If our recent cheap snowboards article left you jonesing for the slopes, we're getting you even more psyched with our top picks for cheap snowboard boots. We've also suggested the smartest money-saving...
Knowing when to purchase what can mean big savings throughout the year. Savvy shoppers take advantage of two major, and related, trends: seasonal shifts and post-holiday efforts to clear out inventory.
Football draws large crowds on a regular basis, but no game attracts as many spectators as the Super Bowl. The National Retail Federation expects 173 million to tune in on Sunday and spend an average...
If your post-holiday credit card bill came as an unwelcome surprise, check out the tips we posted this week on how to hop back on the frugal bandwagon. Learn about money-saving strategies and smart...
If you've ever seen the MTV show My Super Sweet 16, then you know about the parents who spare no expense to indulge their child's every desire for one birthday party extravaganza. And judging...
In this economy, most everyone is on a budget and looking for ways to save money. And while the holidays provided a festive reprieve from the daily grind, as a rule of thumb they aren't good for your...
It's no secret that Americans love their coffee. In fact, according to Coffee-Stastics.com, the United States is the leading coffee-consuming country, with Americans gulping down 400 million...
This week we introduced two new money-savings tools for our readers: Optimize.com, a free budgeting program, and Savings.com, a store coupon tool. We're also helping you cut expenses at the drugstore...
We've just launched a partnership with Optimize.com, a free service that connects consumers with financial advisors and provides user friendly tools to manage personal financial assets online.
Cruise lines and airlines love to promote cheap travel. The truth is, there's no such thing as cheap travel. Any trip, regardless whether it's a weekend getaway or a four-hour car ride to Aunt...
No one likes to be stuck inside, particularly high-energy youngsters. But with the falling temperatures outside, cabin fever is setting in, accompanied by the attendant temper tantrums and crankiness.
Planning and timing is everything, especially for frugal consumers who need to make a big purchase. Knowing the best time to buy something -- from cars and houses to televisions and appliances -- goes...
Christmas hasn't even come and gone yet, but you may already be thinking ahead to New Year's Eve. For some people this means bidding farewell with a bang to one year and entering the next with an empty...
More and more savvy shoppers are using shopping apps on their smartphones to find the biggest and best deals. In this week's app roundup, we bring you some shopping apps that can help you find the best...
By Amy Edmiston
Among the countless ways to save money these days, the mail-in rebate is a potentially lucrative, but oft forgotten, option. Mail-in rebates may seem a bit old-fashioned, and certainly...
Planning a party on an extremely small (think minuscule) budget is easier than you think. A former event planner for a national non-profit organization who knows a thing or two about making much out...
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, here's a look at what we've been working on to help save you money.
New Articles.
Outlets...
PRESS RELEASE
Price Differences on Luxury Goods Can Reach 85%
New York, NY (December 01, 2011) - Frugal holiday shoppers can shrink their gift-giving budgets by a whopping...
What if you could give a loved one an Apple iPad 2 this holiday and pay only the price of a case? Or give an Xbox 360 with Kinect for the price of Modern Warfare 3? A growing number of group gifting...
Planes, Trains and Automobiles: 10 Ways to Travel Cheap this Holiday Season
With the holidays upon us, finding holiday travel deals that won't put you in the poorhouse is both a necessity...
Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone, officially kicking off the Christmas shopping season. According to the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, two-thirds of Americans will...
Here's some food for thought: According to EatTurkey.com Americans consumed 736 million pounds of turkey over the 2010 Thanksgiving holiday. This year is shaping up to be no different. With Thanksgiving...
Weddings are expensive -- and not just for the bride and groom (and their families). What we're getting at here is the cost of attending a wedding as a guest. As Engagement Experts point out,
Nearly one quarter of annual candy sales -- the equivalent of $2 billion -- occur around Halloween. That's a lot of sugar. But if you think it's just Snickers and Butterfingers dominating the supermarket...
Your child probably wanted his or her Halloween costume yesterday. With only two weeks to go before the spooky, sweets-filled holiday, you're under the gun to grab an outfit that won't frighten your...
