Most parents do not relish back-to-school clothes shopping. The crowds and the cost create a less-than-enjoyable experience. I can’t fix the crowds, but I can help with the cost. Last year, I outfitted my two kids for the school year for less than $100 each. Considering many items … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save on kids’ back-to-school clothes
Shopping
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?
7 great (and cheap) baby shower gifts
If you have lots of friends and family members having babies, you’ve probably realized that the cost of baby shower gifts can quickly add up, especially if you’re opting to give cute designer baby duds. However, baby gifts don’t necessarily have to break the bank. No etiquette rule says you … [Read more...] about 7 great (and cheap) baby shower gifts
Find consignment sales to help you save on kids’ stuff
Consignment sales offer a great way to save money on kids' clothes, toys, nursery items and maternity wear, and they're springing up all over the country. Seasonal consignment sales are increasingly popular as a way to replenish the kids' closets with gently used, good quality children's … [Read more...] about Find consignment sales to help you save on kids’ stuff
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
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
How to save money on food without using coupons
Groceries for a family of four with young children cost an average of about $1,100 a month in the first half of 2022, not including takeout and restaurant meals, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s a big chunk of change. But there are ways to spend less on food and still … [Read more...] about How to save money on food without using coupons
16 life hacks using pool noodles and other summer clearance items
The bargainista part of me just loves all those end-of-season sales. I get bargain-priced holiday wrap, Halloween decorations and more. Summer's end brings similar deals — you know what I mean if you've ever walked through the pool/outdoor area of any Target, Walmart, Christmas Tree Shop, … [Read more...] about 16 life hacks using pool noodles and other summer clearance items
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
Easy ways to save on school supplies
It's the most exciting time of the year for bargain shoppers who have kids in school (or for anyone who likes cheap office supplies). For some people, school supply shopping is a big, fun, traditional spending spree. It was for my mom and me. But I’ve made this time of year into a big, fun, … [Read more...] about Easy ways to save on school supplies
Send your new college student out shopping with these tips
It's finally time to send your first child off to college. The stores are starting to bombard you with tons of off-to-college sales, and you find yourself getting sidetracked and sucked in by all of the offers. You can't help thinking that your best bet is to buy her everything she might … [Read more...] about Send your new college student out shopping with these tips
When cheap school supplies aren’t a good deal
Bargain shopping is always a good thing, but there is a difference between living on the cheap and buying cheap things. Living on the cheap means living well on less money, not living with poor quality things that don't perform. When you're buying school supplies and office supplies, it’s important … [Read more...] about When cheap school supplies aren’t a good deal
Can Costco membership save you money?
Many people seem to have a love-it-or-hate-it attitude toward warehouse stores, but I am a proud card-carrying Costco member because it does save me money. Here's how I save money at Costco and avoid the (expensive) pitfall of overspending on bulk goods. With only two in our household, we … [Read more...] about Can Costco membership save you money?
Ibotta offers savings on 69 popular back-to-school items
Back-to-school is around the corner and that means one thing for lots of families: Getting ready for the new school year. It's time to start shopping for savings on school supplies and other essentials. And, thanks to Ibotta, families can enjoy rebates on several popular items needed for … [Read more...] about Ibotta offers savings on 69 popular back-to-school items
College students: Get an extra 25% off local Groupons
College students, you probably know about Amazon Prime Student, where you can get six months of Amazon Prime for free, and then a 50% off discounted rate thereafter. But did you know that you can get a 25% discount on local Groupons? There's no cost to sign up. You just have to verify that … [Read more...] about College students: Get an extra 25% off local Groupons