A few weeks ago, I bought 56 tubes of toothpaste, 43 cans of shaving cream and 35 bottles of liquid hand soap. Not that I need 56 tubes of toothpaste, 43 cans of shaving cream and 35 bottles of liquid hand soap, but my favorite local charity does. How much did I spend? Zero. Well, that's not exactly … [Read more...] about How to use your coupon skills to help others
Shopping
Twice I got scammed buying discounted gift cards — here’s what I learned
I’m a sucker for buying discounted gift cards to retailers where I normally shop. An extra 18 percent off at Old Navy or 24 percent off at Michael’s in addition to their coupons and sales?Yes, please!Online marketplaces allow you to resell unwanted gift cards and get money you can spend … [Read more...] about Twice I got scammed buying discounted gift cards — here’s what I learned
7 money-saving tips for buying (and not losing) new luggage
Summer means travel. Living On The Cheap is all about saving readers money and that includes travel. I’m a bit of a suitcase addict -- you should see my basement -- and every year attend to the Travel Goods Showcase to see what’s new.It’s all about FUNCTION, SAFETY, SIZE, and WEIGHT -- and … [Read more...] about 7 money-saving tips for buying (and not losing) new luggage
Six benefits of joining Amazon Student
Attention, college students: Whether you're headed near or far to college this year, you're going to need "stuff." Join Amazon Student and get FREE two-day shipping for college students. The online shopping mecca is offering its Amazon Student program free for six months, so you … [Read more...] about Six benefits of joining Amazon Student
How to save money at CVS
CVS has some great deals, especially when you find a sale. Here are the techniques you can use to save even more money. Get an Extra Care Card Sign up online. This gives you access to special coupons and Extra Care Bucks (ECB). Extra Care Bucks are CVS gift certificates worth $1-10 that print on … [Read more...] about How to save money at CVS
7 stores to buy trendy fashion inexpensively
Keeping up with all of the latest fashion trends can make your head spin. The struggle is real for consumers trying to save a buck. Luckily, there are stores that allow shoppers the opportunity to stay up to date without having to completely deplete their bank accounts. Make the most of your … [Read more...] about 7 stores to buy trendy fashion inexpensively
High-style, low-cost party outfits
Fall fashion magazines showed that design this season tapped into baroque-style, but that doesn't mean you need to go b-r-o-k-e to keep up with the trends. Everyone has read an article in a fashion magazine that promises the "look for less," only to find pieces still priced in the hundreds of … [Read more...] about High-style, low-cost party outfits
Lego mania: Finding the best Lego deals
As I read my son’s Christmas wish list (aka the Santa List) this year, I was secretly hoping for more variety, but there it was — all Legos again. With age came sophistication for which Lego products he wanted, but so came an increase in price. It was getting more difficult to find a … [Read more...] about Lego mania: Finding the best Lego deals
Navigating the minefield of office gift exchanges
It's awkward enough choosing the wrong gift for Uncle Fred for Christmas, but at least you won't see him for another 364 days. Choose incorrectly for the gal in the next cubicle, and you have to live with that embarrassment on a daily basis.That's why personal etiquette and branding expert Vicky … [Read more...] about Navigating the minefield of office gift exchanges
The Coupon Insider: 4 steps to organize the task
As with any project, the more organized you are, the more successful you'll be. Such is especially true in the world of couponing, particularly if you expect to see any significant savings. Coupon clippers each have their own system and strategy, but we all have one important trait in common: Being … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: 4 steps to organize the task
The Coupon Insider: How to spot fake coupons
We’ve heard it before. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. This is definitely true when it comes to coupons – especially those offering free goods. While it is possible to obtain coupons for free products, they’re not widely available. I’ve only received them through contacting a … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: How to spot fake coupons
The Coupon Insider: Digital vs. paper coupons
Which is better: digital or paper coupons? With everyone (or so it seems) owning a smartphone, digital coupons have become increasingly popular. It makes sense. With the flick of a finger, you can search for and add manufacturer's coupons to your shoppers card -- anytime, anywhere. While they offer … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: Digital vs. paper coupons
The Coupon Insider: Magic of double and triple coupons
Couponers know there's more saving to be found in coupons than just face value. What's the trick? Many grocers offer double coupons every day. So, just like magic, a 50-cents off coupon *poof* turns into $1 off. Most participating retailers limit the doubling of manufacturer's coupons to a maximum … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: Magic of double and triple coupons
How to cut the cost of prom and still be cool
Time was, going to the prom meant you got a new dress (or a sister’s hand-me-down). Your date, who wore a suit and brought a corsage, picked you up in his own (or his parents’) car. You went to the dance and then he took you home. Any teenager today would laugh at such an idea.When my own kids … [Read more...] about How to cut the cost of prom and still be cool
What you need to know about energy-saving light bulbs
Recently, I discovered that I was down to one old-fashioned incandescent 60-watt light bulb. The day of reckoning had arrived. I was finally going to have to figure out the new energy-saving light bulbs.The standard Thomas Edison incandescent light bulb is extremely inefficient, wasting about … [Read more...] about What you need to know about energy-saving light bulbs