less?
Last year at Living on the Cheap, we covered a wide range of prepaid cellphone options if you were looking to save money on your cellphone bill. Prepaid plans are an alternative to the contract-based plans that the big cellphone companies are offering and they can save you some real money over those … [Read more...] about Which no-contract cellphone plan costs less?
‘Pay later’ plans: The fine print may cost you thousands
Although the true tightwad saves up money before buying anything, that doesn't work for most of us all the time. Sometimes, a refrigerator breaks down before we have time to save for a new one, the couch of our dreams goes on sale two months before the bonus check arrives, or a retailer is offering … [Read more...] about ‘Pay later’ plans: The fine print may cost you thousands
5 affordable photo gifts your family will love
We are a photo-loving generation, aren’t we? What’s often lost in our digital world of photo sharing via text or upload, however, are printed photographs. You remember those, right? The ones in frames, in photo albums, in your wallet? Because we tend to forget about all those great photos sitting … [Read more...] about 5 affordable photo gifts your family will love
