One of the things I struggled with the most while planning my wedding was registering for gifts. My fiancée and I are both past 30. We have a stocked kitchen. Our home lacks for nothing, really. Then there is the issue of space. We already live in a small space and don't have much room for more … [Read more...] about What to include in a minimalist wedding registry
Shopping
30-plus discounts teachers can use all year long
Teachers are rarely paid what they're worth. As a result, many businesses offer discounts to educators year-round. Teachers can get a percentage off the regular price, when they buy books and decorating supplies for their classroom, work clothes and more. Plus, since they can only vacation during … [Read more...] about 30-plus discounts teachers can use all year long
Great gifts for organic gardeners
Home gardening is a popular pastime across the country. Here are our gift ideas, especially for those who practice vegetable gardening and organic home gardening. We’ve selected the best gardening gift ideas costing $25 or less (prices accurate at the time of publication). Our gift ideas … [Read more...] about Great gifts for organic gardeners
14 frugal ways to save money on laundry
Many things about doing laundry have changed over the years, from high-efficiency washers to highly concentrated laundry detergent. What remains the same is that you can waste plenty of money washing your clothes if you’re not paying attention. If you want to save money on laundry, you need to make … [Read more...] about 14 frugal ways to save money on laundry
DIY spa day gift basket
What do you get the woman who has everything – or the woman you don’t know very well? A spa day gift basket is an easy gift because everyone likes to be pampered. Tired moms, overworked teachers and dedicated friends all deserve some me time and the opportunity to relax and indulge in self … [Read more...] about DIY spa day gift basket
Gift ideas for teachers that will earn you an A+
Do you have a child in school? Whether you have a preschooler, elementary school student, middle schooler, or high school student, you likely are thinking about getting end-of-year or Christmas gifts for your child's teachers. But what are the best gift ideas that teachers will love and won't break … [Read more...] about Gift ideas for teachers that will earn you an A+
Online yard sales, beyond Craigslist
It's always fun to get new stuff, and even better if you can get what you need for free or at bargain-basement prices. Personally, I also like getting rid of stuff I no longer need. I find I'm more productive and more relaxed in a less-cluttered environment, but I hate creating more garbage. … [Read more...] about Online yard sales, beyond Craigslist
What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
This annual Mother's Day or Christmas or birthday conversation is so predictable it's aggravating: “Mom, what can I get you?” "Oh, I don't need anything!" She means it. Most mothers really don’t need anything. But handing her an overpriced store-bought card and saying “Thank you for being my … [Read more...] about What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
10 ways to save money shopping for clothes
Admit it — you love shopping for clothes. You love going to the mall and browsing the racks of new skirts and shirts at stores like Gap, Banana Republic and Talbots. You spend evenings online, browsing the latest fashions. But you're not rolling in dough. How can you buy a lot of clothes with … [Read more...] about 10 ways to save money shopping for clothes
How to save money on gas
Prices at the grocery store and at the gas pump are two of the most common ways people gauge the cost of living. You don't need to wait for the government to release inflation statistics when you can see the price of a single cucumber go up to 60 cents or watch the digits keep rolling past on the … [Read more...] about How to save money on gas
How to start a minimalist wardrobe
Brent moved in recently, and can I just say? The boy has a lot of stuff. Holy cow. In fact, I think he has more clothes than I do. Which is fine, because I really don’t have very many clothes. I teased him a little about it, and he got rid of a few more shirts, but the fact of the matter is, I … [Read more...] about How to start a minimalist wardrobe
Procter & Gamble offers up to $30 rebate on products you use every day
Smart shoppers everywhere are scrambling to find savings at every store — whether it's a weekly sale, coupon or rebate. Nowadays, it's harder to find big discounts on many products, but especially for those household essentials you use every day. Thankfully, Procter & Gamble is offering … [Read more...] about Procter & Gamble offers up to $30 rebate on products you use every day
5 things to consider when buying a used lawn mower
One of my readers, Amanda, recently moved into her first home with a yard and grass that needs cutting. "It's huge," she told me, "and I don't know what to do. Is it OK to buy a used lawn mower or does it have to be new?" That's a great question. Whether your old lawn mower has finally called it … [Read more...] about 5 things to consider when buying a used lawn mower
12 ways to save more money, starting now
We hear all the time about how people cannot save any money anymore. The U.S. savings rate has traditionally been abysmal, though it surged to historic levels during the pandemic. In normal times, though, whether it’s by habit, convenience or lack of priorities, many people have a mindset that … [Read more...] about 12 ways to save more money, starting now
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?