Frugal Living - The Laughing Wallet Blog

Feb 22, A Rate Sleuth Making Rental Car Companies Squirm

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:18:45 GMT

Most of us don't have to rent cars very often, which is a good thing since car rental is an expense that can add up quickly. But if you need to rent a vehicle, New York Times columnist Ron Lieber has found a website that can help you find the best deal, and if it finds a better one after you've booked through the site, it will even automatically rebook you.

Feb 18, 12 Times That Being Cheap Will Cost You

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:25:49 GMT

Some people confuse "frugal" with "cheap." Frugal is not just about avoiding spending - it's also about knowing how to spend wisely. There are times that spending smart will save you money in the long run, and times that avoiding an expense can lead to a bigger one. Yahoo Finance looks at 12 times when being cheap can cost you.

Feb 15, Groupon Getaways can help you get away for a deal

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:46:23 GMT

We recently talked about the importance of planning ahead for getting the best travel deals. Did you know that you can also get significant discounts on travel from one of your favorite coupon sites for restaurants and services? Groupon Getaways is the travel section of Laughing Wallet's favorite social-buying site, Groupon, and it advertises discounts as much as 50 percent at hotels around the world. A couple of caveats, though, before you hit the "buy" button: hotel deals can come with a a lot more restrictions than restaurants. There can be blackout dates, high taxes and extra charges, such as cleaning fees, that are not included in the Groupon price. So be sure and check out the fine print and run the numbers. Also, some deals are better than others. Some deals offered on Groupon can be found elsewhere as well, sometimes even on hotels' own sites. But travel writers have reported finding some good discounts among the Groupon Getaways offers. So do your research, and only if all the details work with your plans and budget, grab a Groupon and get away!

Feb 12, Valentine's Day doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:26:21 GMT

Valentine's Day is almost here, and while some thrifty mavens don't believe in spending on a "Hallmark holiday," there are some romantic frugalistas out there who want the full Cupid treatment with a side of savings. The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal's Savvy Shopper, Rachel Hardy, tells you how to get all the traditional Valentine's Day sweets and treats without breaking your budget.

Feb 6, File your taxes for free or at a discount

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:31:54 GMT

You can't avoid paying taxes, but you may be able to avoid paying to file your tax return. A number of companies help taxpayers file their federal returns online for free if they meet certain requirements. The IRS has a Free File page to help you find out if you meet the requirements and help you choose a participating Free File company. If you don't qualify for a free program, there are several services that help taxpayers prepare and file their taxes for a discounted rate compared with some of the more well-known services. One that Laughing Wallet has used with success is CitizenTax. This easy-to-use site charges flat rates for tax return preparation and e-filing, from $19.99 to $29.99, depending on whether you're preparing a federal return, state return or both.

Feb 3, Free onion rings at Burger King Feb. 4 and 5

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:24:34 GMT

Want to try Burger King's new onion rings for free? Well, this weekend is your chance! This Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 4 and 5, everyone who visits a participating Burger King restaurant can get a free value size order of onion rings, while supplies last, no purchase necessary. Now, that sounds like having it the Laughing Wallet way - free!

Jan 31, 9 Things You Shouldn't Buy at Grocery Stores

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:32:41 GMT

Most grocery stores carry a variety of items that make them convenient one-stop shops. You have to stop for bread and eggs, so why not grab some light bulbs while you're there? But you may pay a premium on some things for that convenience. U.S. News and World Report lists nine items you're better off buying elsewhere.

Jan 27, Cheapest Weekends to Travel in 2012

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:26:26 GMT

Last time, we shared with you some cheap travel destinations ideas for 2012. So, now you know where to go. This time we help you decide when to go! Yahoo Travel reveals which weekends will likely be the cheapest for airfare this year.

Jan 23, Cheap-But-Fun Travel Destinations for 2012

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:28:47 GMT

With the holidays barely over, you might not be thinking about vacations for 2012 yet. But one of the things Laughing Wallet suggests on our Frugal Travel page is planning ahead. Planning early allows you to get deals and save up for your trip. So, check out some cheap-but-fun destination ideas from Money Talks, then start your travel planning!

Jan 16, Several tax services offering free support

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:21:58 GMT

Tax season officially kicks off on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012, the first day the IRS will accept tax forms. Forbes magazine reports that a number of professional tax services are offering free help for tax filers this year, including in-person assistance for simple tax returns from Jackson Hewitt and H&R Block at some Wal-Mart stores.

