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
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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
How to find cheap student loans and student loan refinancing
It used to be that federal student loans were always the better choice over private loans. However, in recent years, private loans have started offering rates at half the rate of graduate school and parent loans.But it’s still difficult to compare private student loans in the same way you’d … [Read more...] about How to find cheap student loans and student loan refinancing
Saving on groceries when you don’t eat at home
I was shocked when I learned there are many people living in cities, half of my friends included, who probably haven’t turned on their oven in six months. But that doesn’t mean they can’t and don’t eat healthy and without spending a fortune dining out.Here’s what you need to know to save … [Read more...] about Saving on groceries when you don’t eat at home
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
Earn college savings from your shopping
Earning cash for your kid’s college education from money you’d spend anyway is the easiest way to save for college without it impacting your finances. You can do so by getting a credit card that offers cash back or earning money through shopping rewards programs.Here are some of the … [Read more...] about Earn college savings from your shopping
Are Basic Economy airfares worth the savings?
All three of the legacy airlines (American, Delta and United) are now selling Basic Economy fares. As a fairly frequent traveler I decided I needed to understand these fares. Here's what I've learned.We all strive to save money but sometimes the savings aren't worth it. Buying a Basic … [Read more...] about Are Basic Economy airfares worth the savings?
How to make breakfast pizza
Eating out can be expensive, but so many restaurant quality meals can be made at home. Not only will you spend less money, but you'll also be using fresh ingredients from your own kitchen.Often, the recipe will be as close to an exact match. Sometimes, you may have to take a few liberties to … [Read more...] about How to make breakfast pizza
Plan for needed home repairs
A major home repair can tax any budget. But you don’t have to be surprised when something in your home goes kaput.It’s possible to know, more or less, how long most home components are likely to last and plan for their replacement. Plus, knowing the life span of appliances and home fixtures can … [Read more...] about Plan for needed home repairs
How to protect yourself (or your parents) from scams against seniors
We've all heard the sad stories: A senior citizen was fleeced out of his home by an unscrupulous caregiver. A home repair worker turns out to be a thief who takes all the jewelry. A call announcing you've won a prize turns out to be a ploy to get you to empty your bank … [Read more...] about How to protect yourself (or your parents) from scams against seniors
How to pay for major home improvements
Do you want to improve your home? We all do. Your list may include renovating the kitchen, addding a deck, changing outdated light fixtures, building an addition, update the heating and cooling systems or other projects.All those things sound great but they cost home. Home improvements can be … [Read more...] about How to pay for major home improvements
13 ways to save money on hotel rooms
What everyone wants to hear is that there are one or two apps or websites that will always find you the best deal on hotel rooms.Sorry. It’s just not that easy.What worked for last month’s business trip to Chicago may not work for this summer’s family vacation to Disney World – or even … [Read more...] about 13 ways to save money on hotel rooms
Setting up your perfect home office: what you need
If you are lucky enough to work at home full time, or just get an opportunity to work from home occasionally, do not underestimate the value of a great home office. A well-planned home office can lead to endless productivity and success. A poor work environment, on the other hand, can lead to … [Read more...] about Setting up your perfect home office: what you need
Save money with healthy summer salads
They don’t call them “salad days” for nothing. Summertime is the best time to turn the bounty from your garden, farmer’s market or supermarket into a salad supper that will be light on your budget as well as your diet.Think about fresh baby lettuce, young green zucchini or yellow summer squash, … [Read more...] about Save money with healthy summer salads
Make your own flavored oils
Lots of recipes these days call for flavored oils. They add a punch of flavor for not a lot of extra ingredients. But the commercial ones can be expensive, and you may only use a little bit, so the rest might go to waste. We at “On the Cheap” are all about not wasting things -- especially … [Read more...] about Make your own flavored oils
