Is a different bank account really going to save me money?
If you already have a low- or no-cost bank account that meets your needs, making a change isn’t necessary. But for everyone else, there could be hundreds of dollars riding on it.
If you have a standard chequing account with any of the big banks, you’re probably paying between $15.95 and $17.95 per month. Over a year, that works out to around $200! That’s a couple hundred you could put towards your retirement savings (or into a rainy day fund).
About low- and no-cost accounts
On December 1, 2025, the Commitment on Low-Cost and No-Cost Accounts came into effect in Canada. It means that 14 financial institutions agree that for no more than $4 per month, all Canadians can access a bank account that includes:
A minimum of 18 transactions per month
Free digital monthly statements
Cheque writing privileges
No minimum balance
No account switching fees with the same signatory
No extra charge for deposits, debit card, pre-authorized payment forms
No extra charge for monthly printed statements, and cheque image return or on-line cheque image viewing
Joint accounts, if the situation is warranted (e.g., married/common-law couple etc.)
Other services, for a reasonable fee
A $4.00 banking fee over twelve months is only 48 bucks.
The best online banks and credit unions in Canada
Some Canadians might even be eligible for a full fee waiver. Check with your bank if you are:
Other options for low- and no-cost bank accounts
Even if your bank hasn’t joined the FCAC agreement, it’s likely they still offer low-fee accounts. If you’re a member of any of the identified groups above, ask whether they will reduce your fees. Research accounts or banking packages for students, seniors, and newcomers.
Digital banks frequently offer no-fee accounts. They also tend to have very competitive interest rates and unique financial products. If you’re comfortable with doing your finances online, check into this option.
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A step-by-step guide for how to switch bank accounts
One of the main reasons people hesitate to switch banks is that they worry it will be a hassle. Switching accounts, or even moving to a new bank, is actually quite simple. Here’s how:
If you’re switching accounts within a bank, you can usually do this in person, online, or via your bank’s app.
Open the new account.
Transfer your money from the old account to the new one via a teller or online/mobile banking.
Redirect any automatic withdrawals, scheduled bill payments, and direct deposits to the new account.
Close the old account.
You’ll follow the same steps to switch banks; the only difference is in how you move your money. Since it will be between two different financial institutions, you’ll need to use Interac e-Transfer or an electronic funds transfer. Some banks may ask you to make the deposit through their bank machines.
One of the benefits of moving to a digital bank is that money transfers are simple. Usually, you can connect your new account to your old one—all online—and transfer the funds there. Check with both banks before you begin.
Still not convinced?
There are lots of reasons why people put off moving their money, even when they see the real costs of bank fees. Some people worry that they’ll make a costly mistake doing the transfer. Others feel secure when all their financial products are with the same institution. Some people just don’t like change—a fact the banks depend on to keep collecting your fees!
Still, if you’re looking for a way to cut household costs, starting with unnecessary bank fees is a pretty simple one. Just four steps and you can start planning what you’ll do with the extra cash in your account.
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Stablecoins promise fast, low-cost international transfers
Stablecoin advocates, however, think they can help. “You can quickly send money anywhere in the world for less than a penny,” said Didier Lavallee, chief executive of digital asset company Tetra Trust Co., on the promise of so-called stablecoins.
Unlike often-volatile cryptocurrencies, whose prices are based on speculation, stablecoin issuers hold assets (mostly U.S. treasuries) to back up their value, making them a much more reliable way to hold, and send, funds.
Lavallee, who is working to bring a Canadian dollar-pegged stablecoin to market, said he doesn’t expect them to be used for everyday purchases like buying a cup of coffee. Instead, they’re more relevant for the estimated 20% of Canadians who send money abroad. “If you’re doing remittances or sending money to your family in another country, then this kind of token will be specifically interesting to you, because that’s going to be one of our big use cases.”
Potential savings come with steep learning curves and fraud risk
But while stablecoins are touted as a potentially cheap way to send money abroad, there are important considerations to keep in mind.
One of the biggest questions is familiarity and comfort with the programs needed to send, and receive, the tokens. “A lot of people, most people I would even say, just have no clue how to use coins or crypto in general,” said Enoch Omololu, a money expert at Savvy New Canadians. “They’re just not knowledgeable enough to use it, either on the sending end, or on the recipient’s end.”
Omololu excluded stablecoins from a recent report he prepared on the best remittance options because of their added complexity, as well as increased chances of fraud, email scams, and losing the money forever if sent to the wrong wallet address. “It just opens a new world of risk,” he said.
The best crypto platforms and apps
We’ve ranked the best crypto exchanges in Canada.
Big names back efforts to simplify digital payments
Stablecoin infrastructure does keep improving to help minimize potential problems though, said Lavallee. Tetra itself has secured investments from the likes of Wealthsimple, ATB Financial, National Bank, and Shopify, some of whom are working on ways to simplify the process.
“You can open a Wealthsimple account, and you’re basically a few clicks away from buying a U.S. stablecoin, and then sending that stablecoin,” said Lavallee. “All you really need is the other party that’s receiving the money to have a digital wallet that can accept the underlying token, which is pretty plain vanilla stuff to do now.”
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While it can be fairly straightforward—and cheap—to send stablecoins for those familiar with the platforms, moving money on and off the system adds costs. Crypto-trading platforms charge a range of fees to buy and sell those stablecoins, which can vary as much as they do at conventional currency exchange outfits.
There are also more dedicated routes to buying stablecoins like Paytrie in Canada, which accepts e-transfer payments and charges a 0.6% fee on buying and selling, plus some additional costs depending on which blockchain is being used.
Omololu said he’s sent funds through stablecoins and it’s worked perfectly every time, but that it can get complicated if someone wants to convert the money into a local currency. “It can be cumbersome, if you want to spend it like cash.”
Traditional remittance services remain competitive
The full costs mean stablecoins can provide an option for sending money, but might not be the best choice for many.
Money transfer company Wise said it’s always open to explore new technology options to send money, but with a global average price per transaction of around 0.54%, its existing platforms compete well. “The reality right now is that the cost of moving money using stablecoins is actually still higher than just using Wise on most routes,” said Ankita D’Mello, principal product manager at Wise, in a statement.
With stablecoins adding one more choice to the many on offer to send money, Omololu recommends narrowing down the options with three key questions. First would be looking at which options service the country you want to send money to, since there’s often limitations. Next might be looking at transfer times, as they can vary from nearly instant to several days. And third would be comparing the whole cost of the transfer, including any upfront fees as well as fees hidden in inflated exchange rates.
And while it can be daunting to sift through all of the options, it’s better than in the past where the choices were so limited that people weren’t as aware of how much extra they were paying.
“More people are actually aware that they are losing money by going through the traditional routes,” said Omololu. “A lot of people are interested in finding out about apps they can use, like cheaper ways to send money abroad, faster ways to send money abroad as well as safe ways to send money abroad.”
The small business group has, however, noted that not all processors have been clear that they’ll pass on the savings, pointing for example to Stripe where not all customers will see a change.
Kelly said Stripe’s decision means the company would keep the savings that were intended for small business customers.
“It’s extremely disappointing to see a big company take this approach,” he said.
Stripe says customers on its Interchange Plus plan, which sees costs vary by transaction type, will see the fee reductions passed through, just like other network cost and fee changes.
But those on its flat-rate plan won’t see a change, because the company says it has seen other costs and fees rise that add up to more than the reduction in interchange fees.
Other processors such as Moneris have said that qualifying businesses on both its interchange plus and flat rate model will see a reduction.
Government expects processors to pass on savings
Finance Ministry spokeswoman Marie-France Faucher said the fee reduction should benefit about 90% of businesses that accept credit cards, and the department expects companies to pass on the savings.
“The federal government is closely monitoring the implementation of the credit card fees reduction, with the strong expectation that all payment processors like Stripe will pass the savings on to small businesses.”
Dragon’s Den cast: Wes Hall, Michele Romanow, Arlene Dickinson, Brian Scudamore and Manjit Minhas.
Who is your money hero?
One of my fellow “dragons,” Wes Hall, who I got to know a little bit this year, during filming. I’m so inspired with how he spends money. He’s very different from me in the sense that he’s got the fancy cars and the big mansion and so on. I drive my Ford pickup truck and I have a modest home. But I’m inspired by how he puts charity first. He takes care of other people before he takes care of himself. He grew up in Jamaica. He didn’t have a lot, but he says, “This is about helping others.” He’s made it, and I think that’s what money is all about.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I love traveling. I love eating. For example, this summer, I went to France with my family. It was just a combination of family, friends, great food, some wine, practicing my French. That ties in everything I love.
My wife and three kids—we were in Paris as a base, we went down to Cap Ferret, which is just south of Bordeaux—a beautiful little peninsula, beach town. We hung out in Lille for a little bit to watch the Olympic basketball. We spent time in Bordeaux and went to some wineries. Paris is such a well-travelled place, so we had dinners with different friends and their families who were in town. I just I love that country.
What’s your first memory about money?
My dad, who’s a liver transplant surgeon, is not an entrepreneur or a business person. But he taught me early on to be purposeful with money. What am I doing with even the cheques I would get from aunts, uncles and grandparents for the holidays? He had me write thank-you notes, which no kid likes to do. I had to tell them how I was using the money they gave me.
My dad really hammered into me to save that money for education. And I did, but it was really ironic, because here I am, a high school dropout, a university dropout. But I valued learning about money from my dad and just being wise with how I spend it and being purposeful.
But one of my early memories was when I saved up my life savings as an eight-year-old and bought a brand-new bike. A couple of days later, I put a big basket on it so I could deliver newspapers more efficiently. I put that prized bike to work. I learned from my dad that money was about investment—a purposeful investment.
There’s also a frugal side of me that thinks, “Do I really need that?” Fancy cars wouldn’t bring me joy. Would I rent a Ferrari for a day on the coast of Italy? Heck, yeah. Would I ever buy one? No. And he got me to think about the value of money and what you can do with it.
If money were no object, what would you be doing right now?
Nothing different. I have the dream job. I am so excited to be a “dragon” and to help inspire others, give some wisdom, shared learnings to the pitchers on Dragon’s Den. I love building and growing my companies. Not to make more money, but to grow opportunities and possibilities for other people, and for the freedom to travel and spend time with family and friends, which I love to do.
According to Statistics Canada, store-bought alcoholic beverages rose in price by 5.9% between March 2022 and March 2023, and the price of liquor in general rose another 2.3% from June 2023 to June 2024.
Why are these prices going up so fast, and how can you enjoy cocktail hour without going over budget? Read on for some intel.
What factors affect the price of alcohol?
Alcoholic beverages don’t just spring fully formed from the Earth. They’re the product of base ingredients, sweat equity and time, plus the other supplies needed to get it to your glass, like packaging, labelling and transportation. These are all subject to the same general high inflation seen globally over the past few years.
For instance, a simple can of beer has a lot of inputs: grain crops (like barley or wheat) and other ingredients (like hops or flavourings), water, aluminum and labels, plus the energy to run the production line. If the cost of any of these items goes up, that’s going to affect the price of beer. That’s not even considering wages, which are a big factor as well. And if you’re buying that can of beer at a bar or restaurant, add on their business overhead and profits, too.
And then there’s taxes. These are hard to sum up, since every province and territory is different, but you can count on the fact that the price of your glass of wine or G&T includes some money for the government. The argument, of course, being that that cash goes back into things we need and use, like health care, education and public services.
Other official policies matter too. For instance, in Ontario, the Liquor Control Board and the provincial government set minimum prices for beverage alcohol. But everyone has to pay federal taxes on alcohol, which currently amount to between $0.04 and $0.74 on a six-pack of beer, $0.54 on a standard bottle of wine and $4.07 on a typical 750-mL spirits bottle. That applies no matter where you’re buying your beverage.
Then there’s climate change. Grapes for wine, rice for sake, wheat or corn for vodka: no matter what crop goes into your drink of choice, it’s being affected by changing weather patterns. A local example: in British Columbia, the 2024 grape crop was almost completely destroyed due to abnormal winter weather. Drought, heat waves and smoke from wildfires are hard on vineyards, too, meaning the more we experience these negative effects of climate change, the harder it’s going to be to make wine.
What about non-alcoholic drinks?
