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
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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
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
How to find the cheapest ridesharing option
Most of my ride-hailing experiences have been uneventful — except for one recent trip to the airport. On a rainy afternoon, I failed to connect with my driver, which precipitated a soggy 20-minute delay. That got me thinking: Maybe I could benefit from some advice on how to use ride-hailing services … [Read more...] about How to find the cheapest ridesharing option
IDNYC Cardholders Get Discounts at Major NYC Attractions
New Yorkers, show your pride while reaping the benefits of the IDNYC program.New York residents with ID cards can enjoy entertainment deals on the city's best shows and attractions. You can score discounted tickets to Broadway, a sports game, and much more.An IDNYC is a government-issued … [Read more...] about IDNYC Cardholders Get Discounts at Major NYC Attractions
Is it worth the cost to upgrade my cellphone now?
According to a 2021 survey from tech care company Asurion, the cellphone has taken the top spot as most essential item for Americans, overtaking their vehicle or their refrigerator — which makes sense when you consider that you can't do a group text with Uber or Lyft. So whenever a new phone model … [Read more...] about Is it worth the cost to upgrade my cellphone now?
How to find cheaper flights and hotel deals in 2022
It’s getting harder to find a travel deal.Just ask Tracy Hayes, who recently wanted to fly from Little Rock to St. Louis. “The cheapest flight I could find was roughly $375,” she says. “That was the one-way fare.”Hayes, a notary public from Little Rock, checked the usual suspects — … [Read more...] about How to find cheaper flights and hotel deals in 2022
When disputing a credit card charge isn’t the best answer
When Jeff Campbell checked in at the Austin airport for a spring break vacation, the last thing on his mind was a credit card chargeback. Instead, he was thinking about the fun he’d have with his three daughters at Universal Orlando Resort that week.“Literally at the gate, my airline canceled … [Read more...] about When disputing a credit card charge isn’t the best answer
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
New Year’s Eve dining deals 2021
Want to go out for New Year's Eve and still save money? Many restaurants are open, and some even have special food or drink deals. Always call to verify hours and prices before you put on your party hat, because participation in these promotions may vary by location. Applebee's: Stop by … [Read more...] about New Year’s Eve dining deals 2021
Free ‘holiday house’ kit for kids from Lowe’s
Looking for something to keep the kids occupied over the holidays? Register online for Lowe's FREE "Holiday House Kit" — a graham cracker creation that reinvents the traditional gingerbread house. Complete with all the trimmings to build and decorate an edible holiday house, the kit has four designs … [Read more...] about Free ‘holiday house’ kit for kids from Lowe’s