Here are some frugal stories we're reading:
Taking a long trip? Unplug your bills (MSN Money)
The Frugal Traveler: Tips for navigating the teen sports circuit (Orlando Sentinel)
What We're Reading September 23:
Clothes and shoes in larger sizes often carry larger price tags, especially in bricks-and-mortar stores. Online, however, you'll find a wealth of retailers that offer cheap plus-size clothing.
Saving Pennies or Dollars? Garage and Yard Sales (The Simple Dollar)
Smarter low-cost beauty moves (The Province)
12 Things You Should Stop Buying (FreeMoneyFinance)
UPDATE: Walgreen To Launch Low-Price Store Brand Early Next Year (The Wall Street Journal)
Save money with this simple yet competent price tracking app (148Apps)
In our recent back-to-school supplies post, we noted that tax-free days may be the best time to stock up (if your state runs such a program) on things like notebooks and markers. The tax holiday...
The cost of school supplies has gone up by as much as 12% in some areas of the country. That's a whole lot of Sharpies! Obviously, some of the items requested by your kids' teachers, like graphing calculators...
Fabulous & Frugal: 2nd-hand shopping catches on with kids (The Commercial Appeal)
Clark Howard offers 6 ways to live more frugally (Dayton Daily News)
Are you in the mood to revamp your living space? We found some cheap decorating ideas and resources for cheap home decor that skimp on money but not on aesthetics. A fresh coat of paint in a bold color,
You know all that money you spent on nursing or medical school? You can make some of it back in the form of discounts for various products, services, and activities. We've put together a list of resources...
This past Saturday we went hunting for a cheap USB turntable as a good report card present for our 10 year old. We have been wanting to introduce him to vinyl records for a while now.
It's tempting to go to the hilt when decorating and furnishing your baby's room, especially if it's your first-born. Major retailers peddle pretty -- and pricey -- cribs, dressers, wall hangings, and...
Here are some money saving stories we’re reading:
VillageVines: Dining Discount Site Tries a New Name (The New York Times)
Here are some money saving stories we’re reading:
Easy steps to help you meet savings goals (Guampdn.com)
Fabulous & Frugal: How to stay cool while saving energy (The Commercial...
Here are some money stories we’re reading:
Aldi tops survey of low-cost grocers (Chain Store Age)
Tips How To Plan A Great (And Cheap) Summer Birthday Party (Parenting...
ShackNews reported a few weeks back that the DS Lite is being discontinued. The small gaming system will no longer be made or sold in stores after current stocks run out. Given that this is...
Golfing is a great way to spend a sunny weekend afternoon. But the costs for the hobby, from playing on a course to buying clubs to getting other equipment, certainly add up. Forbes helps... Read more on Forbes »
Buy bulk. Shop for Christmas on Black Friday. Don't get food at drug stores. Those are some of the common shopping myths deconstructed in an AP story in The Republic. Purchasing smaller quantities... Read more on The Republic »
It's hard to deny the allure of a three-month cable or Internet promotion, despite the inevitable. You pay a discounted rate for those few months, than gasp when you get the bill for month No. 4 and see... Read more on Hartford Courant »
Insurance is necessary to protect things like your car and your health, but it's also costly. The goods news is that you may automatically qualify for a lower rate once you get hitched, writes Investopedia. Read more on Investopedia »
Everyone loves a good old American weekend road trip. While it can seem like the living is easy, road-tripping can get mighty expensive if you're not careful. You can have a cheap road trip by doing simple... Read more on savings.com »
updated
Ahh, the perpetual struggle to be stylish while saving money. Who isn't in need of cheap chic tips? Huffington Post blogger Michael Cohen tells several cash-strapped people...
