Daily deal websites such as Groupon are a popular resource of the frugal. Many consumers would never plan a restaurant trip or an evening of entertainment before first checking to see if there was a daily deal available, and for good reason. It’s easy to save 50% off everything from meals to Zumba … [Read more...] about Make sure that daily deal is really a deal
Search Results for: holiday
Regrow your own green onions in your kitchen
Green onions aren’t expensive to purchase in the grocery store, but they are one of those ingredients that I either forget to buy, or they go bad in the fridge before I remember to use them, which is definitely a waste of money. Green onions, also known as scallions, are great for flavor and garnish … [Read more...] about Regrow your own green onions in your kitchen
7 strategies for frugal urban living (no cheapskates allowed)
The cost of living in a major metropolitan area runs higher than average. Frugal urban living is the ultimate oxymoron because there are just so many fun ways to spend money. Consumer temptations abound in the city. From parking and lattes to fashion and entertainment, the cosmopolitan … [Read more...] about 7 strategies for frugal urban living (no cheapskates allowed)
15-plus stocking stuffers from dollar and discount stores
If you have a bunch of folks on your holiday gift list, you know how fast even small items can add up. This year, why not stuff a stocking for each person on your list instead of buying a gift that needs to be wrapped? First, you need some stockings. You can get inexpensive ones at the dollar … [Read more...] about 15-plus stocking stuffers from dollar and discount stores
12 cheap, easy Christmas DIY decor projects
Ho-ho-homemade is the key to cheap, but pretty, holiday decorations. I mean, have you seen the prices on real Christmas wreaths? Here are some ideas we gleaned from various sources to help you put some sparkle into your holidays without busting the budget. Bonus: Most of these ideas are … [Read more...] about 12 cheap, easy Christmas DIY decor projects
An easy and cheap way to make your own Christmas ornaments
Every year throughout December our family does a Christmas countdown calendar. It's full of activities like making cookies with Mom, swimming with Daddy, driving around town looking at Christmas lights, and 21 more. One of those activities is always making homemade ornaments for our tree and as … [Read more...] about An easy and cheap way to make your own Christmas ornaments
The best Christmas gifts of all cost nothing
I often think of my grandfather around the holidays. Even though I didn't know him well, I find myself reflecting on his life when I look at a photo that shows him working on his farm. It’s a reverie that has become one of the best Christmas gifts he gave to me, without even knowing he had done … [Read more...] about The best Christmas gifts of all cost nothing
What not to wear, Halloween edition
Halloween is the most creative holiday, as it makes you put on your thinking cap to develop a great, eye-catching costume every year. Let's face it: ugly sweater contests in December just don't compare. So although October is a scary month from that angle alone, you don't have to be … [Read more...] about What not to wear, Halloween edition
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
How to fly through airport security lines
With headlines screaming about long airport security lines, odds are you may have thought twice about taking that last-minute getaway or considered a road trip instead of a trip to Rome. Or maybe you have just landed after a long flight from an exotic destination and then cool your heels for hours … [Read more...] about How to fly through airport security lines
The ultimate guide to protecting yourself from identity theft and financial fraud
If you’re like most people, you take care of most of your finances online these days. While you might have once been hesitant about online banking or typing in your credit card number to buy that sleek new laptop, now, you’ve probably come around to thinking nothing of depositing checks using your … [Read more...] about The ultimate guide to protecting yourself from identity theft and financial fraud
Quick and easy budgeting on paper
Happy New Year! If you've been thinking about preparing and living on a budget this year following is how to get started immediately. With a little tracking (that can lead to some self-awareness) you can be on your way to achieving your financial goals in no time. Pen and paper v. Software and … [Read more...] about Quick and easy budgeting on paper
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
9 quick and easy edible gifts for a crowd
Adults aren’t the only ones who enjoy giving gifts during the holidays. Kids like being givers, too. That’s why, when thinking about gifts for their teachers, kids often expand the gift list to include what seems like every adult in the school – the computer teacher, librarian, gym teacher, art … [Read more...] about 9 quick and easy edible gifts for a crowd
How to pack a winter emergency kit for your car
Cooler weather has started to spread across the United States, and snow isn’t far behind for many states, if you haven't seen it already. As you start to pull out your winter gear (or light jackets for those in warmer climates), it's a good time to make sure your car is stocked with a few … [Read more...] about How to pack a winter emergency kit for your car