Very low-alcohol versions of beer, wine and spirits have become popular in recent years. But, you might have noticed they’re not exactly cheap either. That’s in part due to the same factors that affect alcohol prices: Raw ingredients, packaging, manufacturing, transportation and labour costs. Then the alcohol is typically removed after the beverage is manufactured, meaning it takes more time and effort than the boozy formula. In other words, this isn’t a simple can of pop: zero-proof takes on beverage alcohol are more expensive to make than the originals.
Cycling is one of the best form s of exercise. A cargo bicycle not only helps keep you and your family healthy, but also saves you money, reduces your carbon footprint, and helps you avoid the maddening traffic. You can choose from a variety of cargo bikes as per the requirements of you and your family. Here’s all the info you need to get started on living a healthier lifestyle. ~ Ed.
There’s a new preferred mode of family transportation in town, and it comes with fewer wheels, lots of advantages, and much more fun. Cargo bikes, or bicycles with the ability to carry large loads like extra passengers or groceries, are a growing trend for families on the go. Parents can easily accommodate multiple children and all their stuff for daily errands, trips to and from school, and family adventures without the need for fossil fuels or additional car payments.
Benefits of Cargo Bikes for Families
There are multiple benefits of using cargo bikes. Here are the ones that have the most impact on your life.
Experience Eco-friendliness and a Healthy Lifestyle
Setting children up for lifelong success by teaching them about the importance of an active, eco-friendly lifestyle is a precious gift. Traveling on cargo bikes makes it easy for parents to lead by example. An electric cargo bike is powered by renewable energy and gets children excited about exploring the outdoors.
Enjoy Versatility and Practicality
Cargo bikes are versatile and practical for the daily needs of a family. With the substantial cargo areas offered by many models, it is easy to fit multiple children on a single cargo bicycle. This high load capacity allows families to get where they are going quickly and efficiently while avoiding common travel woes like heavy traffic, expensive parking, and extended pickup or drop-off lanes at school.
Create An Active Lifestyle for The Whole Family
Even though an electric cargo bike has motors to assist on hills and long rides, it is still a great workout. Kids riding along will learn the value of staying active by example until they can reach the pedals on their own bicycles.
Save Money on a Second Vehicle
Cars are expensive. The cost of a second vehicle can add up quickly with payments, tags, insurance, upkeep, and fossil fuels. For most families, an electric bike with cargo can replace an expensive second car. With more cities and towns adapting roads for cargo bikes, it is becoming easier for families to travel together on an electric cargo bike for all their daily tasks.
Variety of Cargo Bike Models
You’ve a lot of options when it comes to buying a cargo bike. Here are some to get you started.
Electric Cargo Bike Types and Applications
A variety of cargo bikes, such as front-facing bucket designs or long-tail bikes, are available for families. Each model offers different advantages for families, ranging from extra cargo capacity, travel miles per charge, and seating availability.
Style and Design
Parents with young children may prefer front-facing bucket cargo bikes for more opportunities to interact with each other during the ride. Families with older children can use a long-tail cargo bike’s speed and battery life to travel to more places faster. No matter which style or design a family chooses, cargo bikes are a great way to bond with children and share daily adventures.
Choosing the Perfect Cargo Bike
When searching for the perfect cargo bike, families will need to consider a few different things, such as:
Family Size and Requirements
One option to consider is how big a family is and what their needs are for an electric cargo bike. Some cargo bike models can fit up to four children, while others are only equipped for two. Another thing for a family to consider is how far they will travel each day to gauge the importance of a more powerful motor or longer-lasting batteries.
Types of Cargo to Transport
Cargo bikes are made to carry heavy loads, but who or what a family plans to transport will determine which cargo bicycle is right for them. If a family intends to transport mostly children, they may lean towards a front bucket design, while families with fewer children and the need to carry heavy cargo when running errands may prefer a sleeker style that fits their requirements.
Features and Functional Characteristics
Different cargo bikes offer varying features and functional characteristics. Additional weight on any cargo bicycle will change the way it handles. A stronger motor will determine how far a family can go on one charge. Weight limits will limit how many children can ride per bike. These are all features a household should consider when deciding on the perfect electric cargo bike for their family.
Wrapping Up
Adding an electric cargo bike to a home comes with so many benefits. It doesn’t matter if a household is trying to save money, reduce its environmental impact, find more time together, get rid of a second car, avoid city traffic, or break away from the never-ending barrage of computer screens, a cargo bicycle is a great opportunity to achieve all that and more. Purchasing an electric bike with cargo-carrying ability is not a temporary experiment that will end up collecting dust in the garage. It is a new, better way of life that will change so much more than how a family gets from place to place.
Over to you
Do you already have a cargo bike or plan to buy one? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.
Disclaimer: Though the views expressed are of the author’s own, this article has been checked for its authenticity of information and resource links provided for a better and deeper understanding of the subject matter. However, you’re suggested to make your diligent research and consult subject experts to decide what is best for you. If you spot any factual errors, spelling, or grammatical mistakes in the article, please report at [email protected]. Thanks.
Working at 36,000 feet may not feel like living the dream, but if you’re traveling for work (or fun), every minute counts. Some U.S. airlines are making it easier than ever to stay connected whether you have your head in the clouds or on the ground.
For the past decade, it was standard to require passengers to pay either by the minute or by the hour to access the airline’s Wi-Fi network on most domestic flights. And for those who were winging it by working through the flight, those Wi-Fi costs added up fast.
Don’t toggle your phone into airplane mode just yet because many national and international air carriers are bringing Wi-Fi service to their fleets. While you can’t take phone calls mid-flight, here are the airlines where flying the connected skies comes standard with your ticket.
Domestic and International Airlines That Offer Free In-Flight Wi-Fi
Want to use those hours in the air to clear your inbox or level up in that guilty pleasure mobile game? Check it off your to-do list because these airlines offer complimentary Wi-Fi as part of your in-flight experience.
Domestic Flights With Free Wi-Fi
Delta Air Lines
The latest airline outfitting its entire fleet with Wi-Fi is Delta. Delta — in partnership with T-Mobile — made free in-flight Wi-Fi available to all passengers on domestic flights in February. By the end of 2024, Delta CEO Ed Bastian promises to have its entire fleet on board with free unlimited Wi-Fi, including regional and international flights.
There’s just one tiny hitch. To access the Wi-Fi, Delta Airlines requires passengers to sign up for a free Delta SkyMiles account. If you don’t want to join the Delta SkyMiles members club, you can still purchase Wi-Fi for a $10 fee per device.
Considering getting an airline credit card? We’ve got the scoop on which ones give you more miles and extra travel perks.
JetBlue
For JetBlue, free Wi-Fi is so 2017 that they coined a word for it: Fly-Fi. For a while, they were the only U.S. airline where unlimited access to the plane’s high-speed Wi-Fi came with your JetBlue ticket.
JetBlue also partners with Amazon, so you’ll earn extra TrueBlue points — JetBlue’s loyalty program — for shopping in-flight. Plus, you’ll get access to Amazon Prime’s library so you can stream Amazon video, music, audiobooks and more.
Other Domestic Airlines With Free Wi-Fi
While JetBlue and Delta are the only national carriers that offer free in-flight Wi-Fi to all passengers, most other airlines are piloting similar programs and perks on select domestic flights.
American Airlines offers some flights where passengers watch a sponsored video to receive 30 minutes of in-flight Wi-Fi. On United Airlines flights, Mileage Plus loyalty members use miles instead of paying a fee to access in-flight Wi-Fi. And Alaska Airlines and SouthWest provide free texting and messaging through iMessage and Whatsapp.
International Carriers With Free Wi-Fi
Domestic airlines aren’t the only game in town for scoring free Wi-Fi. Check out the select international aircraft that help you stay connected for cheap.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand not only provides free Wi-Fi on all domestic flights, but it comes complimentary on all international Wi-Fi-enabled flights.
Nok Air
Nok Air is a budget carrier out of Thailand, but there’s nothing cheap about their in-flight benefits. They provide complimentary Wi-Fi access on all Boeing 737 flights.
Qantas
Grab free high-speed Wi-Fi on board B737-800 and A330-200 Qantas flights, courtesy of a partnership with Viasat.
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines passengers get free Wi-Fi on domestic flights with the exception of a few aircraft that are not yet equipped to provide the service.
Other International Airlines With Free Wi-FI
There are a few other international air carriers that provide in-flight Wi-Fi, but don’t return your tray tables to their upright position just yet because it comes with strings attached.
On Qatar Airways, you can only get 15 minutes or 10 MB of free Wi-Fi via a sponsor. Norwegian Airlines provides 15 minutes of free in-flight WiFI on select flights, and Philippine Airlines offers a complimentary 3 MB chat plan.
At China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines, in-flight Wi-Fi is first come, first serve. The first 100 lucky passengers on the flight who register 30 days in advance connect to the Wi-Fi free.
Other Ways to Get Free In-Flight Wi-Fi
If you’re stuck schlepping it on a carrier that doesn’t offer free Wi-Fi, you might still be able to snag a cheap (or free) connection. Here’s how.
Leverage Credit Card Perks
Some airline credit cards let you redeem points or miles to reimburse you for in-flight Wi-Fi costs. These include airline credit cards and reward programs from Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
Earn Premium or Elite Status
Several international and national air carriers allow premium or elite members to earn free Wi-Fi. This includes national carriers like Southwest and international airlines like Emirates, Finnair, Icelandair, Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines.
Upgrade to Business or First Class
The perks of business class and first class are more than just extra legroom and bottomless mimosas. These airlines extend complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi on personal devices to those who pay extra not to get stuck hugging their knees in economy class.
Aer Lingus
Emirates Airlines (Emirates Skywards members only)
Icelandair
Philippine Air (100 MB limit)
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
Singapore Airlines (First class free, Business class 100 MB limit)
Turkish Airlines (1 GB limit)
Alitalia (Magnifica members only, 50 MB voucher)
Finnair (one-hour, intercontinental flights only)
Swiss Airlines (50 MB voucher)
Pay close attention to the Wi-Fi terms, however, because most airlines listed here have some limitations to internet access.
Trying to find a way to afford first class? Here’s how (and when) to book cheap flights to 8 popular destinations during the shoulder season.
Connect With T-Mobile and Sprint
T-Mobile customers can buckle up and get connected because they’ve already have in-flight Wi-Fi on Alaska, American and Delta flights through their wireless provider. T-Mobile and Sprint Unlimited, Sprint ONE and Sprint Max passengers get free messaging through iMessage, Google Hangouts and Whatsapp, as well as an hour of free data.
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Other Airline Perks Worth Checking Out
If you’d rather kick back and not spend your flight streaming, there are a few other airline perks to check out, from free cocktails to complimentary checked bags.
Free In-Flight Beer and Cocktails
Have a flight of beer or wine on your way to Canada, courtesy of Porter Airlines, serving up local brews and vintages. Air Canada has similar alcoholic offerings when you book a flight between Toronto and Montreal. Even WestJet, a low-cost carrier based out of Canada, offers a free glass of beer or wine on regional flights.
Horizon Air will quench your thirst with Northwestern wines and microbrews — and your wine flies free. That is, you can check a case of wine for free from 32 West Coast cities on Alaska, Horizon and SkyWest flights. And of course, a complimentary glass of bubbly or wine comes with the ticket on all long-haul AirFrance flights.
Free Layover From Icelandair
Having a layover doesn’t sound like a perk, but hear us out. What if it’s in Iceland? Icelandair invites all passengers who book their flights to arrange a free stopover for one to seven days — coming and going, if you want — in Iceland to get a taste of what the country has to offer.
Kid Travel Perks
Baby on board? These airlines are on standby to ease your suffering. British Airways feeds kids first on all flights, so you can rest easy when it’s your turn to eat. Some international airlines offer other perks, like Gulf Air’s sky nannies who make the rounds to entertain kids in-flight.
South Korea’s Asiana Airlines literally puts moms first with front-row seats to the bathroom for all expectant mothers and free baby slings and nursing blankets for infants.
Free Checked Bags
If you’re traveling with a lot of baggage (and really, who isn’t), many airlines provide ways to waive the fees and check your luggage for free on most flights. Delta SkyMiles, United Explorer and Alaska Airline Visa members all earn free checked baggage for cardholders and, in some cases, for traveling companions. You always get two free checked bags on Southwest though.
