Best Sound Machine for Better Sleep: 3 Honest Picks
A quality sound machine improves sleep more than most $200 sleep products, and costs less than $40. Here's what actually
Health and Beauty
Whether you want to look good or just to feel better, reaching your beauty goals traditionally comes at a significant cost. But not if you’re a dedicated cheapskate! While medications and beauty products you use must be safe, there’s no reason that you have to pay exorbitant prices to ensure such quality.
Here are some fascinating and functional tips for saving time and stretching costs on skin and hair products, straight from our most popular posts: Best Inexpensive Skin Care Products, Stop Making These 5 Costly Hair Mistakes, and The Costly Mistakes You Make with Your Choice of Shampoo.
The Best Inexpensive Air Purifiers for Small Homes
A good air purifier costs $100 to $150 — not the $400 to $600 the premium brands charge. Here's what
How to Negotiate Medical Bills and Cut Costs 30-50%
A medical bill isn't an invoice — it's an opening offer. Hospitals and providers routinely reduce bills by 30 to
DIY After-Sun Spray That Cools and Soothes Skin
Sunburn happens, even with the best sunscreen routine. Skip the $14 drugstore gel and make a cooling, soothing spray with
Homemade Eyeglass Lens Cleaner: 3 Simple Ingredients
Smudges. They’re everywhere. Your phone screen. Your laptop. Your glasses. If you wear specs, you already know: the moment you
Skip the DEET: Make This Mosquito Spray Tonight
A simple homemade mosquito spray using witch hazel and a few essential oils — cheap, easy, and surprisingly effective for
How to Do Laundry When Someone in Your Home Is Sick
When someone in your house gets sick, laundry quietly moves from a routine chore to a health decision. Sheets, towels,
10 Everyday Beauty & Self-Care Tricks That Cost Almost Nothing
Looking great doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These clever, practical beauty and care tips—from deep-conditioning with mayo to fixing
Warm Hands, Warm Heart, and a $2 DIY Rice Pack
When the chill sneaks in and your fingers feel like popsicles, skip the pricey store-bought heat packs. A $2 DIY
10 Houseplants That Improve Your Quality of Life
Looking for houseplants that improve quality of life? They’re not just for people with a green thumb. These easygoing plants
Are Microplastics Hiding in Your Home? Easy Fixes Inside
Microplastics aren’t just floating in the ocean—they’re in our kitchens, closets, and dust bunnies. Here’s a simple, frugal guide to
Why You’ll Never Buy Shaving Cream Again After This
Store-bought shaving cream? Overpriced and packed with questionable ingredients. Homemade DIY shaving cream? Luxurious, skin-loving, and surprisingly easy to make.
How to Get Better Sleep Without Spending a Fortune
Sleep is not a luxury—it’s essential. You don’t need a £150,000 soccer-club mattress to sleep like a champion. With a
How to Get Rid of Dust Mites and Breathe Cleaner Air
You can’t see them, but they’re everywhere—dust mites, the tiny freeloaders living in your mattress, carpet, and favorite recliner. Here’s
Cheap Sunscreen, Priceless Skin: What Works and What Doesn’t
Not all sunscreens are created equal—but you don’t have to spend a fortune to protect your skin. Here’s what works,
Frugal Fixes for Aging Skin and Hair (That Don’t Involve a Second Mortgage)
Caring for aging skin and hair doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. This practical guide offers frugal,
No AC? No Problem: Smart, Frugal Ways to Stay Cool at Home
When summer heat rolls in, staying cool without air conditioning can feel impossible. But with a few smart strategies and
How to Break the Plastic Wrap Habit in Your Kitchen (and What to Use Instead)
Tired of wrestling with plastic wrap that sticks to everything except what you want it to? You're not alone. In
Six Ways to Cut Health Care Costs
Health insurance isn’t exactly dinner party conversation—but if you’ve opened a bill lately, you know it should be. Between rising
21 Ways to Use Vaseline That Will Amaze You (Who Knew?!)
If you’ve ever bought a jar of Vaseline, chances are it’s still lurking in the back of your bathroom cabinet,
Healthy Fats for Cooking: The Truth About Seed Oils
When it comes to cooking oils, the options are plentiful, but the debate over seed oils has been heating up
Can’t Fall Asleep? Try These 10 No-Cost Tricks—No Sheep Required!
