Who’s thinking about Thanksgiving or the December holidays in August? Train buffs, that’s who. Because they know, that unlike with airfares and gas prices, they can lock in today’s price on Amtrak for travel months down the line. With gas prices up yet again and the average airfare $400 and higher, … [Read more...] about Amtrak offers money-saving travel alternative
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Daily savings for papercrafters who like deals
Papercrafting is a hobby that includes so many moving parts — paint, sewing, alcohol markers, inks, mists, stamps, edge punches, buttons, flowers, diecuts and, of course, the paper — it's easy for crafters to get more wrapped up in buying than using these supplies.So by your second shopping … [Read more...] about Daily savings for papercrafters who like deals
How to get a $500 haircut for $20 — or less
I love high-end haircuts by skilled stylists and outstanding color by equally skilled colorists, but alas, I only have the budget for cut-rate services. Problem solved. I get my hair services at some of New York's top salons -- but the services are performed by apprentices, who are all graduates of … [Read more...] about How to get a $500 haircut for $20 — or less
Can’t afford big-city hotels? Try camping
Do you love to travel but suffer -- like the rest of us -- from a limited budget?One easy way to cut lodging expenses is by camping. We’re not talking get-into-the-wilderness-and-commune-with-nature type of camping where you cook all of your meals over an open fire and hike every day, although … [Read more...] about Can’t afford big-city hotels? Try camping
3 ways to maximize what you’ll get from Social Security
Once you hit retirement age, Social Security, Uncle Sam's retirement plan, can make your life a lot better. Here are three things you need to know to get the maximum benefit.Work under Social Security at least 35 years. Social Security is calculated based on the sum of your highest earnings … [Read more...] about 3 ways to maximize what you’ll get from Social Security
Extended warranties: peace of mind or money trap?
Sometimes buying an extended warranty protects your pocketbook and buys you peace of mind. Other times, the cash outlay isn’t worth the cost.What’s the scoop on extended warranties? Is buying an extended warranty worth the peace of mind -- or just another money trap? I can recall only once that … [Read more...] about Extended warranties: peace of mind or money trap?
Beat the heat with frugal Chocolate Snowballs
It was a tradition. Once every summer, my mother made “Grandma Ida’s Chocolate Snowballs.” I learned later that this frozen treat is as frugal and easy to make as it is delicious. I also learned the origin of this family recipe. When I pressed my mother about it, she admitted that her mother had … [Read more...] about Beat the heat with frugal Chocolate Snowballs
Can’t afford a spa? Throw a spa party
Anyone who has been to a salon or spa recently knows that it’s a high-ticket indulgence. It can cost hundreds of dollars for a manicure, hairstyle, foot massage and facial mask. So why not do it at home? And why not make it fun with a group of friends? A group can gather for a day of penny-pinching … [Read more...] about Can’t afford a spa? Throw a spa party
Get free tickets and more when you volunteer
Volunteering to help clean up local parks or feed the homeless is a feel-good thing to do, plus it helps your community. You may not know that there are many other ways to volunteer where you can get more material benefits, too. In some cases, you might see shows for free or get discounts, or gain … [Read more...] about Get free tickets and more when you volunteer
Cruise discounts for military personnel — and others
Many cruise lines offer discounts on select cruises for military personnel. Princess offers an onboard credit of $50 and up, depending on the length of the cruise. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers discounts on as many as 100 cruises at any given time.Several online booking sites, including American … [Read more...] about Cruise discounts for military personnel — and others
7 ways to cut your cell phone bill
Try to browse the Internet or watch a TV show without an ad touting the latest cell phone feature or calling plan. Smaller. Lighter. Faster. It will pay your bills, clip cyber coupons, even remind you to invite your in-laws to dinner. Love 'em or hate 'em, cell phones (not your in-laws) have become … [Read more...] about 7 ways to cut your cell phone bill
Free house cleaning for women with cancer
If you or a woman you know is battling cancer, Cleaning for a Reason Foundation can help on the home front. This nonprofit organization offers FREE professional housecleaning and maid service for women who are undergoing treatment for any type of cancer.A local insured and bonded professional … [Read more...] about Free house cleaning for women with cancer
Free wheelchair ramps and home repairs for needy
If you or your parents or grandparents need help with home renovations you can't afford, Rebuilding Together may be able to help. The nonprofit organization builds free wheelchair ramps and provides FREE critical home repairs, modifications and improvements to low-income, elderly and disabled … [Read more...] about Free wheelchair ramps and home repairs for needy
Kids’ crafts: Make a braided-rope dog toy
When it comes to kids' crafts, I like projects they can make and use rather than just make and throw away. During a recent sleepover in my house, I enlisted the help of two kids to try out one of the DIY projects I have bookmarked on Pinterest.Using fleece fabric left over from winter projects, … [Read more...] about Kids’ crafts: Make a braided-rope dog toy
7 tips for frugal pet ownership
Do you have a pet? If you're like 62% of Americans, you do. And get this: We pet owners--I've had my dog, Buffy, for 10 years -- will spend about $52 billion on our pets in 2012. That's just crazy.If you're reading this, clearly you are interested in ways to save money in all areas of your life. … [Read more...] about 7 tips for frugal pet ownership