Jan 10, 8 Things You Shouldn't Buy in the Winter

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:13:59 GMT

Most shoppers know that prices for some items are seasonal. It probably won't surprise you, for instance, that bathing suits are cheaper in December than in June. But not all seasonal prices are that obvious. As part of its Financially Fit Fit series, Yahoo reveals eight items that you should not buy in the winter if you want to get the best deals, and some might surprise you.

Jan 7, Fee-Free ATMs May Be Coming to Your City, but Get Ready for Ads While You Wait

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:03:51 GMT

An ATM company in New York City has come up with an innovative way to provide fee-free automatic teller machine service. Instead paying a fee to use the company's ATMs, users watch ads while the machine completes their transaction. The machines are proving popular, and the company plans to expand into other cities around the country. Before you hand over your card, though, be aware of your bank's policies for using an ATM not operated by the bank. Most charge a fee for this service.

Jan 2, Blog tips readers off to free and cheap e-books

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:54:27 GMT

If you have a Kindle or Nook e-reader, and you haven't found Pixel of Ink, you may be missing out on free and bargain books. Pixel of Ink is a blog that publishes daily listings of free and reduced price books for the two popular e-readers, as well as bargain accessories. The site also has sister sites that find bargains specifically for children's and Christian e-books.

Dec 29, Health overhaul says free preventive care, but it pays to ask doc first

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:30:53 GMT

Thanks to recently enacted health care reform, many preventive health services are now free - or at least they're supposed to be. There are loopholes that a number of insurance companies and doctors are using to turn free services into expensive ones that patients must pay out of pocket.

Dec 21, How to Pick the Best Wholesale Club

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:34:42 GMT

Have you thought about joining a wholesale club, but weren't sure which one was best, or if there's even a difference? Money Talks compared Sam's, Costco and BJ's, and there are a few differences between the three. After you decide which warehouse club you want to join, visit my Wholesale Clubs page for tips on how to save the most money when you shop at one.

Dec 15, Free Fries at Burger King, Friday, Dec. 16

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:20:25 GMT

To celebrate the launch of its new thick-cut french fries, Burger King is offering a free "value size" serving of the new fries to customers on Friday, December 16.

Dec 11, Free Christmas music from Amazon

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:29:54 GMT

Amazon.com is once again conducting its 25 Days of Free Holiday Music promotion. Every day in December until Christmas Day, the site unveils a new holiday-themed song available for free download. Artists range from Celtic Woman to Twisted Sister.

Dec 8, Free Shipping Day is Friday, Dec. 16

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:26:16 GMT

If you haven't finished your holiday shopping yet, it's not too late to enjoy the convenience of online shopping AND save a few bucks. About 1,700 online merchants are participating this year in the fourth annual Free Shipping Day, on Friday, December 16, offering free shipping on purchases with delivery by Christmas Eve in the contiguous United States.

Dec 3, Some retailers offer gift cards with purchases

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:10:41 GMT

Holiday shopping is well under way, and several retailers are offering consumers what amounts to a rebate on their purchases. DealNews has put together a list of retailers and credit card companies offering shoppers gift cards when they make specified purchases.

Nov 25, Confessions Of A Hairdresser: How To Save Money

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:28:15 GMT

A Minneapolis hairdresser reveals what the most expensive salon service is and how to save money, from cuts to services and products.

Nov 20, Amazon Prime free one-month trial

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:44:18 GMT

If you order a lot of stuff online (and that can be a great way to save money), Amazon.com's "Amazon Prime" program can be a valuable service. For $79 a year, you get free two-day shipping on many items, unlimited streaming of movies and TV and a free Kindle book rental every month. If your annual shipping fees add up to more than $79, the service is a deal! Not sure you shop online enough to justify the fee? Test it out with a free one-month trial of the service. If it's not for you, just cancel any time before your free trial ends, and you won't be upgraded to a paid membership (which will happen automatically if you don't cancel). With the holiday season upon us, now is the perfect time to give it a test drive!

Nov 14, Dollar Store Holiday Savings: Is it a Bargain or a Bust?

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:15:23 GMT

One way of cutting your holiday costs may be to do some of your shopping at dollar stores. But be careful what you buy there. Iowa reporter Jillian Petrus lists which dollar stores items are a bargain, and which ones aren't worth your dollar.

