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.

sick woman blowing nose while bundled under blanket.

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,
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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
DIY rice heating pack next to cup of coffee sitting on blanket with winter window

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
houseplants that improve quality of life

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
diy shaving cream recipe

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.
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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
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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
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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,
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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,
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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
alternatives to plastic wrap

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
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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
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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,
are seed oils bad for you sunflower oil with flower and seeds on wooden table

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
sleeping sheep tips for better sleep

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
caregiving resources female hand holding elderly female hand

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 care insurance alternatives wooden family with shield with checkmark security

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
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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
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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,
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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
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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

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 anti aging bundle

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
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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,
Food grade diatomaceous earth in the garden

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
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How to Bake the Perfect Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread: High-Rising & Soft

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 middle aged woman holding head in hands behind plant

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
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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
sun tea is it safe

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?
baking soda uses

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 recipe woman holding hair

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
crystallized honey glass bowl with beeswax in background

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
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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
chicken noodle soup recipe homemade

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.
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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
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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
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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
fearful woman looking out window

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,
A glass, with Hand sanitizer

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
a collage of makeup products from the drugstore

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
A couple of people that are standing in the grass

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
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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 woman

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
woman with beautiful long har best inexpensive conditioner

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
uses for used coffee grounds in the kitchen garden

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
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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
uses for pickle juice

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
food expiration date labels aluminum canned goods

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
A cat sitting on a chair

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
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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
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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
thankful wood cutout with blurry forest autumn background daily gratitude practice

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
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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.
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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.
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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,
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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
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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
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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
drugstore hair care products aisle

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
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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
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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
best inexpensive shampoo

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!
bad hair day adorable ugly dog with wild fur in grass

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
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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.
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Commercial Fabric Softeners are the Problem (Here is the Solution)

When it comes to doing laundry, most of us are prone to overkill. We want beautifully clean, brilliantly white, soft,
hydrogen peroxide uses

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
Healthcare cost concept using US Dollars with white medicine pills spilling from medicine bottle.

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
Stinky kitchen sponge

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
mature woman hands close-up using nail file for manicure at home.

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
Handsome man at dentist's office in clinic

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 kitchen faucet hand filling glass

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.
female hands with beautiful natural nails how to do a home manicure

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.
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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
eyeglasses woman holding out of focus

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?
generic vs name brand woman choosing between two cereals in grocery store aisle

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
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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
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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
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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