Pro Tip
Looking to duck the baggage fee? Before you try cramming your oversized duffle into a bin, here’s how you can pay less for luggage and avoid other traveling costs.
Priority Boarding
If all you really want is to be first in line to snag a window seat or a coveted overhead bin, you’re in luck. Elite flyers, premium members and some airline credit cardholders earn priority boarding with major airline carriers, including American, United Airlines and Southwest.
Next time you need to fire up the Wi-Fi at 36,000 feet, and you’re not on a JetBlue or Delta flight, consider keeping these tips and tricks in your back pocket to avoid in-flight connection charges. In this case, time really is money, so spend (and stream) wisely.
Looking to snag a flight for cheap? Consider these low-cost air carriers where a heavily discounted ticket price is the best perk of all.
Kaz Weida is a senior staff writer at The Penny Hoarder covering saving money and budgeting. As a journalist, she has written about a wide array of topics including finance, health, politics, education and technology for the last decade.
You’ve probably tossed more than a few avocados into the trash after missing that (very narrow) window between being perfectly ripe and turning brown, mushy and gross. And avocados are expensive, so that’s good money you’re throwing away.
Here’s a little secret, though: As long as there’s vibrant green meat somewhere inside (just scrape away the brown spots), that overripe avocado can still be seriously yummy.
Never again will I toss an avocado just because it’s past prime guacamole-making texture. In my never-ending quest to save money on groceries and reduce food waste, I’ve discovered a few overripe avocado recipes, and lemme tell ya’, they’re delicious.
What to Do With Overripe Avocados: 10 Recipes to Try
Sauces, dressings, desserts and even drinks, we’ve got your overripe avocado needs covered.
Sauces and Dressings
The easiest way to fancy up any meal (and use up those avocados) is by making a simple sauce or dressing. Five minutes, a food processor and voila!
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1. Magic Green Sauce
This sauce from blogger Lindsay Ostrom at Pinch of Yum is made with all green foods — right down to the pistachios. It’s a delicious velvety sauce you can use as a veggie dip, salad dressing or marinade (think creamy chimichurri), or spread it on a sandwich for an extra-fresh kick. Magic, I tell you.
2. Creamy Avocado Vinaigrette
I knew about yogurt-based avocado dressings, but they’re always a little overwhelming with nothing to cut the rich, yogurty, buttery taste. This recipe from Chef Emeri Lagasse is my fave. It’s light and refreshing, and it has worked on every salad I’ve put it on so far.
Appetizers and Snacks
Arguably the best types of foods.
3. Avocado Nut Bread
In the same way you would turn your brown bananas into delicious banana bread, try making this avocado nut bread from Food with your overripe avocados. I love any version of veggie bread, but the added bonus here is that the bread turns out green. (I think maybe I never outgrew the whole funny-colored foods fascination — purple ketchup, where you at?)
4. Corn and Avocado Fritters
If you’re one of those people wrapped up in a sordid love affair with avocado, try dipping these corn and avocado fritters from Give Recipe into the magic green sauce for a seriously avocado-y snack. Snacks on snacks on snacks.
Lunch and Dinner
Even in a main dish, the diva avocado manages to take center stage.
5. Avocado Egg Salad
For this one from All Recipes, you want to let the avocado go an extra day or two past peak ripeness anyway because it will be softer and creamier. So it’s perfect for those of us who aren’t able to time an avocado intentionally.
6. Avocado Pasta
Pasta is such a heavy meal — so it’s strictly a comfort food in my eyes. But this stuff? This glorious, light, refreshing dish from Damn Delicious puts pasta back in my regular dinner rotation.
Desserts
I know, I know… healthy foods and desserts shouldn’t mix. But just hear me out: I promise only good things lie ahead with these dessert avocado recipes.
7. Chocolate Caramel Avocado Brownies
Do I even need to say anything about this recipe from The Iron You?
Chocolate? Yes please. Caramel? Keep it coming. A healthier spin on my favorite food group? Done and done. (Wait — brownies are a food group, right?)
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8. Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Since chocolate by the spoonful is never not a good idea, I commend your attention to this offering from All Recipes. It has just six ingredients — five if you hold the cinnamon — and is ready in 30 minutes.
Drinks
What’s next, an avocado cocktail?! Um, yes, actually.
9. Avocado Margarita
The thing is, I’ve never met a margarita I didn’t get along with — for the evening, anyway. But I think this light and creamy margarita from Bon Appetit is about to set the bar (pun intended) pretty high.
10. Smoooooothies
Smoothies might just be the easiest way to disguise the texture of a mushy brown avocado. And while there’s no wrong way to make a smoothie, this recipe from Real Simple has the added bonus of using up your not-so-perfect apples, too. But really, avocados go well with just about any smoothie ingredients given their buttery, almost nutty flavor.
Bonus Round: Avocado Face Mask
If you still can’t handle the thought of eating an avocado that’s past its prime, you could try a do-it-yourself avocado face mask. Over at Natural Beauty Tips, you’ll find a few different versions that all call for basic pantry ingredients, so you won’t have to make an extra trip to the store.
Consider this the beginning of the rest of your avocado-filled life — no more throwing your grocery budget in the trash.
Grace Schweizer is the SMS editor at The Penny Hoarder. Deputy editor Tiffany Wendeln Connors updated this post.
In a world where we have gotten used to paying for every bit of streaming content that we watch, you may be surprised to learn that free television still exists. Using a digital TV antenna, you can pick up free channels in your area and enjoy local news, sports and additional programming without paying any recurring fees.
We’ll be looking at the best digital TV antennas you can hang up inside, connect to the outside of your home or attach to your boat or RV. Of course, we’ll take price into account, selecting the best TV antennas that cost the least.
You might be surprised by the amount of free television content you can obtain using a digital TV antenna. You won’t be able to pick up paid cable channels, but a large part of network television is available from CBS, ION, ABC, Fox, PBS, CW, ABC and NBC. You can enjoy network television stations as long as you can pick up a signal with your TV antenna.
Before purchasing a TV antenna, we recommend using an online tool to identify what TV signals and stations you can pick up from your location. The official FCC DTV Reception Maps webpage is the best pick for identifying signal strength. Any strong or moderate signals shouldn’t be a problem to pick up with a TV antenna, while weak signals will require a more robust solution.
Pro Tip
Your TV must have a built-in HD tuner to utilize a digital antenna. Check your TV’s manual to confirm this feature before ordering a TV antenna. Otherwise, you will need a digital converter box.
Gesobyte Amplified HD Digital
Best Indoor TV Antenna
Key Features
Easy mounting on walls or windows
A range of up to 250 miles
Includes an 18-foot cable
Gesobyte Amplified HD Digital
Range
250 miles
Environment
Indoor only
Price
$29.90
TV antennas have come a long way from the days of rabbit ears on top of a wooden box. Our favorite designs for TV antennas are those that sport a flat wall or window mountable design (aka flat antennas). The Gesobyte Amplified HD digital TV antenna offers such a compact design, making it easy to hang on your wall or stick to a window.
The setup is effortless, with only two plugs needed for the TV antenna. Use the provided USB power brick to plug your indoor antenna into a power source, then use the traditional coaxial connection to connect it to your HD or 4K television to begin watching.
The TV antenna’s power source allows the unit to amplify its reach, picking signals up over a 250-mile range.
The Gesobyte is available in white or black, so you can pick the TV antenna color that best matches your interior.
QLZLLF TV Antenna
Best Runner-Up TV Antenna
Key Features
Large tower design for an increased signal range
Includes tools for mounting to wall
Can be mounted indoors or outdoors
Range
350 miles
Environment
Indoor and outdoor
Price
$32.99
At less than $35, this digital TV antenna from QLZLLF (no, we don’t know how to pronounce that) offers excellent reception with a 350-mile signal pickup. Due to its tower design, this TV antenna might not be the first choice for those who want a more minimal option, but the extra space it takes will give you a better chance of picking up weak TV signals.
The TV antenna tower can be placed on a TV stand or mounted high up on a wall for increased reception. We like that QLZLLF includes screws and wall studs with your purchase to help you with setup, but you will still need a power drill for wall installation. Alternatively, you can mount TV antennas outside for the best possible reception.
We don’t see anyone mounting these TV antennas on their roof; instead, you can install it outside of your house if your walls prevent strong reception. For those with older homes or those lined with brick, you likely already know how walls can block out your signals.
PBD WA-2608 Digital Amplified
Best Outdoor TV Antenna
Key Features
Includes mounting pole and 40 ft of coax cable
Includes remote rotation for best signal pickup
Supports simultaneous watching with 2 TVs
PBD WA-2608 Digital Amplified
Range
150 miles
Environment
Outdoor
Price
$50.98
So, you’re ready to go up on the roof and install one of the TV antennas you are eyeing. That’s dedication.
Installing the PBD WA-2608 as high as possible will result in the best signal pickup. Don’t be fooled by the 150-mile rating of this antenna; you’ll pick up solid signals to enjoy your favorite channels.
To help you with the installation, PBD has included a mounting pole and a 40-foot coaxial cable with your purchase. The antenna can be rotated upon its pole using an included remote, allowing you to face it in the direction of the station you wish to pick up for the greatest possible reception and reduced interference.
If you have multiple televisions in your home, the WA-2608 might be a solid consideration, as the antenna can output two separate signals, allowing two televisions to watch different channels simultaneously. Watch sports in one room and the news in another.
You won’t need to worry about TV antennas like these, which were designed for outdoor usage, being affected by the weather. The WA-2608 outdoor antenna features a weather-resistant design and is lightning protected. This outdoor antenna option from PBD is perfect for rural environments.
1byone 360° Omni-Directional
Best TV Antenna for Boats and RVs
Key Features
Compact omnidirectional design
Shield protects against 4G/LTE interference
Includes 39-foot coax cable
1byone 360° Omni-Directional
Range
100 miles
Environment
Outdoor
Price
$69.99
If you plan to watch television using a digital antenna in a boat or RV, you should consider the 1byone 360° Omni-Directional antenna. The compact design allows the antenna to be mounted on your boat or RV without the worry of it being struck.
The omnidirectional design of this 1byone outdoor TV antenna also helps to ensure that you pick up a signal no matter the direction your boat or RV is facing. Some antennas are directional, meaning you could lose the signal if you aren’t facing toward the transmitting tower — no worries about that here.
The 1byone 360° Omni-Directional outdoor antenna is designed for harsh weather conditions and can withstand water, snow and lightning. A built-in amplifier helps the antenna pick up signals further, and an integrated 4G/LTE filter stops cellular signals from interfering.
While we recommend this particular outdoor antenna for RVs and boats, it can also be used outside your home. No tools are needed for the installation, but 1byone does include a plastic wrench (spanner) with the antenna for ease.
If you’re seeking content after cutting the cord, check out the best free TV apps that provide loads of content at no cost.
ANTAN Indoor Window
Best TV Antenna for Tight Budgets
Key Features
Under $15 for those on a tight budget
Great for picking up local TV stations
Easy installation on wall or window
Range
45 miles
Environment
Indoor
Price
$13.99
If you’re on a tight budget but still want to pick up a digital TV antenna, we’ve got an option that won’t make your wallet or purse cry. This indoor antenna from ANTAN comes in at less than $15 but still delivers a strong enough signal to pick up stations in your area.
What makes this TV antenna cheaper is its lack of a built-in amplifier. As a result, the range of the ANTAN indoor antenna is only about 45 miles. We highly recommend checking out stations local to you using the FCC DTV Reception Maps webpage. With a short-range antenna such as this, plan to pick up only stations with excellent signal.
If the limited range doesn’t bother you, you should enjoy the ANTAN antenna, which is flat and can be hung up on any wall or window. Included is a 16.5-foot coaxial cable — great for placing indoor TV antennas in the best possible spot while still reaching your television.
Our Methodology
To select the best digital TV antennas for our readers, we began by researching the available options on the market and their features. We found the essential details for each antenna: their overall range, mounting options and ability to withstand specific environments (outdoor vs. indoor antennas), such as the outdoors or on a moving vehicle.