Nov 9, Kiplinger's "Fabulous Freebies" List

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:13:34 GMT

If free is wrong, I don't want to be right! So, you know I was excited when I found Kiplinger's "Fabulous Freebies 2011" list. It's a list of places to find free things in 31 different categories - from free food to free legal advice. Bookmark the list, and don't forget about the Laughing Wallet page about how to Get Free Stuff!

Nov 2, Make Extra Cash by Renting Out Your Stuff.

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:18:47 GMT

Most of us know it's economical to rent rather than buy items that you rarely use - like, say, a carpet shampooer. But have you ever thought of being on the other side of that equation? How about renting out the carpet shampooer you got for your wedding? You'd be surprised how many of the items you have sitting around collecting dust can make you money - and which items some people will rent if you're willing to let them!

Oct 28, 10 Simple Ways To Winterize Your Home

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:28:27 GMT

Cooler temperatures have arrived across the country. In fact, some areas of the country have already had their first snow of the season! Before it gets too cold, though, be sure to winterize your home to save money on energy costs. Check out 10 tips from Business Insider for winterizing your home cheaply, then visit my Frugal Energy page for more energy-saving tips.

Oct 24, Layaway returns to major retail stores

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:32:48 GMT

Before credit cards became the go-to way of buying something you didn't have the cash for, many people relied on store layaway programs. Layaway fell away, but with the changes in the economy and the way some consumers manage their finances, layaway is back. The programs have advantages and can be thriftier than buying on credit, but be sure you know the fine print for any program you want to use since most layaway plans have at least some fees and restrictions.

Oct 19, Wendy's Jr. Frosty Halloween Coupon Books for $1

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:10:03 GMT

Select Wendy's restaurants are offering a great promotion right now - a book of five coupons, each for a FREE Jr. Frosty, for just $1! If you don't give out a ton of candy to Trick-or-Treaters, the coupons could be a good alternative to buying bags of candy you'll be stuck with after Halloween, or you can just use them yourself! The coupons are valid from 11/1/11-2/1/12 and 90 percent of the proceeds go to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Note that they're not available at all Wendy's restaurants, so check with your local outlet before you make a special trip.

Oct 11, The Benefits of Buying Virtually Everything Used

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:37:23 GMT

Laughing Wallet is a big believer in buying things used. From cars to clothes, you'll always pay more for the privilege of being an item's first owner. But most of the time, no one but you will know or care if you're the first! Time magazine agrees that buying used isn't just for the eccentric or fiscally challenged. Read Time's article, "The Benefits of Buying Virtually Everything Used," then come back to Laughing Wallet for tips on Buying Used!

Oct 5, Website finds sales in your area

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:17:17 GMT

If you don't like to pay full price for things, but you also don't like to spend your time clipping coupons or pouring over sales circulars, SaleLocator.com might be the website for you. The site, launched earlier this year, publishes in-store sale information for stores nationwide. Simply enter in your ZIP code and what you want to buy, and the search engine will tell you where that item is on sale in your area.

Sep 30, The Frugal ‘New Normal’ Has Become the Norm

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 02:53:05 GMT

A new survey by TIME and Money magazines has found that frugal living has become the norm in America, and with most Americans pessimistic about the economy's prospects, the nation's new thrifty habits aren't likely to end anytime soon.

Sep 25, Get Free Stuff

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 15:53:27 GMT

At Laughing Wallet, we *love* free stuff. There's just no more frugal word than "free!" And we've discovered a few great resources for picking up neat swag without spending a dime. Check out my new page, Get Free Stuff to see where the Laughing Wallet picks up free swag, and to share your own tips for getting stuff without spending.

Sep 21, Consumer Reports Offers Tips For Lowering Healthcare Costs

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:26:27 GMT

Health care can be one of your heftiest expenses, even if you have insurance, and you may feel like there's little you can do about the cost. But did you know that you can negotiate prices with doctors, hospitals and healthcare providers? Consumer Reports explains how and when to negotiate with providers.

Sep 15, Couples' cash: managing money and marriage

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:24:13 GMT

Of all the stressors on a marriage, money is at the top of the heap. If you're trying to be more frugal, but your spouse isn't on board with your thrifty ways, not only will your efforts be undermined, but you may find your relationship strained as well. Nancy Mann Jackson of Bankrate, Inc. suggests five things you can do as a couple to work as a money management team.

Sep 8, The 6 Most Valuable Grocery Store Products Known to Man

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:18:08 GMT

It's a frugal fact that some products give you way more for your money than others, but which ones are the most versatile? Personal finance blogger Len Penzo gives his list of the six most valuable products that you can pick up at any grocery store, and some of their many uses.

