Of course, everyone would like to cut the supermarket bill by 50% or more. For a moderate budget for a family of four, the most recent figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimate you would spend between $1,166 and $1,358 a month for groceries. But you don’t have to go to the … [Read more...] about 12 hacks to cut your grocery bill in half
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Frugal living guide: How to have less stuff and save money
Frugal living means you buy and use less, saving money and time. Happily, these are also basic tenets of minimalism, which is quite trendy right now so if you like living with less, you're in style! On the other hand, if you are a spendthrift used to buying out of want rather than need, … [Read more...] about Frugal living guide: How to have less stuff and save money
How to shop and save at ALDI
You may have wondered what the big draw is to ALDI grocery store chain. Some say it’s a strange cult, a mecca for frugal shoppers. The store even has fan clubs with impressive numbers of followers. And I think it might be the only store that has a secret language. Stay with me and I’ll … [Read more...] about How to shop and save at ALDI
7 ways to save without downsizing your lifestyle
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When you think about cutting your budget, do you immediately think about everything you’re going to need to sacrifice? It's not very motivating to focus on what you're going to lose, rather than how much you can gain by getting out of debt or saving more money toward your big goals. Look on the … [Read more...] about 7 ways to save without downsizing your lifestyle
10 Depression-era hacks and frugal living ideas to save money now
It’s time to look at real ways to save money during trying times. During the Great Depression, people employed 1930s frugality and simple-living tricks to save money and survive the lean years. We can take a page from their book and do it again. Here are 10 Depression Era hacks and frugal living … [Read more...] about 10 Depression-era hacks and frugal living ideas to save money now
How frugal are you? 25 things frugal people do
Many people choose to be frugal for different reasons. Maybe they were raised to live a frugal life, so it’s second nature to them. Perhaps they are consciously frugal and are saving to pay cash for a house, or they have a child about to head off to college. Maybe they simply don’t see any other … [Read more...] about How frugal are you? 25 things frugal people do
11 ways to save on prescription drugs
When my friend Mark developed whooping cough for the second time, he knew what to expect. A quick phone call to his doctor got Mark the antibiotics and cough syrup he needed. His only mistake? This go-round, Mark had the prescriptions called in to his nearest drugstore rather than heading to Costco … [Read more...] about 11 ways to save on prescription drugs
18 strategies for $5-a-day budget meal planning and grocery shopping
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The trend for extreme budget meal planning was popularized by Leanne Brown in her free online book Good and Cheap, developed primarily for those using SNAP (food stamp) benefits. At the time the book was written, the budget was $4 a day. When I heard about the project, I decided to try that budget … [Read more...] about 18 strategies for $5-a-day budget meal planning and grocery shopping
How to cut the cost of pet care
I hadn’t planned to get a new dog after my beloved Daphne died just short of her 15th birthday. However, I developed a bad habit of scrolling through the adorable faces of dogs up for adoption at my local Humane Society. As soon as I spotted Matilda and her huge ears, I had to jump in the car and … [Read more...] about How to cut the cost of pet care
Snag the best thrift store finds with these insider tips
Thrift store shopping has long been a necessity for those with limited resources, but these days it’s embraced by people of all economic levels who love the thrill of the hunt. Not only is thrifting a dependable way to save money, but it’s fun. Where else can you find a Liz Claiborne skirt (new, … [Read more...] about Snag the best thrift store finds with these insider tips
How to profit from your old CD and DVD collections
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Before high-speed internet and digital music and movies, it wasn't rare for people to spend thousands of dollars on a DVD and CD collection. But with today’s options for online streaming and on-demand content, the need for physical media has gone by the wayside as easier and cheaper versions of … [Read more...] about How to profit from your old CD and DVD collections
6 ways to get a cheap gym membership
The ever-increasing price of gym memberships may have you running for the hills, but if outdoor recreation doesn't give you everything you need in a fitness program, then try these tips to get a great deal on a membership at a gym in your area. Try before you buy With any … [Read more...] about 6 ways to get a cheap gym membership
How to save money on food without using coupons
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Groceries for a family of four with young children cost an average of about $1,100 a month in the first half of 2022, not including takeout and restaurant meals, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s a big chunk of change. But there are ways to spend less on food and still … [Read more...] about How to save money on food without using coupons
How to beat inflation and save on almost everything
For the first time in decades, American shoppers are having to deal with inflation — the widespread, general rise in prices for goods and services. Since you're reading this post on a site called Living on the Cheap, you're probably looking for ways to stretch your dollars to cover some of that … [Read more...] about How to beat inflation and save on almost everything
6 ways to save on air conditioning
As the temperature exceeds the triple digits this summer, our electric bills are spiraling unward with the heat index. Except for a hardy few, going without air conditioning is probably not a practical cost-cutting measure. Still, there are ways to save energy and cut your electric bill. Use … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save on air conditioning
