Frugal Living

These are trying times in America's economy, specifically for those who are expected to receive Social Security benefits. To make the best of your benefits, it is important to make yourself aware...

Heating bills can take a huge chunk out of your monthly budget, especially if you live in a cold climate. For many people, one of the best ways to save a significant amount of money every month is...

Whether you're on a fixed income or whether you don't want a regular credit card because of the monthly payments, a reloadable debit card is good for these reasons. Unlike a regular credit card,...

Living on a tight budget can be challenging, but it does not have to mean the end of entertainment. As of 2009, as long as you have a computer with at least a 1Ghz Pentium class (PC) or Intel...

Selling your sterling silver flatware could hardly be easier, and there are a number of options. The time you place into finding a buyer will have much to do with the selling price. There are...

The Thank You Rewards program is offered by Citi Group and allows points to be accrued for purchases made with the Citi Group credit cards. Points are accrued at the average rate of two points for...

It's easy to get lulled into a TV-induced stupor with the dizzying number of cable channels and packages. Everything's fine until you get your monthly bill and realize you're throwing away money...

A recent study conducted by Coinstar, Inc. indicates that, on average, each American household contains approximately $90 worth of loose change. One reason that change often remains in those...

Being broke and living from paycheck to paycheck is no way to handle your finances; besides that, it is stressful and simply no fun. But saving money is not just for the rich. You can start right...

Do you recoil in shock every time the cashier rings up your order at the grocery store? Or, alternatively, do you live off a diet of noodles and doughnuts, only to find that you come down with a...

In a bad economy, many people turning to other sources to help survive. Food stamps have been an ongoing source of help for families and individuals in need of assistance. However, food stamps do...

Buying a house debt free means buying a house with no mortgage, credit card bills or anything else that you owe money for related to the cost of the house. It's hard work to become debt free, even...

The first coupon on record was given by the Coca-Cola Company in 1887, and provided a free sample of the beverage to customers. Since then companies have produced coupons for discounts off their...

We are all looking for ways to save money, especially when it comes to the grocery store and the gas pump. If you live near a Kroger supermarket, or one of its subsidiaries, such as Fry's, Ralph's...

In today's complex financial world, many savvy shoppers can no longer afford to assume they know which methods of global money transfer really offer the best deals. Constantly evolving...

If you have a taste for a large home with expansive grounds, you may think you need to be extremely affluent or be part of an old-money family. However, there are means for ordinary people to...

Internet printable coupons were once the rage. But electric coupons (e-coupons) that load directly onto your customer loyalty card are a newer invention in the coupon world. There are several...

Moving to a new state can be filled with uncertainty, stress and anxiety. You may need public assistance until you can get established. If you wish to apply for food stamps, there are some things...

Periods of depression and strife are hard on our bank balances and our mental health. Survival sometimes takes us back to the basics of living. Learning to cope by taking control of our lives...

Reducing the amount of heating oil that you use every winter is a good way to save hundreds of dollars every month. Most of the ways you can reduce your energy usage are very easy to implement,...

Membership cards are available from many retailers, airlines and credit card companies, as well as from other businesses and national organizations. These cards provide discounts, reward points...

Whether by necessity or extreme frugality, it is possible to eat healthy on $1 a day. To do so takes planning, ingenuity and a willingness to seek out food resources that you may not have...

A recession, credit crunch or depression can be prepared for only to an extent. By the time its approach becomes apparent, many of the tools for preparation have disappeared. You can modify...

Take the headache out of finding a perfect-sized box for shipping items by making your own shipping boxes. An appropriate-sized box protects the item you're shipping while reducing shipping costs...

The economic recession is hard on almost all household budgets. The more resources families receive the better they are able to meet their needs. Knowing where to turn for help can be confusing....

An OTC (over-the-counter) drug is one that can be sold without the need for a prescription. As over-the-counter drugs do not need a prescription, they are generally viewed as being safer than...

Roses come in different sizes and colors. Commonly given as gifts, they are a symbol of affection and love. Due to their popularity and beauty, they also can be very expensive. But inexpensive...

California ranks among the top three states in this country with the least affordable housing markets and highest cost of living. Inexpensive real estate and affordable housing are available; but...

There is no benefit to paying full retail price for an appliance you can get with only the slightest effort to negotiate. Some appliance stores will refuse to bargain. Others will bargain but with...

Manufacturers offer samples and trials of products and services for the cost of postage or entirely free of charge. Often a coupon to encourage the purchase of a full-sized product will accompany...

As a single mother, you may need assistance in paying monthly bills. Reaching out to state and local charitable agencies, such as your state's department of health and human services or the...

Sometimes, as a gift, people will give prepaid credit cards rather than gift certificates or cash. Prepaid cards with a store logo on them probably are gift cards that can be used to purchase...

Retailers make money because they can purchase large amounts of product at wholesale and then mark up the price for the consumer. But retailers aren't the only buyers who can purchase products at...

You work hard for your money, but there is little to go around. You've spotted that shiny new laptop computer you have always wanted, but you need financing. Thing is, you might be one of many who...

With more aging Americans finding it difficult to find affordable housing, subsidized housing assistance programs are experiencing longer waiting lists. In recent years, the demand has grown...

Women living in housing projects are usually not residing there because it is their first choice for a home. Typically, they have had a rough time in life. Poverty is always the primary reason why...

Everyone is feeling the cash crunch these days and more and more yard sales are popping up alongside roads. Not only is it a great idea to help clean up your basement, closets or shed, but you can...

If you have ever been online shopping and skipped a box during checkout that asks you to enter a promo code, you have been losing money. With the increase in online shopping and the downward...

The Section 8 rental voucher program helps low-income families obtain affordable housing by allowing them to rent from private parties. The voucher pays the landlord an amount determined by the...

People with bad credit or no credit often get used to paying up front for items rather than extending payments over several months with financing. Some retailers and websites offer high-cost...

The Food Stamp Program, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal program that provides assistance to individuals and families for the purchase of food. Clients may...

In tough economic times, many people find themselves in a housing crisis--either in danger of being evicted, or unable to find housing they can afford. There are both private and government...

Your diet is an important facet in your overall health, and it starts with your grocery shopping habits. Whether your finances mandate frugality, your diet requires healthy foods, or you're simply...

Food is one of life's necessities. Unfortunately, sometimes it's difficult to find adequate sustenance. Luckily, there are resources you can tap into to help you make ends meet during short-term...

When you read promotional documents, keep in mind several questions: What is being sold? Is it the product or an image? What will it do for me? What drawbacks are not being mentioned? Are any...

Thrift is often described as being a penny-pincher or, in another word, cheap. Not all who live frugally are cheapskates, though. Working to get the most for your dollar is increasingly popular in...

The power company supplies electricity to consumers through the electrical grid infrastructure. Various types of power plants produce electricity which flows through large cables at high voltages....

When difficult times arise and you need food, it is important to understand there are options available. Communities, counties and nonprofit organizations around the country are there for you....

Whether the economy is poor or good, whether or not you have a job, it is important to plan for the future by saving money now. If you consistently live beyond your income, you may find yourself...