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)
Post page
14 home improvements that save on your heating bill
Winter is definitely here, and for many that means high utility bills to heat their homes.While you can’t do anything about the chilly weather, you can take steps to make your home more energy efficient and pay less for heating.To start, the U.S. Department of Energy has a do-it-yourself … [Read more...] about 14 home improvements that save on your heating bill
Inexpensive ways to get fit
Looking to get a jump start on a fitness routine but don't want to spend a ton on equipment you don't know how to use or a gym memberships you don't have time to use? Check out these seven inexpensive ways to get fit in the new year.Jump rope This old school yard toy is a simple and … [Read more...] about Inexpensive ways to get fit
How to find free fitness classes
Gyms are awesome and yoga studios are calming, but they can be really expensive. Some gyms even charge another few dollars for classes on top of membership fees.Staying fit is a money saver, but it can cost a lot to keep it up. Below are some places to look in your town for free fitness … [Read more...] about How to find free fitness classes
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
Celebrate Hanukkah with traditional latkes, plus tasty twists
The most delicious part of Hanukkah is latkes -- potato pancakes fried in sizzling oil. They are easy to make and are most typically served with sour cream and apple sauce. But there are other variations as well. We'll start with a basic recipe and then learn about some tasty twists on the … [Read more...] about Celebrate Hanukkah with traditional latkes, plus tasty twists
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
Love free stuff? Here’s your guide to scoring freebies
By Jen SmithThere’s only one thing I love more than saving money, and that’s getting free stuff. Who doesn’t love the feeling of having and something and not paying for it? Legally, of course.I can understand why most people don’t take the time to look for freebies. Most offers … [Read more...] about Love free stuff? Here’s your guide to scoring freebies
What happened at Equifax and how can you protect yourself
On September 7, 2017, Equifax announced that its massive database of consumer credit data was breached. If you had never heard of Equifax before, you may be in for a surprise.Equifax is one of three companies that keeps a copy of your credit history, which includes your name, address, social … [Read more...] about What happened at Equifax and how can you protect yourself
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
6 holiday shopping apps to score deals and stay organized
Back in the day, holiday shopping prep was looking through the circulars from the Sunday paper, making a list of gifts you had to buy, and then heading to the mall. You had high hopes that the items on sale would still be there when you arrived, and depending on how late in the season it was, you … [Read more...] about 6 holiday shopping apps to score deals and stay organized
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
How to avoid buying the wrong home in a hot market
Many home-buyers are finding themselves in an unusual situation: They have enough money and are preapproved for a mortgage, but can they actually secure a house?The number of homes for sale continues to fall, with the supply of homes of homes for sale even tighter at the lower price … [Read more...] about How to avoid buying the wrong home in a hot market
How to use your coupon skills to help others
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
