Living on a Budget

  • happy family hiking together in the beautiful rock formations of Arches National Park

    19 Money-Saving Tips for Visiting National Parks

    America’s National Park Service is more than 100 years old. Yellowstone was the very first national park, recognized by Congress in 1872. But the agency didn’t become official until President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act of 1916, in the…

  • group of school children studying in the classroom

    50 Tips for Back-to-School Savings

    Families plan to spend an average of $519 per student this year on back-to-school expenses for kindergarten through high school kids, according to an annual survey by Deloitte, and total spending is projected to reach nearly $28 billion for the…

  • kids lined up tp get on schoolbus

    25 Best Back-to-School Finds at Costco

    Don’t forget Costco when you’re tackling that back-to-school list: The warehouse club carries more school supplies than you might expect, with prices that are often lower than Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other major retailers — especially if you can divvy…

  • Women holding ice cream

    45 Everyday Freebies You Can Get Without Spending a Dime

    Freebies aren’t just for birthdays. Discover dozens of everyday items and services you can get for free, simply by showing up or signing up.

  • Regal Cinema

    16 Ways to Save Money at the Movies

    Cinema chains do a land-office business in the summer, when audiences seek an escape from the heat and the humdrum of daily life. But even this hideaway isn’t the cheap entertainment venue it once was. With the average ticket price…

  • couple paying bills together online

    7 Steps to Creating a Monthly Budget

    Maybe you’ve shelled out lots of money in account overdraft fees, you have debt that cries out for repayment, or you’re just stressed about making ends meet every month. Regardless, you need a budget. But where to start? Follow these…

  • rainbow over Hawaii

    20 Tips for Visiting Hawaii on a Budget

    The Hawaiian Islands aren’t exactly known as a budget destination. But that doesn’t mean visiting America’s 50th state has to cost a fortune. Like any other destination around the world,…

  • Easy Money

    43 Ways to Save Without Sacrificing in the New Year

    Did you see those end-of-year bank statements — or more importantly, the credit card tallies? Make 2019 the year you finally wise up. There are countless simple, tried-and-true ways to…

  • Happy woman holiday shopping and holding bags

    16 Strategies to Make the Most of Black Friday

    It’s no secret that Black Friday means long lines, crowded aisles, and general chaos. Everyone who plans to hit the stores come Black Friday should be prepared. Here are 16…

  • couple with Christmas presents and shopping bags in mall

    18 Ways to Save Money on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

    Black Friday and Cyber Monday are huge shopping days famous (or infamous depending on how you look at it), known for luring consumers with over-the-top bargains. But for some savvy…

  • Keep The Jingle In Your Pockets

    37 Things You Should Do to Save Money During the Holidays

    The holidays are a notoriously pricey time of the year. Between hosting holiday parties and buying gifts for everyone from coworkers to your loved ones, the spending can quickly add…

  • two kids looking at a science exhibit

    30 Fun Free Attractions for Kids Across the Country

    Nearly every parent relishes an opportunity to do something for free (or very cheaply) with their children. Given how much it costs to raise a child, especially if they pursue…

  • Outside view of a college campus

    25 College Scholarships That Are Easy to Apply For

    College in the U.S. can be expensive, and applying for college scholarships is no easy task. The process often requires some combination of lengthy essays, documentation of academic achievement, and…

  • family walking towards beach

    38 Cheap Last-Minute Labor Day Destinations

    It may be a well-known fact that holidays are a more expensive time to travel, but that doesn’t mean enjoying one last hurrah to close out summer is out of…

  • tax free stamp

    When to Shop Tax-Free in 12 States

    Summer vacation may still be in full swing, but for residents of states offering tax-free shopping days, it pays to get into a back-to-school state of mind. Shopping during designated…

  • People putting coins into a piggy bank

    30 Things You Can Share to Save Money

    From Airbnb to Uber, the “sharing economy” is a hot topic. Although much of the attention is on networks of strangers renting residences and rides, there’s more than one way to…

  • happy couple with boxes moving into new home apartment

    Moving Soon? 22 Ways to Save Money and Reduce Stress

    There are few things in life more stressful and fraught with potential nightmares than moving. As the amount of stuff that must be packed and hauled expands, so do the…

  • inside farmer's market

    Eat Seasonal and Save: When to Buy Fresh Produce Year-Round

    Consumers who buy produce during its growing season get the freshest ingredients, best flavor, most nutrition, and lowest prices. Supporting local farmers also helps nurture a healthy agricultural community nationwide.…