The criteria we established ensured we selected only amplified antennas with a pickup range of at least 100 miles, except for our budget pick. Even then, we ensured that the antenna could be easily mounted and pick up broadcast TV within an approximate 50-mile radius.
We also provided antenna options for different situations, such as indoor or outdoor mounting and using a moving boat or RV. Our selection of digital TV antennas shows you the best options for each situation without overwhelming you with the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which Antenna Works Best?
Do More Expensive Antennas Work Better?
For the most part, cheaper antennas work just as well as their more expensive counterparts. We found that amplification is the most crucial feature when selecting an antenna. Any amplified antenna will work much better than non-amplified ones when attempting to pick up television signals.
Does a Higher Antenna Get Better Reception?
Yes, in general, antennas that are placed higher do receive better reception. We recommend mounting any indoor antennas on the wall as high as possible or at the top of a window. Outdoor antennas are an even better solution, as they can be mounted on the roof for the best possible reception.
Michael Archambault is a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder specializing in technology.
It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, which means it’s almost time to blow an entire paycheck on a dozen long-stem roses, a six-foot-tall teddy bear and a rare, perfectly aged bottle of Champagne.
And don’t forget to make a reservation for that fancy restaurant, which is only serving an overpriced “tasting menu” on that particular night!
Oh, and it wouldn’t hurt to spring for a couple’s massage, too, right?
Wait, did someone mention a box of chocolates?
Well, the good news is you can forgo the romantic candles — at this point, your empty wallet is useless and you can just set fire to it and let the soft, warm glow of broke-ness wash over you and your date.
Romance, amiright?
But it doesn’t have to be like that.
A Date Idea That Only Costs a Penny
In fact, if you’re in it for the long haul, finances can be a pretty touchy subject, and the last thing you need is to add another pricy line-item to your couple’s budget this month.
Luckily, there’s a way to take your sweetheart on a fun and interesting date — the likes of which they’ve probably never been on before — that won’t cost you more than, say, a penny.
(Which just so happens to be our favorite coin!)
The Penny Date Rules
Here’s how it works:
Find a penny. If you don’t have a penny handy, it’s just a matter of yanking the cushions off the couch, checking the cupholder of your car or sneaking one out of your kid’s piggy bank while they’re at school.
Have your date pick a number (without telling them what it’s for) or use an online random number generator. This number is the number of turns you’ll take throughout your date.
Hop in the car or, if you’re walking, pick a corner to start on.
To start the adventure, have your date flip the penny. If it lands heads up, turn right. If it lands tails up, turn left.
Start walking or driving in whichever direction the penny instructs. Stop and flip again each time you reach a stop sign, stop light or intersection.
Continue flipping the penny, turning left or right at each juncture, until you’ve reached the number you set at the beginning of the night.
Once you reach that number, stop the car (or, uh, your legs).
Wherever you are, that’s where your date will take place.
If you look up to find a park with a lovely, lit gazebo, good for you!
If all you happen to see before you is a gas station, I wish you the best of luck throwing a romantic spin on that one. Yikes.
But it’s all part of the adventure, right?
No, really. The fun of the penny date is in the mystery, the confusion and the downright ridiculousness of your time together. It’s a way to do something different, something that you wouldn’t have done ordinarily, and to have fun doing it.
Either way, it’s sure to be a memorable date, right?
A Few Notes to Help You Create the Perfect Penny Date
To keep costs low, pack a picnic meal to bring with you. That way, wherever you end up, you’ll have dinner ready to go.
You don’t have to be in a metropolitan area to make this date work, but you’ll want to adjust your number of turns based on your location. Thirty turns won’t take very long on city streets, but if you’re driving long back roads, 30 turns could take forever.
Even if there’s a stop sign or traffic light, don’t turn into a parking lot or street with no outlet. Just move along to the next intersection and flip the penny there.
Keep your adventurous spirit open to the experience. Chances are, you’re going to end up somewhere less than romantic (or maybe even downright weird), but it’s all part of the fun of a date night left totally up to chance.
More often than not, a penny date offers up a little nonsense, a lot of laughter and a couple of really great stories.
Besides, like any good relationship, a penny date is about the journey — not the destination.
Right? (No, left.)
Grace Schweizer is the SMS editor at The Penny Hoarder. Deputy editor Tiffany Wendeln Connors updated this post.
Valentine’s Day is coming and you’re still paying off bills from the holiday time. Don’t stress it though. You can get a cheap but thoughtful gift for that special someone with just a little planning.
There are a variety of discount stores — many with “dollar” in their name — offering the necessary components for Valentine’s Day. But don’t overlook other discount stores that can be a great source of gifts under $10.
You can of course go the ultra-traditional route and give Valentine’s Day presents like cuddly little bears with sweet messages, boxed candy, and a romantic card. All of these can be found at any dollar store for a few bucks. They are good choices but you may be looking for something that stands out more.
Let’s really get romantic with more memorable, but not more expensive, gift ideas. Our dollar store gift guide has items you can find in stores but we also have the links to retailer sites included.
14 Bargain Valentine’s Gift Ideas to Profess Your Love
These cheap Valentine’s Day gifts are made better by adding the personal touch. Oh, and our gift to you is that we went shopping so you don’t have to.
1. Make Sweet Music
If you already use a music streaming service, make a romantic playlist for the one you love. Then add in these glow in the dark or Star Wars headphones from 5 Below for just a bit over $5. Even if you don’t currently pay for music streaming, you can get a free Spotify account and use that for your love songs.
2. Romantic Words
Maybe it is time to let the poet within you free. Get your sweetie a blank notebook from your favorite dollar store or even a craft store. Depending on your sweetie’s personal style, you can splurge $8 on the llama and sloth one, or a natural cork covered journal, or get a little edgier with one with skulls all over it for only $2.25 at Big Lots. Then write your poems in it. Your personal love language will melt hearts.
Not really a poet? Not an issue. You can fill the notebook with thoughtful song lyrics, classic love poems, or some of the great love quotes from the movies. Imagine turning a page and finding this quote from Dirty Dancing:
I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of
my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you.
SWOON. This is the type of surprise gift that will really matter to someone.
3. Sweets for the Sweet
Maybe your creativity happens in the kitchen, and you have the ingredients to make someone’s favorite cake. Even more exciting is if you aren’t known for your baking skills, deciding to make your partner a delicious cake is more meaningful. Food can be the way to someone’s heart.
You can get cake mixes and frosting at Family Dollar for less than $5 total. If your partner is a coffee drinker, put a little espresso or coffee in the batter instead of water, and add a teaspoon of cinnamon. This website has some great tricks for making mixes taste homemade.
You can also make store-bought frosting taste a little fancier by adding a tablespoon of melted butter, and a half teaspoon of vanilla to the tub, and mix it together well, then frost the cake.
Would it be too much to bake in a heart shaped pan? Not at all (just $6.49 at Michaels). True love is letting your partner lick the spoon.
4. Make It a Movie Night
Date night can hit new heights with a little planning. Several streaming services offer a free week or month trial. Just remember to visit your account and turn off the recurring payments so you don’t get a surprise charge.
Special little touches will add to the evening. Share some microwave popcorn in this movie popcorn tub , grab a theater size box of Milk Duds (or any other candy), and dim the lights (all only $1.25 each at Dollar Tree). Who says you have to pay attention to the film?
5. Gaze Into the Fire
Luckily Valentine’s Day falls in the winter when cuddling is important for body warmth. Can you build a fire to gaze into with that hottie you love? No fireplace? Not a problem. Put this 10-hour long fireplace video up on the screen and get in the mood for romance. And it’s free.
Getty Images
6. Say It With Chocolate
Imagine sipping some deluxe hot cocoa in front of the fire. Making chocolate bombs are easy — all you need are two Hershey’s bars ($1.50 each), a pack of hot cocoa mix, milk and marshmallows if you like them. Then sit back, relax and watch both the chocolate and your stress melt away.
This Etsy seller has heart shaped silicone molds for $9 (and free shipping!).
Too much work? You can grab some fancy hot chocolate mixes for pennies each, and maybe a can of whipped cream. Turn the couch into a cuddle center. Taking the time to make a treat for the person you care about matters more than the money you spend.
7. Toast to Your Love
If you aren’t chocolate people (we’ve heard they exist), you can still get romantic in front of the fire. Some cool looking stemless wine glasses ($1.25 each from Dollar Tree) and a cheap but good bottle of wine is a perfect low key Valentine’s Day gift. There’s even a heart topped bottle opener and stopper set that you can give ($6.20 at Walmart). It even comes in a velvet lined box.
8. Take a Luxurious Bath
There’s nothing like relaxing after a long day, and you can help your darling get there. Soaking in the tub is a true luxury. Start off with a soothing bath bomb (Target has a pack of 5 for $6). Or you can give essential oils (The Vitamin Shoppe has lots under $10) so they can put a few drops in the water for a relaxing bath.
9. Lotions and Potions
The perfect gift might be a lovely scented moisturizer. One of the most romantic things I’ve ever known was my dad rubbing lotion into my mom’s hands each night after a long day of work. A small container of shea butter is very affordable (under $4 at Sally’s Beauty Supply) and they’ll think of you every time they use it.
10. A Good Night’s Sleep
How can anyone relax if their tootsies are cold? Cute, fuzzy slippers are just the thing. They’re always the perfect size, and these are available in llama, teddy bear, fox, and puppy (priced at $6 a pair at Walmart). Giving roses is nice, but a rose petal scented candle($4 at Target) next to the bed will last much longer.
Guarantee sweet dreams with a sleep mask, which you can snag for $2 at Ulta. Hopefully they will fall asleep thinking of how wonderful you are. For about $9 you can get four pillow sachets, which are little scented bags packed with dry herbs for under their pillow to help them get their beauty sleep each night (Etsy including shipping).
11. Gifts for the House
It is pretty hard to resist these little ceramic animal planters at Dollar Tree. Online you have to get them in bulk but in the stores they sell individually for $1.25. They have sloths! The sloth market is really limited. There are also turtles, foxes, and elephants. They’re great for keys, jewelry, and all sorts of little items.
If you or your hunny bunny is creative, then this is a perfect Valentine’s Day art project. It is a ceramic heart magnet that can be painted and put on the refrigerator. They’re cheap enough to get a pair, less than $2 each at Michaels.
12. Cute Stuff for Them
If you are dating a dog lover, you can melt two hearts by getting them this matching dog/owner beanie set ($5 at Five Below). The dog might have mixed feelings, but the cuteness cannot be denied.
What’s their sign? A zodiac sign necklace means you know their birthday and these blinged out ones are pretty fabulous and less than $7 with shipping ($2 at Shein).
13. The Art of Love
True love may be encouraging your dearest to fulfill their talents. If they used to draw or paint and fell away from that, discount department stores are full of colored pencils and pens, blank journals, and all sorts of beginning art sets. Tuesday Morning stores have pretty robust arts and crafts sections. Five Below has a pretty complete beginners’ set for only $5, with a nice variety of pencils, charcoals, and pastels.
14. And More Sweet Nothings
Leave sticky notes with sweet messages on their laptop. Give a lottery ticket with the dreams of an amorous trip detailed. Put the ticket stubs from a favorite concert in a frame. Don’t ever discount the pleasure of a delicious breakfast in bed. Flowers are wonderful, especially in your person’s favorite colors.
Cheap Valentine gifts are easy to do, and don’t have to cost much. There are a ton of small loving moments that you can give. Valentine’s Day is just one day a year. Your thoughtfulness will transform any five buck doodad into an invaluable treasure.
The Penny Hoarder contributor JoEllen Schilke writes on lifestyle and culture topics. She is the former owner of a coffee shop in St.Petersburg, Florida, and has hosted an arts show on WMNF community radio for nearly 30 years.
Saving money on food comes down to one thing: working smarter, not harder.
And that starts with keeping some basic pantry (and freezer) essentials on hand at all times, so you can whip up tasty meals with minimal effort.
Saving money in the kitchen is always important, but even more so in 2023 as food prices rise. According to the USDA, food prices increased by 9.9% in 2022. Food-at-home prices (grocery store purchases) increased by 11.4%, while food-away-from-home prices (restaurant purchases) increased by 7.7%.
