Some people enjoy thinking about what to buy for gifts, going out to buy gifts, getting home and wrapping gifts, going out to deliver gifts or mail gifts . . .I am not that person.Don't get me wrong. I love it when I happen to see something in a shop or online and think, "That would be … [Read more...] about Living on the Cheap gift guide roundup 2023
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Paramount+ with Showtime for $3.99 monthly during Cyber Week 2023
Here's a streaming TV deal just in time for holiday binge watching. Paramount+ streaming service has a Cyber Week deal good through Dec. 3, 2023. New or former subscribers can get Paramount+ with SHOWTIME for $3.99 per month for three months instead of the regular $11.99 per … [Read more...] about Paramount+ with Showtime for $3.99 monthly during Cyber Week 2023
Where to get a free photo with Santa Claus and your pet
Of course, your dog has been a very good dog this year! Just listen to what he tells Santa Claus.And you can capture the moment with a FREE photo of your pet with Santa at participating Petco and PetSmart locations. (Of course, your pet doesn't have to be a dog or cat. If your pot-bellied pig, … [Read more...] about Where to get a free photo with Santa Claus and your pet
10 best shopping apps for Black Friday deals 2023
Are you getting excited about all of the Black Friday deals that are headed your way? More likely, you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant sneak peeks, early bird deals and Black Friday email blasts flooding your inbox and mailbox this year.Don’t worry about missing out. Phone shopping … [Read more...] about 10 best shopping apps for Black Friday deals 2023
Military Appreciation discounts available all year
Although May (for Military Appreciation Month) and November (for Veterans Day) are full of advertising about military discounts and freebies, lots of deals are available 365 days a year. As a veteran, my best advice when it comes to navigating military discounts is always ask. … [Read more...] about Military Appreciation discounts available all year
Are ‘buy now, pay later’ alternatives to layaway a good idea?
If you're old enough to remember shopping before the Internet, you might remember the layaway desk at department stores. Shoppers who wanted to buy a big-ticket item, or do holiday shopping ahead of time, would put the goods "on layaway." The store would hold the items for them and the customer … [Read more...] about Are ‘buy now, pay later’ alternatives to layaway a good idea?
When to book 2023 holiday travel to save the most money
The holiday travel season is just around the corner, and this year, there's one piece of advice everyone seems to agree on: Book early. (But there may be advantages to waiting; more on that later.)How early? Well, if you're reading this now, you might want to open a new tab and start looking … [Read more...] about When to book 2023 holiday travel to save the most money
Is Sam’s Club membership worth it?
For families and those who have space in their homes to buy in large quantity, a warehouse store membership often makes sense — dollars and cents. But for many frugal people, the idea of paying to shop at a store gives them pause. How can you decide if Sam's Club is worth the membership price?To … [Read more...] about Is Sam’s Club membership worth it?
30 ways to stay warm, save money this winter
Looking for ways to stay warm and cozy at home? For many of us, winter is a time when we discover a few more cracks and crannies for the cold air to find its way inside. Not only does that make it harder to keep your house warm, it sends money out the door as the electric or gas bill climbs.So, … [Read more...] about 30 ways to stay warm, save money this winter
Scary good (and cheap) Halloween party food
Planning a Halloween party but don't want it to bleed your food budget dry? We've got you covered tighter than a mummy's wrappings! Here are ideas for snacks and beverages for both kids and adults, so no one leaves your celebration looking like a skeleton.(For more Halloween party tips, … [Read more...] about Scary good (and cheap) Halloween party food
College financial aid: A timeline for high-school students and families
For the six years that our daughters were in college, my husband dreaded filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid more than doing our income tax return. Like students in most families, though, our girls were going to need some combination of loans and scholarships to pay for college. … [Read more...] about College financial aid: A timeline for high-school students and families
How airlines hide the true cost of a ticket
When Carolyn DiDonato booked her ticket from Trenton, N.J., to Fort Myers, Fla., she says she was hit with a hidden airline fee. On the last screen, concealed behind a drop-down menu, Frontier Airlines revealed that she would have to pay a nonrefundable $23 carrier interface charge for buying her … [Read more...] about How airlines hide the true cost of a ticket
Cheap, simple and elegant charcuterie board ideas
Those elaborate charcuterie boards on social media might have you convinced that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on cheese and crackers to have a barely presentable spread. But as the author of three books on cheese and one on sausage, I’m here to tell you that that is false advertising. With … [Read more...] about Cheap, simple and elegant charcuterie board ideas
Eating gluten-free on a budget
As anyone with celiac or gluten intolerance will tell you, the label “gluten-free” will automatically increase the price of your groceries.But with a little bit of nutritional know-how and shopping savvy, you can stay gluten-free and keep your expenses within your grocery budget. Here are some … [Read more...] about Eating gluten-free on a budget
Best cellphone plans for seniors in 2023
One of the perks of retirement is how much life gets easier. Gone are the days of endless work calls, texts, and emails after business hours. Since your cell phone needs may have changed, you might be in the market for a new phone plan. We’ve researched the best cell phone plans for your specific … [Read more...] about Best cellphone plans for seniors in 2023