Read more
on Huffington Post
»
Spring's good for warmer weather and longer days. But cleaning? Not so much. It's a pain in the neck always, but you may have an extra incentive to do it this season: spring cleaning saving tips. That's... Read more on Wallet Pop »
Here's a million-dollar question: "Can you use coupons on a date?" A story on NYPost.com says not only that you can, but that you may up your date's opinion of you if you do. The practice of stealing... Read more on New York Post »
Online deal-hunting tips may be a dime a dozen, but these seem worth a few pennies more. A post on Technologizer.com offers links to several websites that can help you save more than the usual discount... Read more on technologizer.com »
Here's a shopping discount tip for women that works in Britain -- but will it work here? Newslite.tv reports that flirting is girls' secret weapon when it comes to getting the best deal on an item... Read more on newslite.tv »
Pity the poor student trying to learn how to live on $10 a day. Not really, says the Daily Sundial, which suggests seven ways to cut costs without making college a joyless ride. First off, you've... Read more on Daily Sundial »
How to resist deals you don't need? Easier than you might think, suggests Wallet Pop, once you get past that habitual urge to splurge just because something looks like a bargain. All you have to... Read more on Wallet Pop »
How to save on utility bills? Kim Komando points you to a U.S. Department of Energy website that can help you audit your house for energy use. But that's just the beginning. If you really expect... Read more on Kim Komando »
There's the right time for everything, so what to buy in March? Sounds like a silly question, but in the shoulder season between winter and spring, lots of vendors, ecommerce and otherwise, are hosting... Read more on CBS News »
Given the explosion in ecommerce, consumers need all the tips for shopping online they can find. Forget just clicking on your favorite two or three sites, comparing prices, and ordering. You need a strategy... Read more on Chicago Now »
The cheapest New York Times online option can be yours for a mere $12.60 a month -- if you live in the New York metro area, that is. The "Grey Lady" will start charging for online content shortly, and... Read more on minyanville.com »
Spending money on energy-saving devices to save money on energy is an interesting concept. But Fox News found a number of gizmos that can help you track your energy use or reduce your energy use. Read more on Fox News »
The next time you think about how to reduce your electric bill, you might wonder which light bulb is the most efficient. As Wallet Pop explains, you've got several options, from the traditional... Read more on Wallet Pop »
With spring just around the corner, you may be ready for some cheap gardening tips. These come directly from a professional horticulturalist, one who even farms on historic grounds, by way of USA Today. Read more on USA Today »
Just in case you want to know how to be a frugal diva, Wallet Pop is ready with the answers. This post offers strategies for saving bucks on all sorts of beauty treatments: haircuts, hair colorin, Read more on Wallet Pop »
Cheap accessories are easy to find if you know where to look. WiseBread shares its favorite sources, which include low-cost retailers, craft e-commerce sites, and friends and family. But don't automatically... Read more on WiseBread »
Is a cheap prom even possible? By all means, suggests this post by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and the first hurdle to jump is, of course, the dress. Think about borrowing, shopping in the... Read more on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution »
Do you want to know how to get everything for free? Just read this article on Boston.com and you'll see how some folks turn into reality what otherwise seems like a consumer's ultimate fantasy. Read more on Boston.com »
This senior savings list is the best reminder that being a person of a certain age has its perks. A loud thanks to Wallet Pop for scouting around to locate retailers, restauratuers, movie chains, Read more on Wallet Pop »
You don't need a post-graduate degree to figure out how to dress classy for cheap. But this cheat-sheet from Cafemom will jumpstart the learning process. And while you may already be familiar with... Read more on Cafemom »
There are groups for everything these days, even free groceries. MSN Money reports on the growing practice of gleaning -- picking up expired and unused food and distributing it with constrained... Read more on MSN Money »
Cheap fitness tips are a dime a dozen these days. But Fitsugar.com is giving them to you for free! These budget-savvy tips range from social networking deals for yoga classes to negotiating a lower... Read more on Fitsugar.com »
The self-help topic of the day is how to fight frugal fatigue, and the Sacramento Bee offers up a few rules you can learn to live by. Read more on Sacramento Bee »
