Money-saving tips from The Bargainist

Cute Kids' Easter Clothes for Less

Easter Sunday falls on April 24 this year. If ever there was a day to dress the kids up in something cute this would be the day—and not just because you’ve got Easter candy to bribe them with. There’s no need to spend a fortune on these spring frocks because we found cute kids’ Easter clothes for less.

Free Ways to Learn the Art of Couponing

Not sure what a catalina is or how to stack an IP with an MIR to reduce your OOP? Couponing has definitely gone extreme, but learning the lingo can line your pockets with extra cash. No need to spend money hiring a coupon coach—instead use free lessons and materials like these to master the art of couponing.

Starting a Blog: Creating Great Content

Blogs. Vlogs. Hyperlinking. SEO content. If you're not blog-savvy, those terms might just make your head spin, but you can't deny the social, career, and monetary rewards that a blog can bring. Where to start? Our tips guru, Alison Storm, is here to help with a three part series on starting your own blog. Take it away, Alison!

A blog can be a great way to express yourself, promote yourself and share yourself. It can also be a nice source of income. But getting to that point requires lots of traffic and nothing will drive people to your blog quite like having great content. This is the second part of a three-part series on starting a blog. I’m going to help you understand why quality content is important as well as how to stay inspired to create and share it.

Affordable Ways to Make Your Easter Basket More Green

According to the National Confectioners Associations Easter comes on the tail of Halloween as far as the amount of money we spend on candy. It’s a multi-billion dollar holiday for retailers, but if you’re looking to eliminate some of the plastic from your Easter basket and make it more earth-friendly while still keeping costs low, here are some ideas.

Low Cost Tools for Spring Cleaning

We can all take a cue from Mother Nature this time of year and freshen up our surroundings. Thankfully spring cleaning doesn’t have to require stocking up on pricey products. Instead use these low cost tools for getting rid of grit and grime.

Simple and Affordable Spring Wardrobe Updates

Just as Charlie Sheen’s number of Twitter followers is on the rise, so are the temperatures. Spring is in the air which is a great time to freshen up your wardrobe. Here are five simple and affordable spring wardrobe updates.

Commonly Questioned Tax Deductions

Tax day is quickly approaching. And you probably deserve a break—lots of them, in fact. Tax breaks, or write-offs, are a way to reduce your tax obligation and possibly boost your refund. But plenty of people are confused about them. Here are some commonly questioned tax deductions.

Affordable Ways to Have a Fun Spring Break at Home

If the closest you plan to get to a spring break getaway is watching it on MTV, you’re not alone. Gas prices have surged to an average of $3.55 a gallon, turning the idea of spring break into spring broke for many Americans. Oil has been trading above $100 a barrel for the last two weeks pushing airfares up as well. Jet fuel costs jumped by nearly 20 percent in January and according to a report by NPR, ticket prices have increased as much as 30 percent in recent weeks. If resting on the couch is more likely than resting on the beach this spring break, here are some affordable ways to have fun at home.

Starting a Blog: Nailing Down the Basics

Blogs. Vlogs. Hyperlinking. SEO content. If you're not blog-savvy, those terms might just make your head spin, but you can't deny the social, career, and monetary rewards that a blog can bring. Where to start? Our tips guru, Alison Storm, is here to help with a three part series on starting your own blog. Take it away, Alison!

According to BlogPulse.com, there are more than 157 million blogs with nearly 80,000 popping up in the last 24 hours. Wow. That’s practically one new blog for every resident of my hometown of Sioux City, Iowa! But if you’re thinking about starting a new blog don’t let those numbers intimidate you. In this three-part series I’ll help you nail down the basics of starting a blog, figure out how to create great content, and explain how to promote and monetize your new site.

Carpooling Programs to Help Cut Gasoline Costs

With eye-popping prices at the pump more commuters are looking for ways to save money. With recent gains in gas prices popularity in carpooling programs is also revving up. Consider using one of these tools to share a ride and to help share the cost of fuel.

Twitter and Facebook Poll: How Do You Stay Motivated to Stick to Your Budget?

We all need extra motivation at times… especially when it comes to sticking to the budget. And who can blame us? Temptation is constantly pulling at our pocketbooks. So we decided to find out how you stay motivated to stick to your budget by and here are the answers you gave us on Twitter and Facebook.

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How to Maximize Your Tax Refund

According to the Internal Revenue Service the average tax refund this year will be about $3,000. That’s roughly 5% more than the checks received last year. Make sure you do more with that money by maximizing your tax refund.

Fun and Free St. Patrick's Day Traditions

You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day. March 17 is a fun time to pull on a little green, eat some corned beef and spend time with friends. Here are some free and fun St. Patrick’s Day traditions that will help you feel like you’ve got the luck of the Irish on your side.