Sep 3, Clark Howard's "Free and Cheap List"

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 15:14:54 GMT

Clark Howard is the guru for anyone looking to live the frugal life. Many people know that Howard hosts radio and TV shows offering great advice about personal finance matters, but he also has a website cataloging all that great advice, including a page called "The Free and Cheap List." Check out his fantastic list of sources for free and inexpensive goods and services, covering everything from health services to coupons!

Aug 30, Household Gadgets That Can Save You Money

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:18:03 GMT

You probably don't have to search your house for long before you find at least a few gadgets. You may not even have to leave your couch! But some gadgets can do more than just offer you the convenience of turning off your lights by clapping your hands - they can help save you money.

Aug 23, Save Money with Free Texting

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:40:37 GMT

More and more people these days prefer to text, rather than make traditional phone calls, and cell phone providers are starting to change their calling plans as a result, limiting data and increasing costs for those who use more. There are, however, some alternative ways to text for free that could save you money.

Aug 19, Frugal Back-to-School Shopping

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:14:39 GMT

School is almost here! Some kids will be going back to school as early as next week - have you done your back-to-school shopping? If not, there's still time to get what you need without paying desperation prices. Fox Business tells you how to get your kids ready, while keeping your budget intact.

Aug 14, 9 Best Ways to Get Free Stuff

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 14:46:48 GMT

At Laughing Wallet, we love free stuff. And so does Money Talks contributor Brandon Ballenger, who shares nine ways that he finds stuff free without spending all of his time searching for it.

Aug 5, Thrift is Cool for Back to School

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:39:02 GMT

The Street reports that thrift stores have come into their own with back-to-school shoppers.

Jul 30, Get a Break on Sales Taxes

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:14:32 GMT

Many states have started offering sales-tax-free shopping weekends on certain items (such as clothing and school supplies) to help with back-to-school expenses. According to Kiplinger, 16 states will offer the weekends this year, and the majority will be held the first weekend of August.

Jul 23, A Dozen Ways to Save a Dollar

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 15:29:10 GMT

Clark Howard, author, radio host and financial guru, let Reader's Digest in on 12 ways to save a dollar (or several) for their August issue.

Jul 17, 10 Common Money Wasters

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 15:23:56 GMT

Liz Davidson of Forbes magazine recently identified 10 things that Forbes employees report commonly wasting money on. Some of them may be a little extravagant for a frugalista, but Davidson shows how much money you could have in your pocket if you invested the money spent on each item instead of wasting it on the unnecessary expense.

Jul 12, How to Spend Less at the Pharmacy

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:25:21 GMT

Do you always go to the same pharmacy, hand over your prescription and just pay whatever price you're quoted, assuming you have no other choice? If you do - and most of us do - you may be paying more on prescription drugs than you have to.

Jul 8, Free Slurpees on Monday, July 11

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:23:33 GMT

Nothing is more frugal than free, so celebrate 7-Eleven's birthday on Monday, July 11 with a free 7.11-ounce Slurpee at participating stores in the U.S. and Canada!

Jul 5, Kelley Blue Book Releases 2011 List of Coolest Thrifty Cars

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:20:07 GMT

If you're in the market for a new car but are on a budget, that doesn't mean you have to forego fashion for frugality. Kelley Blue Book can help you stay both hip and thrifty with its 2011 list of Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000.

Jul 1, Seven Debit Card Traps to Watch Out For

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:12:58 GMT

Debit cards are convenient, but they can also be costly if you're not careful. Yahoo Finance contributor Tal Boldo reveals seven traps to avoid when you use a debit card.

Jun 27, 19 Things Your Millionaire Neighbor Won’t Tell You

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:31:26 GMT

Want to be a millionaire? How about just live debt-free? Personal finance blogger Len Penzo tells Money Talks 19 things that millionaires know that you can learn, too, to get ahead financially - and it starts with living frugally!

Jun 23, Search for restaurants with free kids' meals

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:54:39 GMT

Many restaurants offer days and times when kids meals' are free, but the specials aren't always advertised very well. MyKidsEatFree.com lets you search for restaurants in your area that offer special kids' meal pricing deals.

Jun 19, Organic foods can fit into modest budget

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 14:12:08 GMT

Many people would like to include organic foods in their diets, but they don't think they can afford them on a modest budget. Columnist Carol Gunter shares a few ways that frugal shoppers can find affordable organic foods.