It's a question we hear a lot: How to use social coupons? Social networking and couponing belong together and CNBD tells you how to get the most out of this perfect match. Read more on CNBC »
How to find cheap gas is a question that's taken on urgency now that prices have climbed well beyond $3 a gallon. Financial Edge offers up seven tips that can ease the tug on your wallet as you... Read more on Financial Edge »
Cheap home gym equipment is readily available, if you know where to look. The New York Times suggests that Craigslist is full of good deals, which sure beat the cost of joining a gym. But remember, Read more on The New York Times »
You think you know it all, but we'll be these frugality techniques have something new to offer. Wallet Pop suggests a variety of strategies you might not have thought of, or read about elsewhere. Read more on Wallet Pop »
Here are 6 money-saving websites that should warm your wallet this cold winter. In this list, offered up by the Des Moines Register, you'll find some unusual ideas, like visiting auctions for stuff... Read more on Des Moines Register »
We've all learned by know that spending less on groceries means buying in bulk. But so much of that bulk comes swaddled in expensive cardboard and plastic. Time points out that you can save even... Read more on Time »
Don't be shy the next time you get sick, and use these doctor bargaining tips. Thanks to Time for giving us the courage to ask. Read more on Time »
Everyone lives to save a dime or two, so check out these money-saving websites recommendations. BlogHer has pulled together a list you can't afford to ignore. Read more on BlogHer »
Say you want to get from here to there and need cheap bus tickets to do so. Well, if you live or will be traveling in the northeast corridor, check out this post from The New York Times. It offers... Read more on The New York Times »
In case you haven't noticed, it's winter, folks, and that means huge heating bills for many of us. So here comes Fox News with a recap of those commen-sense ideas that can help you shave more than... Read more on Fox News »
If you think you're obsessive about recycling, be it to save the planet or your wallet, think again. Time reports on a family that only bought gently used items for a year. Could you rise to this... Read more on Time »
This is the tipping season (yes, there are several interpretations ). But what we've got in mind here are suggestions (as in, tips), courtesy of Huffington Post, for efficient ways to reduce the... Read more on Huffington Post »
It's such a bargain! How often do you tell that to your friends after shopping at Costco? But there's a wise way to really make those bargains count, and Wise Bread tells you how. Read more on Wise Bread »
Personal grooming can be costly -- even for guys. Wallet Pop went shopping and found some shaving gear that should shave (ouch) more than pennies from that every-morning routine. Read more on Wallet Pop »
Buying in bulk ain't all it's cracked up to be. Sure, it sounds like you're getting a great deal, but what about the hidden costs? Wallet Pop helps you take a fresh, and clear-eyed, look at the... Read more on Wallet Pop »
If you've ever moved from one residence to another, you already know that moving can be expensive. But if you haven't had the pleasure until now, you may be in for a bit of sticker shock when you start... Read more on Billy.com »
As unpleasant at is may seem, there comes a time when you have to write a will. To save yourself -- and your heirs -- a bit of money, Bankrate offers some guidance about taking care of this chore... Read more on Bankrate.com »
Leave it to WalletPop. This personal finance website has the scoop on how to get more life out of things you already have, like jeans and razor blades. But get this, you're supposed to wait six... Read more on Wallet Pop »
This one's for women of a certain size, courtesy of Money Crashers: tips for finding the best online deals on plus-sized clothing. But even if you're searching for smaller sizes, you might learn... Read more on moneycrashers.com »
Would you believe, in this day and age, that there are actually a number of cities where at least some public transit is free? Well, do. PC Magazine gives us a rundown of those special places. But... Read more on PC Magazine »
Save money while enjoying life. That's one of the take-aways from this list of frugal tips. Thanks to Time for pulling it all together. Read more on Time »
No one wants to get sick from eating food. But we've certainly seen our share of that recently. In this report from The New York Times, you'll find some tips that should keep you healthy and solvent. Read more on The New York Times »
It's time to think outside the coupon box for ways to save on grocery bills. CBS News gets you started with this list of seven ways to get the most out of foods you've already got on hand. Read more on CBS News »
Paying retail is so old school. But on the odd chance you're shy about asking for a discount, US News & World Report offers these practical techniques that just might pay off in the form of cut-rate... Read more on US News & World Report »