Sleep—where do you go when you can’t fall asleep, but need it the most? You don’t need expensive gadgets or
12 Essential Caregiver Resources: Tips for Eldercare Planning
Caregiving can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating an uncertain future. Having trusted caregiver resources is key to managing the
Affordable Health Insurance Alternatives for Families After Job Loss
Losing health insurance can feel like the rug being pulled out from under you. When COBRA’s sky-high costs aren’t an
Smile More, Spend Less: The Secret to Affordable Dental Care
Affordable dental care doesn’t mean cutting corners—it’s about building consistent and smart habits. By maintaining a regular routine, you can
Why Chair Yoga Might Change Your Exercise Routine
Chair yoga has quietly become one of the most practical ways to stay active, especially if traditional workouts feel intimidating,
Eat Well, Save More: Healthy Eating on a Budget
What if I told you that eating well doesn’t have to come with a high price tag? The idea that
Simple Lifestyle Changes to Lower Healthcare Costs and Boost Your Health
We all know healthcare costs can be overwhelming, but what if I told you there’s a way to lower them
How to Make the Perfect Avocado Toast with a Fried Egg
Looking for a breakfast that’s both indulgent and healthy? This avocado toast recipe might just be the answer. This dish
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2024: Your Guide to the Best Discounts
Deals last updated: October 8, 2024 • 11:35 am Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are here, and this two-day event
Cetaphil’s New Anti-Aging Collection: A Review
Say goodbye to pricey serums and creams and hello to Cetaphil's Healthy Renew collection. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore
Be Brave and Save… on Haircuts!
If you or someone in your family could use a haircut but you’re a little short on cash this month,
14 Genius Uses for Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth—from Health and Beauty to Home and Garden
Diatomaceous earth is an inexpensive, readily available powder made from the sediment of algae that has been fossilized in bodies
Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread Recipe That Actually Rises
If you bake gluten-free for yourself or others, you have likely attempted to bake soft, airy, sandwich-worthy bread. And your
How to Stop People Pleasing: 3 Simple, Healthy Steps
Have you ever found yourself saying “yes” when you really wanted to scream “no”? The truth is, many of us
Best Place to Buy Eyeglasses Online and In-Store
There are a number of ways to buy eyeglasses, including from local opticians, independent optometrists, optical departments in big-box retailers,
7 Brilliant Ways to Use Fresh Cranberries All Year Long
Fresh cranberries are available in supermarkets and grocery stores from October thru December—a very short season! Stock up on fresh
8 Surprising Benefits of Decorating with Houseplants for a Healthier, Happier Home
Experts call it "interior landscaping" and it's becoming increasingly popular not only in homes but in offices and other commercial
How to Make Sun Tea So It is Bacteria-Free and Safe to Drink
There’s something nostalgic about a big glass jar of tea steeping in the sun—it just feels like summer, doesn’t it?
40 Surprising Uses for Baking Soda Readers Swear By
You'll find it in small boxes in the supermarket aisle next to flour, sugar, and cake mixes. It comes in
DIY Dry Shampoo That Works – No Harsh Chemicals!
Listen, we've all gone a few too many days between shampoos. Some of us frequently rely on a good dry
How to Fix Crystallized Honey (and the Best Way to Store It)
It's discouraging when you reach for the honey, only to discover it is no longer a smooth liquid, but all
8 Ways to Stop Glasses Fogging Up
If you wear eyeglasses, I’ll bet you’ve encountered a most annoying problem while wearing a mask—glasses fogging up. That makes
Does Chicken Soup Really Heal? Science Says Yes
How to make simple, rich, hearty, healthy and flavorful chicken soup in about 50 minutes—from scratch!—start to finish.
5 Easy DIY Body Scrub Recipes Using Pantry Ingredients
Skincare professionals out there recommends exfoliating to keep our skin looking vibrant and healthy. While there are plenty of pricey
Your Phone Is Filthy! Here’s the Fix That Works
I don't mean to gross you out, but here's the truth: It's 10 times dirtier than a toilet—and you're touching
DIY Disinfecting Wipes: Easy, Effective, and Chemical-Free
To prevent the transmission of the virus, pandemic experts are saying that we must ensure that our hands are free
How to Keep Calm and Carry On
Life is uncertain. We know that. What we don't want to admit is how quickly uncertainty can morph into fear,
Can’t Get Your Hands on Hand Sanitizer? Make Your Own
My mailbox has filled up the past couple of days with letters from readers who find themselves on the verge
Best Inexpensive Makeup to Replace M.A.C. Favorites
Overall, I figure that I’ve cut the cost of makeup by more than 60%—without sacrifice—by switching to what I consider
How to Improve Your Life: Join a Group!
Joining a group is one of the best ways to reduce stress. A church, athletic team, or support group—anything that
Why Your New Year’s Resolutions Fail (And How to Make Them Stick)
More than half of Americans, reportedly, make New Year’s resolutions. And 88 percent of those resolutions end in failure, according
DIY Teeth Whitening at Home Using Everyday Items
What's the one thing most of us want to change about our smiles? It's the whiteness of our teeth. DIY
How to Choose the Best Inexpensive Conditioner
Hair conditioners fall into general categories according to what they do and the problems they solve. Using the wrong product for
16 Used Coffee Grounds Uses You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
If you love your morning cup of Joe, it's a pretty good bet you're throwing out spent coffee grounds on
How to Make Your Own Powdered Laundry Detergent
Store-bought laundry detergent can be pricey and full of chemicals you can’t even pronounce. But what if I told you
21 Smart Uses for Pickle Juice You’ll Wish You Knew
A friend asked if she could borrow some pickle juice. Huh? Who keeps pickle juice? The purpose of pickle juice
Understanding Food Expiration Date Labels Made Simple
No doubt, you've noticed that some food products come with dates and codes printed on them. Does that mean it
11 Everyday Uses for Nok-Out—the World’s Best Odor Eliminator
I’ve used Nok-Out and now its companion SNiPER continuously in my home for longer than 20 years, and have recommended
20 Surprisingly Effective Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar
It makes a terrific vinaigrette for salad, but apple cider vinegar (ACV) is good in many other ways around the
Are These 5 Hair Mistakes Ruining Your Look and Your Wallet?