There are a number of factors driving up prices: rising energy and transportation costs plus higher labor costs. Also, a widespread outbreak of avian flu has affected chicken and egg prices. Consumers are also seeing rising costs for meat in various forms, including both raw and cured like bacon.
Why Is It a Good Idea to Have a Well-Stocked Pantry?
If you have a well-stocked pantry it makes it easier and cheaper to cook at home and not resort to takeout. A stocked pantry allows you to smartly take advantage of store sales to make meals for your family because you don’t have to buy every ingredient for something you may want to prepare.
For example, if there’s a good deal on ground beef at the grocery store and you already have dried breadcrumbs, jarred red sauce and dried spaghetti in your pantry, you’ve got most of what you need for easy spaghetti and meatballs. Pick up a few fresh veggies and make black bean soup with the canned beans and broth you’ve got in the pantry. And how lucky that you have a loaf of French bread in the freezer.
The Budget Cook’s 11 Kitchen Pantry Essentials
Whole grains and breads
Pasta
Beans and legumes
Baking
Nuts and seeds
Oils and vinegars
Condiments and sauces
Dried herbs and spices
Shelf-stable foods
Frozen fruits and veggies
In the fridge
If you’re trying to cut down on takeout and looking to stock your cabinets on the cheap, grab these healthy pantry essentials to build quick and easy low-cost meals. Keep an eye out for sales.
Also, there is a lot on this list, and you don’t need it all. If your family won’t eat peas, no need to buy that frozen bag of them. Same with pickles and olives, though for some folks, these items are the perfect flavor boosts for salads and sandwiches.
1. Grains and Breads
Rolled oats
Quinoa
Rice (long grain, short grain, brown)
Breads
Muffins
Bagels
Corn and flour tortillas
Cereals
Quinoa and rice are standard bases for veggie bowls, taco bowls and fried rice. They also make it easy to whip up your very own quinoa curry.
Rolled oats are also versatile and worthy of a place in your pantry. In addition to overnight oats and baked goods, you can toss oats into a smoothie or even make your own granola.
A variety of bread is another great staple to have on hand. You can put just about anything between two slices of bread and call it a sandwich, or add some cheese and veggies in a tortilla to make a quesadilla. You’ve got tuna and bagels? Think about an open-face tuna melt sandwich.
By having some standard whole grains around as a base, you can also cut down on food waste and reheat your leftovers or use up produce to create entirely new dishes.
If you see bread on sale, grab a few loaves and stash them in the freezer.
2. Pasta
Spaghetti
Penne
Shells
Couscous
Rice noodles
Egg noodles
You don’t necessarily need these specific noodles, but a long noodle and a short noodle will do all the things you need noodles to do.
Say that 10 times fast.
Your short noodle (elbows, shells) can make mac and cheese or a great pasta primavera with leftover veggies. Long noodles (spaghetti, fettuccine, angel hair) are made for sauces like Alfredo, pesto or marinara. You can make your pantry even more versatile by stocking it with rice noodles or egg noodles to whip up a homemade pad thai or ramen.
3. Beans and Legumes
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
Lentils
Black beans
Kidney beans
Refried beans
Lima beans
Black-eyed peas
Sharon Steinmann/The Penny Hoarder
Beans and legumes cost a fraction of the price of meat, making them an affordable way to add protein to soups, chilis and tacos. Roasted chickpeas make a healthy salad topper, while lentils are great for curry.
You can buy these canned, but buying them dry is even cheaper. Bonus: Ditch the bag and store them in decorative jars for a whimsical kitchen counter storage solution. Another perk to buying dried beans? Dried chickpeas make it super easy to blend your own delicious hummus.
It is hard to beat the convenience of canned beans, and store brands are usually cheaper than big-name brands. Consider rinsing them before using to get rid of excess sodium.
4. Baking
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Baking powder
Baking soda
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
All-purpose or whole-wheat flour is essential for more than just cakes and breads. You can use it to make your own pancakes, biscuits or even fresh egg pasta. Flour is also used as a thickener in homemade sauces and soups.
A little sugar can make a yummy sweet-and-savory sauce or quick fruit crisp in the microwave.
Sugar shouldn’t be a staple in your diet, but it’s necessary in your kitchen. You’re likely to consume less sugar when you make your sweets at home instead of buying them at the store. And some homemade sauces actually call for a bit of sugar to offset the spiciness (like this teriyaki sauce).
5. Nuts and Seeds
Almonds
Peanuts
Cashews
Pecans
Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Shelled sunflower seeds
Sharon Steinmann/The Penny Hoarder
Basic nuts and seeds have a dual purpose: They’re a great snack on their own, and they give a nice crunchy texture to salads, oatmeal and baked goods. They also work really well with certain meat dishes — like this cashew chicken.
Watch for them on sale because they can be pricy.
Nuts are also just super healthy. Pumpkin seeds are chock-full of nutrients — just 1 ounce has 7 grams of protein. Nuts also contain a hefty dose of healthy fats and nutrients, so skip the chips and keep these tiny gems on hand. Save money on your nuts and seeds by ordering them in bulk from companies like Nutstop.
6. Oils and Vinegars
Olive oil
Vegetable oil
Sesame oil
White vinegar
Apple cider vinegar
Balsamic vinegar
Coconut oil
You can make some awesome marinades and salad dressings with this classic combo. Apple cider vinegar makes a tasty vinaigrette, while adding sesame oil to peanut butter and soy sauce creates an amazing peanut sauce.
If you want to expand your oil and vinegar inventory, balsamic and rice vinegars add a lot of options to your pantry arsenal. Plus if you end up with more vinegar than you know what to do with, you can always try your hand at canning garden vegetables.
And we found plenty of uses for coconut oil beyond cooking to make this a pantry superstar.
7. Condiments and Sauces
Mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
Soy sauce
Hot sauce
Honey
Worcestershire sauce
BBQ sauce
Much like oil and vinegar, condiments and sauces give new life to bland meats and veggies. They can also be the glue that holds creative dishes together — like this easy egg salad recipe. A little hot sauce corrects all recipe mistakes.
If you’ve already got a lot of condiments to work with, don’t let them die in your fridge. There are several ways to put them to good use.
8. Dried Herbs and Spices
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Ground cumin
Italian seasoning
Crushed red pepper
Cinnamon powder
Sharon Steinmann/The Penny Hoarder
Salt and pepper are a given. But buying pre-minced garlic saves time — and allows you to add fresh garlic to anything. It also brings you one step closer to this delicious homemade garlic bread.
Cumin is another good spice to have since it’s a staple in many Mexican dishes. Italian seasoning is a frugal life hack. It includes all the seasonings you want in the ratio you want them, without having to buy seven different bottles.
And crushed red pepper is an easy one to have on hand because you can always refill your container with the packets that come with your pizza.
Spices and dried herbs can be expensive. We’ve rounded up 10 ways to save money on spices that will help keep your pantry stocked for scratch cooking.
9. Shelf-Stable Foods
Tomatoes (whole peeled, crushed, diced, pureed)
Peanut butter
Nut butters
Pasta sauces
Coconut milk
Stock or broth
Corn
Canned tuna
Canned chicken
Salsa (red and green)
Olives
Capers
Pickles
Raisins/dried cranberries
We often think of this category as canned goods, but some of these foods will come in jars, resealable bags or cartons. Watch labels because some items may need to be refrigerated after opening.
Coconut milk, stock and tomatoes are necessary bases for many soups, chilis and curries (coconut curry, anyone?). You can also cook rice and quinoa in stock or coconut milk to add some extra flavor.
It’s always nice to have a fancy pasta sauce on hand if you don’t have time to make your own — even though it’s really easy.
And if you’re embarking on a pantry challenge by eating what’s on hand before buying additional groceries, having ample canned goods will help you tie together some delicious meals.
10. Frozen Fruits and Veggies
Spinach
Peas
Mixed veggies
Berries
Mixed fruits
Veggie patties or nuggets
Edamame
While it’s not exactly your “pantry,” having a stocked freezer is one of the easiest ways to ensure you always have prepped veggies, vegetarian protein alternatives and a variety of fruits on hand. Toss frozen veggies into the oven for an easy baked veggie side, or add frozen berries to your favorite baked goods, like these blueberry muffins. (Plus, you’ve got the baking essentials in your pantry so you may not have to buy anything!)
If you have a hankering for more of the “junk food” frozen items like dumplings or frozen pizza, don’t go crazy trying to deprive yourself. Remember, satisfying your food needs (even those sneaky cravings) at home will always be cheaper than paying for takeout.
11. In the Fridge
Butter
Eggs
Milk
Nut “milks”
Cheeses (cream cheese, Parmesan, cheddar)
Yogurt
Just like the freezer, you might not think of the refrigerator as your pantry, but some essentials there will make cooking from scratch so much easier.
Take eggs. Even though the price is higher for a dozen than it’s been for a while, eggs can still be the basis of an economical meal. Look for store brands, which continue to be a better buy than bigger name brands.
Check out these 24 ideas for affordable ways to serve eggs for dinner. We especially like this huevos rancheros recipe, and since you already have beans, salsa and tortillas in your pantry, dinner will not only be a snap, it will be cheap.
Contributor Larissa Runkle frequently writes on finance, real estate, and lifestyle topics for The Penny Hoarder. Jen Smith is a former staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.
When it’s time to search the web, approximately 85% of users turn to Google. It’s such a prevalent search engine that we’ve turned its usage into a verb — Googling. But other options are available, and some will pay you to use them.
Microsoft’s search competitor, Bing, holds a bit under 10% of the market, but if you decide to switch, you’ll find fantastic benefits. Thanks to Microsoft Rewards, you can earn points to redeem gift cards every time you search.
Let’s take a break from Google and dive into Bing to see how you can reap the rewards from some of your favorite companies, including the Microsoft Store, Starbucks, Amazon and Grubhub.
What Is the Microsoft Rewards Program?
Microsoft Rewards is the software giant’s loyalty program, which offers benefits in exchange for using services such as Bing or Microsoft Edge. As you use specific Microsoft products, you’ll earn points that can then be redeemed for select rewards. Gift cards are our favorite offering and are available for a wide selection of places such as:
If gift cards aren’t your thing, you can enter sweepstakes for more elaborate prizes, such as a brand-new Xbox Series X, a Microsoft Surface Pro tablet, a $5,000 Amazon gift card or even a chance to meet WNBA star Rhyne Howard. Charitable donations are also an option if you feel generous with your reward points.
How to Earn Microsoft Rewards Points
Earning points with Microsoft Rewards is simple. Visit Bing.com and ensure that you are logged in with a Microsoft account — you can do so by clicking on the profile icon in the upper right corner.
Once logged in, you will notice an award icon at the top of the Bing homepage; your profile and a notification icon flank it. The award icon will notify you of how many points you have earned and how close you are to your goal.
Click on the award icon to see a breakdown of how many points you earned and additional activities you can take part in to earn points. You can earn 150 points a day using Bing on your PC, 100 points a day using Bing on your smartphone and 20 points for utilizing the Microsoft Edge web browser.
In our testing, we found that every web search we performed awarded us an additional five points. If you’re a student or someone who frequently conducts research using a search engine, you’ll earn points quite rapidly.
We also recommend participating in those additional daily activities that we mentioned are accessible by clicking on the award icon. To see a complete list of daily tasks that you can complete, click on your dashboard for all the details. We found it easy to earn points (nearly 150 extra) by clicking on links and taking short quizzes — no email address required.
How to Redeem Microsoft Rewards Points
There is no point in earning Microsoft Rewards points if you aren’t going to use them. By heading to your Rewards Dashboard (aka the rewards page) and clicking on the Redeem tab at the top of the page, you can “cash in” your points for prizes — it’s just like being at the arcade!
We found three primary rewards available from the program: gift cards, sweepstakes and donations. With gift cards, you are cashing in a voucher to one of your favorite companies or services (what could be better than free coffee?). We found that most $5 gift cards (5,000 points) can be acquired after only a few weeks of searching the net as you normally might.
Alternatively, you can enter a sweepstakes to win a more elaborate prize.
Donating to charity is a third option for those with a heart of gold. You can donate your points, which Microsoft will convert into a cash donation, to a charitable organization. Some notable organizations available include Teach for America, the Nature Conservancy, the Trevor Project and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Want to give to your favorite charities automatically? By visiting the Give with Bing page, you can set your account up to automatically have earned rewards points donated. If you want to promote your cause, Bing can even help you create free promotional material.