Here's another take on living frugally: buy what others no longer need. The Times Union spotlights a blogger who wholeheartedly embraces this concept. But don't go after the junk -- only buy the... Read more on Times Union »
When you're trying to clip your expenses, there are lots of stray areas that you've probably overlooked. Thedigeratilife is here to remind you that cutting your own hair is a neat way to save lots... Read more on thedigeratilife.com »
Just in case the screen on your iPhone ever needs repair, you might want to download some money-saving DIY instructions, courtesy of Lifehacker. And don't forget to keep this in a safe place. Read more on Lifehacker »
Instead of a parent wagging a finger at you, Time offers this list of "don't"s that are meant to help you better manage your money by avoiding some all-too-common traps that can wreak havoc on your... Read more on Time »
We're all too aware of the high cost of medical care. So the next time you feel faint at the sight of your bill, The New York Times suggests offering immediate payment in exchange for a hefty discount. Read more on The New York Times »
You may have been warned off buying certain second-hand goods -- even as a way to save money. But readers of a blog post on US News & World Report have their own opinions about used items. Read... Read more on US News & World Report »
Bare naked has its time and place. Like summertime sleeping, suggests Savings.com. Yup -- go to bed without your jammies and save money on AC and laundry, and get an added kick knowing that you're... Read more on savings.com »
Weddings can cost tens of thousands of dollars -- or a few hundred. How big is your budget? Thedigeratilife presents several ideas for keeping costs in line with what you can afford. Read more on thedigeratilife »
Having children is not cheap -- and neither is buying maternity clothes. Wisebread suggests some ways to get over the hump (as in, how to avoid shelling out lots of cash for clothes you'll only... Read more on WiseBread »
There's no end to tips for saving money. Here are the latest ideas from Time. Read more on Time »
Staying hydrated is important for your health. But as Saving Advice points out, buying the liquids you need can sink your budget. So here are some money-saving tips that will help keep you afloat... Read more on Saving Advice »
Here's a book to add to your list of summer reading: The New Frugality. According to The Simple Dollar, delivers on its promise by explaining the concept of frugality, what it means in today's... Read more on The Simple Dollar »
Long before there were professional cleaning services, folks knew how to get rid of nasty stains and odors. Here's a primer, courtesy of US News & World Report, with 20 thrifty do-it-yourself techniques... Read more on US News & World Report »
Strategic shopping is the big thing these days. Knowing how to make the most of coupon deals is getting to be old hat. So here comes CBS Money Watch to tell us which days of the week will get us... Read more on CBS Money Watch »
Some deals seem too good to be true -- and often, they are. The Baltimore Sun urges caution before buying a discount coupon certificate and lists the many ways you can be sure this is the deal for... Read more on Baltimore Sun »
There's frugal and then there's Frugal. The capital F kind, otherwise known as extreme frugality, is really hard core. Check out this list from US News & World Report and decide if you're up for... Read more on US News & World Report »
Pretty soon some college is going to offer a degree in couponing. It's getting that complicated, folks. Coupon Sherpa is here to help you out with a crib sheet offering tips on how to get the most... Read more on Coupon Sherpa »
Oh sure, we all know that a huge bag of something usually costs less than lots of little bags added together. But that doesn't mean you're always getting a cheap deal. MSN Money Central points out... Read more on MSN Money Central »
Used cars aren't such a hot deal right now -- that's because supply is low -- but you can still find bargains. And Kiplinger gives you some tips on locating the car you want and negotiating the... Read more on Kiplinger »
If you've ever locked your keys inside the car, you know just how much that little mishap can cost you (think time and money). But, reports Bankrate.come, there's a cheap and rather ingenious alternative... Read more on Bankrate.com »
Here's how to beat your local supermarket at its own game: read this article from Bankrate.com to learn which pricing strategies the retailer employs and then use that knowledge -- combined with... Read more on Bankrate.com »
Moving is always a stressful proces. But Wisebread offers some practical advice that could save you money and anxiety the next time you need to move. Meanwhile, file this away under "Cheap Moving... Read more on WiseBread »
Here's the question of the day: are you eco-minded or cheap? The Simple Dollar calculated the cost of flushing each time and weighed the non-monetary costs and benefits and concludes....well, you... Read more on The Simple Dollar »