No one knows your hair better than you do. But is it possible that in your efforts to keep it
How to Make Gratitude a Habit, Not Just a Holiday
Choose to be grateful today—and every day—for all that you have. Gratitude will fill your heart with contentment. And best
DIY Spa Day at Home: 6 Easy Treatments to Pamper Yourself
If you don’t happen to have an extra hundred bucks to enjoy a day at the spa, don’t sweat it.
Castile Soap Cleaning Recipes for Every Room
From time to time, I hear from readers who have sensitivities or allergies to our beloved Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid.
Eyeglass Cleaning Guide: Best and Worst Methods for Crystal Clear Lenses
You just paid a small fortune for new eyeglasses. On top of the cost for prescription lenses and fashionable frames,
A Most Unusual Frugal Use for Blue Dawn Dishwashing Liquid
There are days when I open up my mailbag and have to sit down because I'm laughing so hard. Some
Three Apples a Day: A Delicious Way to Promote Weight Loss
Now, while apples are plentiful and super affordable, it's a good time to save some dough. And you'll be saving
Lost Your Perspective? Here’s How to Get It Back
When life sideswipes you—job loss, financial setbacks, or just the general chaos of the world—it’s easy to lose perspective. I’ve
Best Drugstore Hair Products—Superior Quality, Super Affordable
From time to time I see these products at stores like Walgreens, King Soopers, Target, Walmart, but never all of
19 Practical Epsom Salt Uses for Home & Health
I can recall vividly—and count on one hand—the migraine headaches I’ve had in my life, all of them before age
Dermatologist-Approved Skincare: The Best Drugstore Products You Can Buy Today
If the high-price of quality skincare is enough to give you a rash, good news. You don't have to spend
Understanding Shampoo: Choosing Quality on a Budget
There are lots of myths out there about shampoo and hair care—and here's the truth to counteract them!
How to Survive a Bad Hair Day: Tips, Tricks, & Product Recommendations
There’s nothing like a bad haircut to turn your world upside down. Whether it’s too short, too thin, or just
How Wool Dryer Balls Really Work to Save Money and Protect Family Health
A previous post, on why laundry softening products are a real problem continues to strike a chord with thousands of readers.
Fabric Softener Is Wrecking Your Laundry. Here’s What Actually Works.
When it comes to doing laundry, most of us are prone to overkill. We want beautifully clean, brilliantly white, soft,
28 Remarkable Hydrogen Peroxide Uses for Cleaning Every Corner of Your Home
In today's post I've identified 20 ways to use hydrogen peroxide around the house. Something tells me I may have
8 Easy Ways to Slash the High Cost of Prescription Drugs in 2024
If you haven't heard, you'd better sit down for this: The cost of prescription drugs is increasing at more than
Feeling Overwhelmed? Try This 30-Day Reset
To say that I am impressionable would be to put it mildly. And when I say impressionable I mean prone
Ask Me Anything: Smelly Sponges, Linx Stick Vac, Wood Cleaner, Kids’ Savings Accounts and More
Once again, it’s time to reach into my inbox and pull out a handful of questions from you my dear
How to Break the Acrylic Nail Habit and Help Your Nails Recover Beautifully
Anyone who's ever had acrylic nails knows that they absolutely ravage your natural nails if removed incorrectly or worn for
Put a Beautiful Smile on Your Face with a Dental Savings Plan
Dental Savings Plans are membership plans, similar to the way a person becomes a member of Costco, pays an annual
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink? What You Need to Know
These days, a trip to the grocery store requires nerves of steel. The cost of everything, it seems, is soaring.
How to Do a Home Manicure Like a Pro (No Salon Needed!)
I’ll be honest—I used to drop a small fortune on salon manicures, thinking I was investing in strong, beautiful nails.
Think You Can’t Eat Healthy on a Budget? Sure You Can!
I could almost feel the panic in Barbara’s message. It seems that her teenage son has taken up bodybuilding and
How to Buy Prescription Glasses Online (and Save a Ton!)
Honestly? When I first heard about ordering prescription eyeglasses online, I scoffed. I rolled my eyes. What next? Mail order surgery?
6 Winners in the Generic vs. Name-Brand Showdown
The truth is that generics are often a great buy because the quality of the product is exactly equal or
Healthy Muffins for Breakfast: Start Your Day Right with These Easy Recipes
Mom was right. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You cannot afford to miss it for many
The Best Homemade Gluten-Free Muffins
I thought this matter of gluten-free was pretty solid—that some people are truly allergic to gluten, others have celiac disease
A Quick, Easy, Legit Way to Cut Prescription Drug Costs
In this post I want to tell you about a shocking encounter I had with my friendly neighborhood pharmacy that