Is Bing Better Than Google?
If you’ve seen an ad for Bing, you may have taken a moment to wonder whether it’s a viable alternative to Google. Microsoft Rewards is a compelling way to move Googlers over into the world of Microsoft, but users won’t stay long unless the search engine delivers results.
We’ve tested Google and Bing for quite some time and have found that both search engines perform about equally with general searches. Google tends to have an advantage in our testing when it comes to surfacing answers for more niche topics. Still, both offer a solid everyday search experience for the typical user.
Microsoft Rewards may be a tempting offer to switch over to Bing and earn points; we don’t think you’ll have many regrets if you do. We especially enjoy the daily Bing image, which is an aesthetically pleasing alternative to Google’s plain homepage.
If you wish to compare Google vs. Bing side by side, check out a website like bvsg.org, which lets you see precisely what each search engine will surface for a query. The results might surprise you.
Pro Tip
If you prefer to use an app on your smartphone to carry out web searches and earn Microsoft Rewards, Bing provides options for Android and iOS devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do I Get Microsoft Rewards With Bing?
Searching with Bing is the easiest way to earn Microsoft Rewards points. Make sure that you are logged into your Microsoft account on the Bing homepage and begin searching. You can earn up to 150 points per day when searching on your computer and up to 100 points per day on mobile.
Does Microsoft Rewards Actually Give You Stuff?
Microsoft Rewards does, indeed, give you free stuff, including gift cards to popular retailers, restaurants, the Microsoft Store and more. When you use Bing, Microsoft can monetize your searches (in the same way Google does) and produce a profit. Microsoft Rewards passes on some of this money to you in exchange for using the service.
How Do I Check My Bing Rewards?
While signed into your Microsoft account, check your rewards points by visiting the Bing homepage and looking for the rewards icon. Next to the icon will be a number representing your current point balance. You can also visit the Microsoft Rewards Dashboard (aka the rewards page).
Are Bing Rewards Worth It?
Microsoft Rewards, which offers points and gifts in exchange for using Bing, can be worth it. We found Bing’s search engine results to be on par with Google’s. The best way to see if Bing is worth it is to use the service yourself and earn points.
Can You Get Robux With Microsoft Rewards?
Yes, you can earn Robux for the popular Roblox game platform. Microsoft is currently offering a special promotion in which you can get a 100 Robux digital card by signing up for Microsoft Rewards and searching with Bing using Microsoft Edge for five days.
Is There a Microsoft Rewards App?
There is no dedicated Microsoft Rewards app, but you can earn points and check your program status using the Bing app for Android and iOS. If you are serious about earning Microsoft Rewards points fast, it’s not a bad idea to keep it on hand.
Michael Archambault is a senior writer with The Penny Hoarder specializing in technology.
Relationships benefit from regular date nights. You can turn off the rest of the world for a little while, and just be a couple. There are a lot of ways to have date nights, whether you are in the same room, or hundreds of miles apart.
Many couples have had to deal with physical distance. Remote working isn’t the only reason couples may be apart. One could be on a military deployment or an out-of-town assignment. Then, of course, there are couples in long-distance relationships. Thanks to technology, there are some ways to re-create a date experience via long distance.
Sometimes being creative with your time together is more rewarding and romantic than a fancy (and expensive) dinner out. Read on for our best ideas for at-home date nights.
Kenny and Celina Beaumont have a date night in the backyard of their home in Orlando, Florida. Photo courtesy of Kenny and Celina Beaumont
We Have Lots of Date Night Ideas for Just a Few Dollars
If you’ve been with your sweetie for a while, it can be tough to find something special to do when you’re spending most of your time together. And if you’re in a long-distance relationship, it’s hard to establish a connection when you’re apart.
But there are still free and low-cost ways to keep up the date night tradition.
Although they’ve been married for over a decade, Kenny and Celina Beaumont have always realized the importance of romance — especially after having kids.
“If we’re not happy and having fun,” Celina said, “our household’s not going to be happy and having fun.”
They kept their long-standing date night tradition alive through the pandemic with some pretty adorable dates — one of which you may even have seen a glimpse of on John Krasinski’s “Some Good News.” (Look for the fine dining experience around 7:55!)
But dinner dates are just the beginning. Here are some of our favorite at-home date night ideas.
At-Home Date Night Ideas if You’re Together
Fancy dining experience
Ballroom (or any other kind) of dancing
Game night
Virtual home town tours
At home DIY spa
Relationship scavenger hunt
Do a jigsaw puzzle
Play sexy MadLibs
Find a starry sky
Go on a late-night drive
If you were already cohabitating, there are plenty of ways to set aside some special time for each other.
1. Fancy Dining Experience
You can definitely recreate the restaurant experience at home, complete with dressing up for the occasion and actually sitting down and being waited on. That’s exactly what the Beaumonts did. According to Celina, Kenny and the kids had been conspiring about the idea for several days before surprising her.
They printed real menus, got dressed up and dined al fresco on a three-course meal at “Jack & Olivia’s” — so named for their kids. Kenny cooked up the steaks, while the kids made the salad and dessert.
2. Ballroom (or Any Other Kind of) Dancing
You might not make it out to your local Arthur Murray studio, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn how to dance. Some couples’ counselors suggest that a tango or two can be as good for your relationship as it is fun.
Crank up a YouTube video, clear out a spot on the living room floor, and give it a whirl. After all, nobody except your SO — and maybe the cat — is watching. Make you could even do a TikTok dance challenge. Just think, you could go viral.
3. Game Night
It might not sound like the peak of romance to some, but sitting down to a game of Scrabble or Chess together is a great way to spend some quality time while also giving your brain a workout. If you’re really geeky, you might even take on a match or four of Magic: The Gathering.
We recommend adding fancy duds to the equation to make it feel even more date-y.
4. Virtual Hometown Tours
If you didn’t grow up in the same place as your SO, and you’ve yet to show them around in person, Google Earth offers a great date night opportunity: a virtual tour of your hometown, complete with stops at all the most important places.
Even if you hail from the same place (or have already gone home to meet the parents), you could use Google Earth or Google Maps to show your sweetheart around your college campus — or explore a city you’re hoping to visit together someday.
5. At-Home DIY Spa
Treat yourself — and your beau — to some DIY indulgence. Whether you give each other manicures, facials, or massages, it’s bound to be a whole lot more affordable (and considerably more fun) than it would be in a salon. Check out this list of spa treatments you can do at home.
6. Relationship Scavenger Hunt
Use your imagination and create a fun date by leaving clues for each other, which will lead to a payoff for the winner(s). The easiest way to create a scavenger hunt is by first deciding what the prize will be. Both of you agree on how long you want it to last. Then plan it by working backwards from the last clue. Here’s a site with a lot of romantic scavenger hunt ideas.
7. Do a Jigsaw Puzzle
This can be a fun competition (who can get their section done first!) or a romantic cooperation. Two sets of eyes can make a puzzle come together quickly. Build rewards for finishing the corners or the outline. Plus when your hands are busy it is easier to talk about things.
8. Play Sexy MadLibs
Why not get a little ridiculous. Download these Mad Libs — a word game where one person gets a list of words from the other without context -— or make your own. Concentrate on being silly and spicy.
9. Find a Starry Sky
Looking up at a star filled sky next to your love is just about as romantic as it gets. You can slow down time and feel part of the bigger whole, just from your backyard or a (safe) local park. If you do a little research first (try using a free skywatching app like Star Walk 2 or Sky View) you will know the best time to lay out, and which part of the sky to look at.
If there is a lot of light pollution, binoculars and telescopes bring the nighttime sky much closer. Extra bonus points for knowing some romantic starry quotes, maybe some E.E. Cummings.
“Yours is the light by which my spirit’s born/you are my sun, my moon, and all my stars.”
10. Go on a Late Night Drive
This isn’t exactly at home, but starts there. Even though gas is a little expensive, this will be worth it. Drive around fancy neighborhoods and imagine living in the houses, or through downtown and see what it actually looks like when you aren’t scouting for a parking place. Drive out to the beach or shore, or over a bridge and stop at the other end for a kiss. Driving with no place to go, just listening to music and chatting, is incredibly romantic.
Tips for Successful At-Home Date Nights
Even with the best of intentions and lots of planning, it’s easy for an at-home date night to feel like … well, just another night at home.
Here are some tips to keep it feeling romantic.
Put away your phone. Celina and Kenny say they make a point of putting their screens down during dates.
Wait until after bedtime. It’s fun to get the kids in on the action — but if they go to bed earlier than you do, those couple hours of quiet can be a great time to rekindle your connection.
Look for the silver linings. Although staying home is hard in a whole lot of ways, it also offers a lot of opportunity for closeness, especially in a world where we’re usually running all over the place.
According to Earthweb, 14 million Americans are in long distance relationships, and 60% of long distance relationships are successful. Couples who are apart exchange an average of 343 texts a week!
Here are some date-night ideas if you’re apart from your sweetheart.
Getty Images
At-Home Date Night Ideas if You’re Apart
Virtual coffee (or cocktails)
Reading to each other
Live streaming concert or events
Virtual movie nights
Art therapy
Attend a virtual art lecture together
Write letters to each other
Take an online class together
Feed travel or house dreams
Take a goofy quiz together
Many couples have had to deal with one of them being far away. It could be a military deployment, an out of time assignment, or a regular regional route. Maybe one of you is newly working remotely miles away. Thanks to technology, there are some ways to recreate a date experience even if you’re miles apart.
According to Earthweb, 14 million Americans are in long distance relationships. 60% of long distance relationships are successful. Of that 40% who aren’t, the 63% of the time, the culprit is a lack of planning for their future. Couples who are apart exchange an average of 343 texts a week!
11. Virtual Coffee (or Cocktails)
Video call applications like Zoom and FaceTime make it easy to re-create classic low-stakes, first-date ideas like grabbing a drink or a cup of coffee. It’s a good way to catch up on what is going on, make plans for when you are together again, and give a sense of normality to the relationship.
12. Reading to Each Other
This one’s super romantic whether you’re at home together or apart. If you’re not in the same place, you can read to each other over video chat or over the plain-old phone.
The options are endless: You could pick a book neither of you have read before or revisit an old favorite.
13. Live Streaming Concerts and Events
From superstars to local up-and-comers, lots of entertainers have transferred their live shows to streaming services. Many are free, though it’s nice to drop a tip for these struggling artists.
Re-create the concert experience at home with a cocktail and maybe a band T-shirt, and enjoy unlimited bathroom breaks without having to snake through a pushy crowd.
14. Virtual Movie Nights
There’s nothing quite as cozy as snuggling up with your sweetheart for a movie, whether at the theater or on the couch at home. But even if you’re stuck apart, you can spend time in front of the silver screen together.
A browser extension called Teleparty easily syncs Netflix, Disney, Hulu and HBO videos for multiple parties while also providing a scrolling text chat along the right side of the screen.
If your movie or TV show is on another service — or if, quaintly and adorably enough, you’re going to watch the same DVD in separate houses at the same time — you can always hop on the phone and queue up the video. Don’t forget the popcorn!
15. Art Therapy
A seriously romantic idea for the bold: paint each other while on a video chatting app like FaceTime.
Rather than draw each other, you could simply spend time together being creative, whether that means knitting, cross-stitching, painting or something else entirely. You could even make plans to give each other the products of your art session.
16. Attend a Virtual Art Lecture Together
During the pandemic many museums started virtual curator tours of new shows. Google has an Arts & Culture app that lets you explore farflung arts destinations, insert your face into famous art works, and see famous art works at a macro level. If there is a city you both love to visit, choose one of the museums where you can see both familiar and new works.
17. Write Letters to Each Other
Here’s a low-tech romantic, long distance night that will only cost you a stamp. Write each other a romantic letter, and set up a time to read them out loud together over the phone or facetime. Sometimes it is easier to write how you feel than say it out loud. Best of both worlds — you get to write it and they get to hear it. Swoon.
18. Take an Online Class Together
You can sign up for online classes or study a language together. Duolingo is a free language app, and you can work on exercises and lessons virtually, practicing on one another. Or learn about mountains and maybe plan to meet on one soon. One extremely popular course is The Science of Well Being, offered through Yale, for free.