How Lent Can Help Your Finances

For many Christians the celebration of lent begins on Ash Wednesday and runs until the Saturday before Easter. It’s a season to commemorate Jesus’ death and resurrection by praying, repenting and giving up something important to you. Letting go of a vice isn’t easy—especially when it hits your pocketbook. Since many Americans struggle with putting their faith into their paychecks, lent may actually be a great time to focus on getting your finances in order.

The Best (and Worst) Deals at Bulk Discount Stores

Bulk discount stores like Costco, BJs and Sam’s Club can be a haven for good deals. But it’s easy to get caught up in the magic of wholesale shopping and actually end up overpaying. We’re giving you a rundown of the best and worst deals at bulk discount stores.

New Orleans Mardi Gras Deals

It’s on a lot of peoples’ bucket lists—attending a New Orleans Mardi Gras is an unforgettable experience. Beads, beignets, Bourbon Street and one of the world’s biggest bashes can be yours on a budget with these New Orleans Mardi Gras deals.

The Best Low Cost Baby Shower Gifts

You want to welcome that bundle of joy with open arms. But buying baby gifts can get expensive. Who knew something so little could already need so much stuff? Before you decide to skip this festive occasion due to finances, consider these low cost baby shower gifts.

Twitter and Facebook Poll: How Much Will You Spend on Spring Break Travel?

Bust out the bikinis—spring break is on the way! We wanted to know what kind of budget you’ve got for spring break travel. We used Twitter and Facebook to ask how much you plan to spend on upcoming trips. Looks like some of you have big plans and others are staying put.

Oscar Season: Save Money on Movie-Going

Oscar season is in full force. It’s a great time of year to take in all of the award-winning films. But with dozens of nominations in 24 categories, seeing all of those movies can get expensive. Whether you’re a movie buff or not, you’ll love these ways to save money on movie-going.

Springing for a Break: How to Cut Costs on Spring Travel

Does this brutal winter have you itching for a break? Whether you’re hoping for Key West or Cancun, fun can fit into your budget this spring break. Especially if you use these cost cutting travel tips.

Mardi Gras Party Deals and Discounts

If you need a reason to plan a party, Mardi Gras (aka Fat Tuesday) could be it. It’s a festive, fun celebration that revolves around food, music and feathered masks. Plus with these awesome Mardi Gras party deals and discounts you can throw a bash and still have some money left over on Ash Wednesday.

Ways to Turn Your Search Engine into a Cash Engine

Do you know how much search engines like Google and Yahoo! earn every minute? Let’s just say it’s probably enough to buy everyone in America a steak dinner tonight. Instead of lining the pockets of those rich tech guys, try getting a piece of the pie for yourself. Here are ways to turn your search engine into a cash engine.

The Cost of Oscar Fashion

Celebrities attending the Oscars often look like a million bucks—and that could be because that’s what it cost to complete their ensembles. The red carpet rolls out on February 27 for the 83rd annual Academy Awards. Here’s a look at the funds it takes to pull off Oscar fashion. But keep in mind that celebrities that don’t fork over the dough could end up on the worst dressed list.

US Presidents and Money: Fun Financial Facts

Did you know that Ulysses S. Grant got a $20 speeding ticket for riding his horse too fast down a Washington street? There are lots of fun financial facts when it comes to our US Presidents. And in honor of February 21, 2011, Presidents Day, here are some other interesting connections between money and the leaders of America.

What to Do When Your Car Lease Ends

Lots of drivers lease their cars. For roughly three to five years you drive, make payments, and probably don’t think much about what happens when your time is up. But what do you do when that lease is coming to an end? Here are some steps to consider.

Cutting Costs: Services You Can Split

Shouldering the burden of expenses solo can put a heavy strain on your bank account. But a great way to save money and cut costs is by using a lesson you probably learned in kindergarten: sharing. Not sure where you can pull this off successfully? Try splitting these services.

Twitter and Facebook Poll: What Would You Say if a Family Member Asked for Money?

It’s a sticky situation—someone you love asks for money. Financial experts advise to tread carefully when it comes to loved ones and money. So we wanted to know what you would do if a family member asked for money. Through Twitter and Facebook you told us whether you would hand over the cash or turn them away.

Reality TV Stars with Real Financial Problems

They may win loads of cash or live in fancy houses, but that doesn’t mean that reality stars don’t have their own share of financial trouble. In fact lately it seems like they may have more of it. Here is a rundown of some of the reality TV stars with real financial problems.

Love and Money: How to Make Money Talks Less Awkward

You can talk to your significant other about what they love, what they hate, where they want to travel and what they want to accomplish. But talking about the root of all those things—money—can be difficult. Financial experts say money and money problems are the leading cause of divorce which means communication is key. Make those money talks less awkward with these tips.

Easy and Cheap Handmade Valentine's Gifts

Spreading the love doesn’t have to mean forking over cash. Even if you’re on a tight budget you can still pull together a great gift for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day. We found cool, creative and romantic handmade Valentine’s gifts that were both easy and cheap.