You're probably tired of hearing this, but you can cook dinner for four for $10 or so. To prove the point, The Denver Post serves up 10 recipes for healthy and cheap eating, along with some reminders... Read more on The Denver Post »
Do you know how much your bad habits are costing you? WalletPop cheerily helps you figure that out. So do yourself a favor: cut back on all those lattes and text messages -- and, well, the list... Read more on Wallet Pop »
Keeping up with the Joneses no longer requires costly renovations to your home. Just do what all your cash-strapped friends are doing, and splurge on little pick-me-ups. The New York Times gives... Read more on The New York Times »
All those premium consumer goods look so enticing. But here are some tips from BUXR about the biggest ripoffs and where to find the goods that are worth their price. Read more on BUXR »
There's no place like home, but only if you feel safe. BloggerNews offers some budget-friendly tips for securing your home. Read more on BloggerNews »
If you've run out of ideas on how to live on less, the St. Petersburg Times can help you out. Here are some nifty ideas from readers about stretching the dollar when doing your grocery shopping. Read more on St. Petersburg Times »
Getting back to basics is what it's all about these days. And that includes getting back into the kitchen. The Boston Herald reports on an adult education class that teaches students how to plan... Read more on Boston Herald »
It may only be March, but students thinking about the next academic year may want to take some notes now. If your budget won't stretch far enough to include room and board, WalletPop offers some... Read more on Wallet Pop »
You know that green stuff you used to carry in your pocket? Well, it's making a comeback. Why? Because, as Bankrate.com points out, a surprising number of merchants and service providers give discounts... Read more on Bankrate.com »
Start couponing and save big time on groceries. Get some tips from this story in the Star Tribune and you may buy so much for so cheap that you wind up giving some away. Read more on Star Tribune »
To each his own. That's what WalletPop discovered when inviting reader feedback about dollar store purchases. Items that some people said were a cheap deal, others panned as a waste of money. Guess... Read more on Wallet Pop »
Spring comes early and cheap with this tip from Lifehacker. Here's the secret: buy a big bouquet of flowers -- from the grocery store -- and divide them into small vases and place them in strategic... Read more on Lifehacker »
Still looking for way to reap big-time savings? CNN Money weighs in with three big ideas to help you trim your budget this year. Read more on CNN Money »
Cellular customers of AT&T and T-Mobile USA have cause for cheer. An article in The New York Times reports on a gadget that affixes to your PC and acts as your own private cell tower. The bottom... Read more on The New York Times »
How deep does that new frugality vein run in American consumers? An article in The New York Times explores that question and cites some surveys about our economic mindset, shopping patterns, and... Read more on The New York Times »
Remember the days when you clipped coupons from the Sunday newspaper inserts? Well, now you can find great coupon savings online. But beware of scams, warns PC World, which also names several reputable... Read more »
Forget about those layaway plans, despite what the retailers tell you. You'll wind up spending more for the item, reports Time Magazine, due to fees and restrictions. Practice frugality instead: Read more on Time Magazine »
"The news that Wal-Mart's going to cease cutting paper checks for employees who don't have direct deposit has prompted all sorts of reactions -- applause for reducing paper waste, debates over whether... Read more on San Francisco Chronicle »
Get your coupons now! Savings on groceries is a big deal these days, so don't be shy. Check the offerings, courtesy of Probargainhunter.com. Read more »
It's cheaper than ever now to take a little bit of home with you when you travel. Not literally, of course. But as The New York Times reports, the competition for those international calls is heating... Read more on The New York Times »
Forget about those trickle-down policies the big guys in Washington keep promising. Go with the bottom-up approach and take control of your environment. SmartMoney.com lists five ways to cut your energy... Read more on SmartMoney.com »
If the cost of living in your town is getting you down, vote with your feet! Forbes pulled together a list of the 100 cheapest cities in America. Better get going while the price is still right. Read more on Forbes »
If you're one of those folks who likes to stand in the shower forever but rues the cost of all that hot water, here's a device for you. A digital shower timer, says Frugal for Life blogspot, will help... Read more on Frugal for Life »