Working together on something that is low stakes can be fun and romantic, low cost and take only a couple of hours a week.
19. Feed Travel or House Dreams
Keeping a long distance relationship warm is going to involve some fantasizing, but we’re talking PG level here. Pick places you want to visit, or live, and go house hunting online. It is fun to look at homes you may never see IRL.
Or head over to home share sites like Airbnb or VRBO, and pick a fantasy place to go. Maybe you will be on an island in the Caribbean, or a villa outside of Rome. It might turn into a real trip some day, or lead to finding a part of the world you didn’t know you would be interested in.
20. Take Goofy Quizzes Together
There are plenty of websites that have quizzes, ranging from specifically about relationships, like the Love Language Quiz, which 80s movie character you were in high school, or play trivia games. You can each pick quizzes and the person with the best score gets to pick the next one. It’s always fun to laugh with your hunny bunny.
Tips for Successful Date Nights Spent Apart
Here are tips to make it feel more like you’re actually together.
Get dressed. It’s all too easy to lie around the house in pajamas all day and even attend your dates that way. Wearing real clothes can make you feel more like you’re on a real date.
Connect often. If you can’t be with each other in person, spending digital time together is extra important. Maybe try to move your date night tradition from one night a week to two or three. Text each other every morning a picture of the clouds or breakfast, or one at the end of the day of the moon.
The Penny Hoarder contributor JoEllen Schilke writes on lifestyle and culture topics. She is the former owner of a coffee shop in St.Petersburg, Florida, and has hosted an arts show on WMNF community radio for nearly 30 years. Jamie Cattanach is a former contributor. Senior Editor Katie Sartoris contributed to this report.
We’ve all been there: You’re staring down the end of a home improvement project and wondering how the bill got so high. You thought you’d calculated all of the costs, but of course, it turned out to be more. And the rising cost of inflation means you’re seeing that price increase not just at home stores but everywhere.
That’s why we want to help you save as much money as possible. If you like to buy your home materials from Lowe’s, you’ll want to read this list and follow our tips.
How to Save Money at Lowe’s
In 2019, Lowe’s changed their slogan to: “Do it right for less. Start at Lowe’s.” So let’s help you do it for even less.
1. Be Aware of Current Promotions
Lowe’s has a savings section of its website that shares the latest deals. If you’re looking for something specific, make sure to browse by category, like tools, flooring or building supplies. You can also flip through the weekly sales ad—online, of course—and make sure to check out what’s on clearance. You can even sort by price. And don’t forget the Daily Deals.
When you’re in the store, keep your eye out for yellow tags that indicate marked-down prices. But know that there is a method to these tags: yellow tags that say “new lower price” are only marked down for 60 days while yellow tags bearing the “clearance” name are marked down permanently.
2. Download the Lowe’s App
Whether on iPhone or Android, download the Lowe’s app for free from Google Play or the App Store. With the app, you can compare prices, check availability, read product reviews, watch DIY videos and more.
3. Sign Up to Receive Lowe’s Emails
You know that your email can be the key to the best deals. Well, signing up for Lowe’s emails is no exception. In fact, you’ll find exclusive offers and sales promotions in your email, plus the weekly ad, DIY tips and sneak peeks of upcoming in-store events. Register for emails by putting your email in the window at the bottom of the Lowe’s homepage. You can also sign up for mobile alerts for savings opportunities.
4. Sign Up for a MyLowe’s account.
You may not benefit from direct savings from your MyLowe’s account, but you’ll be able to keep track of past purchases with this tool. Having that knowledge comes in handy when you’re shopping for replacement tiles or the same shade of paint you bought two years ago.
5. Use the Price Promise
If you find a current lower price on an identical, in-stock item at Lowe’s from another local store, they will match that price at time of purchase. You’ll have to bring the ad, printout or photo and show it to an associate, so they can ensure the price is correct. If so, you’re set.
For online purchases, the promise is much the same, although the competitor must ship to your location. If they do, just call 1-877-465-6937 and Lowe’s will confirm your find. Don’t forget to factor in shipping or delivery. And be sure to check the website for specific exclusions.
6. Take Advantage of Free Shipping and Delivery
No one wants to see their price at the online checkout and then realize shipping is tacked on top of that. Lowe’s customers get free standard shipping on qualifying orders of $45 or more. MyLowe’s members can even get free 1-4 business day shipping. Note that there are certain qualifications, like that the item must weigh less than 150 pounds and doesn’t apply to special order items. The store also offers free delivery of certain appliances, like washers, dryers and electric ranges.
7. Use Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card to Save 5% off Everyday Purchases
If you buy something over $299, you may be eligible for six months of no-interest financing with the Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card. With your first purchase, you may even be entitled to 20% off once you open and use a new account. There’s also low-interest financing for orders over $2,000. Lowe’s has a payment calculator so credit card holders can figure out their monthly payments.
8. Take Advantage of Lowe’s Military Discount
Active military personnel and retired veterans can save 10% off eligible purchases every day. Before getting the discount, you’ll have to verify your status as a military service member or spouse through ID.me. Another bonus: Lowe’s has four specially designated priority parking spaces for vets at every store.
9. Purchase a Discounted Gift Card
Sites like Raise, CardCookie and Gift Card Granny sell Lowe’s gift cards for slightly less than the card’s value — meaning more savings for you. Think paying $22 for a $25 gift card—you’ll love the extra money you get in return.
10. Check for Rebate Offers
Remember rebates? They may seem like a thing of the past, but they can be a very useful way to get cash back. Visit Lowe’s online rebate center to see if a recent purchase or an item you’re considering buying comes with a rebate. For example, at this moment, you could save $350 on the Samsung four-piece kitchen-suite, $200 on a Whirlpool four-piece suite or $200 on a four-piece Frigidaire suite. You can submit your rebate online and check the status of when you can expect your money to arrive. You can also search all rebate offers here.
11. Use Coupons and Promo Codes
Sites like RetailMeNot, CouponCabin or Groupon may have coupons or discounts for Lowe’s. While some report that Lowe’s will take coupons from competitors, it seems that, on the whole, the store does not. You also might find coupons for Lowe’s in the moving package when you change your address at the post office.
12. Know the Right Time to Shop
We hesitate to say plan your calendar around the sales, but if you have a big purchase you need to make, it’s best to go to Lowe’s when you know there will be discounts. You’ll find major sales around Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, July 4, Labor Day, Black Friday and the holidays. A few times a year, the retailer holds special sidewalk sales where you can find substantial deals. If you’re shopping for a specific item — like tools, a grill or patio furniture — our guide on the best time of year to buy anything can help.
13. Ask for a Lower Price for Damaged or Used Goods
Put your haggling skills to use to negotiate deals for a floor model or items that may be slightly damaged or worn. Lowe’s will often discount paint that was returned from another customer or scraps of lumber left over from cutting a piece for someone else. You may also find deals on wilting plants that need a bit of reviving. Associates can negotiate up to 10-20% off each item, according to SlickDeals, so it’s worth a try.
Lowe’s seasonal sales associate Maria Norwood waters plants in the Lowe’s garden section in Tampa, Fla. Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder
14. Exchange Dying Plants for New Ones
Yes, even plants can be returned. Lowe’s has a one-year replacement or refund policy for any tree, shrub or perennial purchased there. Just make sure to keep your receipt. Other types of plants fall under the store’s normal 90-day return policy.
15. Learn DIY Skills for Free
One way to save money on a project is to do it yourself. Check out Lowe’s How-To Library to learn how to tackle small projects so you don’t have to pay a professional for the cost of labor. Get detailed instructions on how to install a shower door or clean a dishwasher. The store also shares gardening tips if you don’t have room in your budget for a landscaper. We want to know how to build a retaining wall! You can also watch Lowe’s YouTube channel where new DIY videos are regularly posted.
16. Occupy the Kids with a Free Craft Project
Children can participate in free crafts projects through Lowe’s DIY-U Program. DIY-U workshops by Lowe’s teach children project-based DIY skills and offer a sweet incentive for parents: get a $10 coupon on your next $75 purchase for attending a workshop. Attend workshops in-store or via livestream online.
17. Shop Like a Contractor
Get the contractor discount even if you’re not a contractor. Lowe’s has special deals for contractors who buy materials and supplies in bulk as part of the MVPs Pro Rewards program. The rewards program works through tiers based on how much you spend per year. If you spend between $2,500 and $9,999, you can earn 1% of your purchases on a Lowe’s e-gift card. You can also get a free drink or snack coupon each month. Spend more than $10,000 and earn 1.25% in e-gift cards. More than $25,000? Earn 1.5%.
You can also buy in bulk and find savings through contractor packs and volume discount pricing. Read more here to find out how they work.
18. Get Free Design Advice
If you need advice for your remodel, get assistance from store technicians at the service desk or use the Lowe’s Kitchen Planner designer tool. Take the style quiz, calculate an estimate and work with the store’s free consultation service to make your dream space come to life.
Nicole Dow was a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. Writer Elizabeth Djinis is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder, often writing about selling goods online through social platforms. Her work has appeared in Teen Vogue, Smithsonian Magazine and the Tampa Bay Times.
Now that America’s largest movie theater chain is going to start charging ticket prices based on where your seat is located, it’s time to think about ways you can save money at the movies.
Seriously, folks, AMC Theatres’ new pricing policy has a lot of people riled up. Just for example, actor Elijah Wood says it’ll penalize moviegoers who have lower incomes. “The movie theater is and always has been a sacred democratic space for all,” Frodo tweeted.
Still, by the end of the year at every AMC theater, seats in the front will be cheaper while the best seats in the middle will cost more.
If you ask us, it’s just another way for them to gouge you.
16 Ways to Save Money at the Movie Theater
Fortunately, we’ve got ideas for how you can save a buck or two at the movies. Check out our list of 16 ways to spend less at the theater.
1. Go to Matinees
Going to a matinee can knock up to 30% off the ticket price, but watch out for the theater’s definition of “matinee.”
Shows before 4 p.m. used to be called matinees at most theaters, but some now charge the evening price for anything that starts after 3 p.m.
2. Go to Pre-Matinees
Some theaters offer an even better deal for really early movies — “pre-matinees.”
These typically apply to movies starting before noon.
3. Go on Tuesday!
America’s three largest movie theater chains all have the same discount day — Tuesday. You also have to join their customer loyalty club to get the Tuesday discount, but that’s usually free.
AMC: The biggest chain in the U.S. has Discount Tuesdays if you’re a member of its loyalty club, which is called AMC Stubs. You can join for free, although there’s also a premium option you can pay for if you want. As for Discount Tuesdays, the ticket price varies by location.
Regal Cinemas: These theaters have Regal Value Days on Tuesdays, when Regal Crown Club members get discounted movie ticket prices and 50% off popcorn. The club is free to join. A look at this theater-by-theater list shows that most Regal theaters charge either $5 or $5.95 for movie tickets on Tuesdays.
Cinemark: This theater chain has Discount Tuesdays if you’re a Cinemark Movie Rewards member. There’s a free option or a $10-per-month option that gets you more perks. Again, the ticket price on Tuesdays varies by location.
4. Buy at Your Warehouse Club — In Person or Online
Seriously, you should make full use of those warehouse club memberships! If you shop at Sam’s Club or Costco, ask about theater tickets at the customer service desk. They often have them at a discount.
The website LivingSocial is another option to check here.
6. Eat Before You Go
These days, lots of movie theaters go well beyond popcorn, Sno-Caps and Raisinets. If you’re hungry, you’ll be super tempted by the hot dogs, nachos, cheese fries, chicken tenders, pizza…
And they’re all way overpriced, of course.
You’d be better off eating in a restaurant beforehand.
But we haven’t seen them stop parents who bring their own paper bags to divvy up a large bucket of popcorn between the kids.
It’s much cheaper than buying a small bag of popcorn for each person. Share other snacks to save money.
8. Get Special Discounts
You might qualify for special discounts — and you could save up to 35%. Here are some examples:
9. Buy Discount Movie Gift Cards
There are a number of places where you can buy discounted theater gift cards online. For example, you can buy AMC gift cards on online marketplaces like Raise for discounts of up to 25%.
Use them for matinees, and your total cost might be less than half of what an evening ticket costs.
10. Go to Discount Theaters
These are also called late-run movie theaters. You’ll see the same movie, so why not wait a couple of months and catch it for less?
Just search “discount theater” plus the name of your city to locate cheap movies.
11. Join the Club
Most theaters have a club or loyalty program you can join to save money. Here are some examples:
AMC
The largest theater chain’s loyalty club, AMC Stubs, has three tiers.
Insider is free and gets you perks like Discount Tuesdays, which is probably the main attraction here. You also earn $5 back for every $50 you spend.
Premiere seems pricy to us. It costs $15 per month and lets you reserve theater tickets online for free. You can also upsize your popcorn and fountain drinks. Doesn’t sound like a great deal.
A-List lets you see three movies a week for $20 a month. That’s a lot of movies.
Regal Cinemas
The Regal Crown Club is free to join and gets you access to Regal Value Days on Tuesdays, where you get discounted ticket prices and 50% off popcorn.
Cinemark
Cinemark has Movie Fan, which is free, and Movie Club, which costs $10 a month and gets you one movie a month and 20% off concessions.
Call or check online to see if they have discount days or a price-per-car night when you can bring the whole family or split the cost with friends. And check out our tips for maximizing the fun.
13. Go to Advance Screenings for Free
Movie companies sometimes offer free tickets to the public for advance screenings. If you get one, go early — movie screenings often get overbooked.
Here are a few places you can check to see if anything is available near you:
At BulkTix.com, save up to $5 per ticket for some theaters if you buy more than four at a time. At Costco, you get a discount when buying 10-packs of tickets at the store.
15. Go to Late Shows
Some theaters offer cheap tickets for late-night shows — sometimes at matinee prices.
Showings typically start around midnight. If you’re a night owl, this can be a great way to avoid the crowds and save a few bucks.
16. Sit in the Front Row at AMC Theatres
If you’re OK with sitting in the front row, you’re in luck! It’s not really most moviegoers’ favorite spot, though.
By the end of the year at all of AMC’s movie theaters, here’s how the tickets will be priced:
The most desirable seats in the middle of the theater will be priced at a “slight premium” compared with the regular theater seats, which will remain the most common choice, AMC says. Those regular seats will continue to cost the current price. Seats in the front row are “value seating” and will cost less than the typical seat.
It’s up to you, but you might want to avoid neck strain and stick with the regular seating. You can always save a few bucks by not buying those Raisinets.
Mike Brassfield ([email protected]) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. Steve Gillman is a former contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
We’re living longer than ever before, and doing so in better health. So what can you do when you retire and want to keep your mind sharp or need to gain additional skills to stay competitive at work?
For many, the answer is to go back to school. But tuition can be prohibitively expensive.
At the same time, schools want their classrooms to be full of engaged students, regardless of age. In the interest of continuing education, many colleges and universities offer reduced or free college for seniors (typically, adults 60 and up, although the rules vary).
In fact, we found at least one option in every state.
Free (or Cheap) College for Seniors in Every State
While some institutions only allow senior students to audit classes, many offer the chance to earn credits toward a degree at a reduced — or completely waived — tuition rate.
Does your state have a senior citizen education program you can use? Find out below!
1. Alabama
The Alabama Commission on Higher Education states that Alabama seniors can attend any two-year institution within the state tuition-free.
Adults 60 and older should contact the financial aid office at any community college for admission and eligibility details.
The University of Alaska waives tuition for senior-citizen residents who receive full Social Security benefits. Seniors must wait until the first day of classes to enroll to ensure that there’s space remaining; they must also complete a tuition-waiver form.
Additional costs such as student activity, health center and lab fees are not covered; the student must pay them directly.
Online courses may be included if offered; check with the admissions office for confirmation.
3. Arizona
All 10 campuses of Maricopa Community College allow senior citizens to take classes for credit at 50% of the full tuition cost.
Students 65 and older must register between the first and second class sessions of the semester to ensure space is available. You can register for in-person, online or hybrid classes.
4. Arkansas
Arkansas waives tuition for anyone 60 and over who wants to work toward an undergraduate or graduate degree at state institutions.
Student fees may apply, and senior citizens may register only for classes with space available. If you need online courses, check with your chosen college to see what options you have.
5. California
California State University waives all tuition for state-supported classes and dramatically reduces campus fees for residents age 60 or older.
Different Cal State locations may offer online courses or in-person classes. Students who attend in-person classes must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
6. Colorado
Students age 55 and older may attend class on a space-available basis at Colorado State University. There is no tuition fee, but visitors don’t get credit for attending class. It is up to the instructor how participation and grading of assignments and tests are handled. CSU currently offers face to face, hybrid and online classes.
At the University of Colorado Denver, people 60 and older may enroll on a no-credit basis to attend up to two classes per semester as auditors when space is available. (Courses with a lab component are excluded, as are computer courses and online courses.)
7. Connecticut
Residents 62 and up may attend state colleges, including community colleges, for free on a space-available basis.
At Central Connecticut State University, for example, tuition is waived for any resident over the age of 62 who applies for full- or part-time admission for a degree-granting program. Online courses are included.
Senior students may also take noncredit courses on a space-available basis and have tuition waived. All students must still pay all other fees.
8. Delaware
The University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical and Community College allow all permanent state residents age 60 or older to audit or take classes for credit for free.
At the University of Delaware, students wishing to use the program must apply for admission on a space-available basis. Some graduate degrees may be eligible, as well. Residents can register for online or in-person courses.
Participants must pay all related student fees and buy their own textbooks.
9. District of Columbia
Senior citizens 65 and up may audit undergraduate courses from Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies. These students pay a fee of $32 per credit, which means a three-credit course will cost $96.
To audit a course, there must be available space and the instructor of record must approve the enrollment.
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10. Florida
The Florida college system waives application, tuition and student fees for those age 60 and above, but colleges will award no credit and will grant admission on a space-available basis. Check to see whether your chosen college covers online courses as well as in-person ones.
Fun fact: Florida Atlantic University’s Lifelong Learning Society has the largest adult continuing education program in the U.S. It even has its own auditorium on campus to help serve FAU’s 30,000 new registrants each year.
11. Georgia
Georgia residents age 62 and above may take classes on a space-available basis for “little or no cost” at the state’s public colleges.
Seniors may choose to take classes for credit or continuing education, but they must apply through the regular admissions process at their school of choice. Many general education courses are offered online.
12. Hawaii
The Senior Citizen Visitor Program at the University of Hawaii and state community colleges allows senior residents age 60 and up to attend up to two courses per semester free of charge. Seniors who have been residents of Hawaii for at least one year may enroll in in-person, hybrid or online courses for no cost. It’s recommended but not required for students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Students must demonstrate tuberculosis (TB) clearance by providing test results or a TB risk assessment form signed by a licensed U.S. health care provider.
Schools will not award credit nor will they keep permanent records of students’ class history.
13. Idaho
Programs in Idaho vary based on institution, but some schools offer good deals. The College of Southern Idaho offers free tuition for lower division courses for students aged 60 and older, in addition to other benefits. The college has online and in-person courses.
At Boise State University, Idaho residents who are at least 65 years old can audit classes on a space-available basis for free except for applicable special course fees. BSU offers online courses as well as in-person ones.
14. Illinois
Upon admission, senior citizens age 65 and up who meet income requirements can attend regular credit courses at Illinois public institutions for free. Lab, student and other fees still apply. Each institution will have guidance on registering for online or in-person classes.
15. Indiana
Indiana University offers programs that allow retired residents age 60 and older to take up to nine credit hours per semester and pay just 50% of in-state tuition fees. Courses are in person.
16. Iowa
Private institution Simpson College in Indianola allows people 65 and older to take one noncredit class for free per semester. Courses are open on a space-available basis and do not include lab courses. Online courses may be available.
17. Kansas
Tuition and fees are waived for students age 65 and older taking classes on a space-available basis. Residents must be admitted to a state-supported school to take advantage of this discount. Each school can also provide info on in-person versus online courses.
The registration process varies: The University of Kansas and Wichita State University, for example, require senior auditors to apply for admission. Online or in-person courses may be offered.
18. Kentucky
Tuition and fees are waived for students age 65 and older taking classes on a space-available basis. Residents must be admitted to a state-supported school to take advantage of this discount. Each school can also provide info on in-person versus online courses.
19. Louisiana
Students age 65 and up attending Louisiana state schools receive free tuition and 50% off books and materials at the campus student bookstore. Check with each school to see if online courses are included.
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20. Maine
Senior citizens 65 and up may attend undergraduate classes as degree-seeking or audit students in the University of Maine System for free, subject to space availability.
Each college within the system can provide info on the types of courses covered (i.e., online, in-person, hybrid).
21. Maryland
Any student in the University of Maryland System who is retired and over the age of 60 may have tuition waived for up to three courses per semester, even for degree-granting programs. Online courses are available as well as face-to-face offerings.
Online courses are available as well as face-to-face offerings.
22. Massachusetts
Residents age 60 or older can take at least three credits per semester at any state-supported school in Massachusetts and receive free tuition.
Each location has information on what online courses are offered.
23. Michigan
Opportunities for seniors in Michigan vary by institution.
At Michigan Tech, for example, students 60 and older can have tuition waived for up to two courses per semester. Seniors must apply through the admissions office.
Western Michigan University invites seniors 62 and older to register for one class per semester tuition-free, which may include online classes.
At Wayne State University in Detroit, seniors 60 and up receive a 75% discount on tuition but must pay registration and related fees. Wayne State offers some online courses.
24. Minnesota
Minnesota waives tuition for senior citizens 62 and older, but fees and online options may vary by school. At the University of Minnesota, seniors pay a $10 fee per credit, but they can audit for free.
25. Mississippi
There’s no statewide benefit in Mississippi, but some schools have programs for seniors.
Mississippi State University provides a waiver to residents age 60 or older for classes offered on the Starkville or Meridian campuses or by the Center for Distance Education. Seniors are limited to six semester hours per semester and a maximum of 18 credit hours per calendar year, where space is available. MSU offers online courses as well as traditional in-person ones.
The University of Mississippi’s Office of Professional Development and Lifelong Learning allows seniors 65 and older to take one class for free per semester (up to four hours) at any UM campus.
26. Missouri
Missouri residents age 65 and older are exempt from paying tuition at state-supported institutions for classes attended on a noncredit basis. Schools may limit the number of students who receive the tuition benefit based on space availability. Online classes are offered in addition to in-person ones.
27. Montana
The Montana University System offers a tuition waiver for in-state residents 65 or older. Campus and registration fees are not waived. Choose from online or in-person classes.
28. Nebraska
Chadron State College allows adults 65 and up to audit one course per semester for free. The college offers classes online and on campus.
29. Nevada
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas allows seniors 62 and up to take autumn and spring courses free of charge. They pay 50% tuition for summer classes. Lab and other course fees are not covered. Online courses may be offered.
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30. New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire offers residents 65 and older free tuition for two credit-bearing classes per academic year on a space-available basis, so long as they’re not enrolled in a degree program. Courses are offered online or in person.
31. New Jersey
Rutgers University allows retired New Jersey residents 62 and older to audit courses for free in the spring and fall semesters at its Camden, New Brunswick and Newark campuses, space permitting. Current guidelines allow senior citizens to audit in-person or online classes if they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
32. New Mexico
New Mexico offers reduced tuition of just $5 per credit hour to state residents 65 and older. Online courses are available.
For-credit classes are eligible as well as auditing; senior citizens can take no more than 10 credit hours per semester. The program is offered on a space-available basis, and students are responsible for paying any additional course fees.
33. New York
Many schools offer free or reduced tuition for senior citizens. Queens College allows residents 60 and up to audit any course on a space-available basis after completing a Senior Citizen Auditor Application and paying $80 per semester. Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations are required to enroll.
At SUNY Purchase, New York state residents 60 and older can enroll tuition-free in a maximum of two credit-bearing, on-campus courses in which space is available. They pay a $50 audit fee, $20 ID processing fee and any course fees. In-person, online and hybrid courses are available, and COVID-19 vaccinations are required for anyone coming on campus.
34. North Carolina
Tuition and registration fees are waived for residents 65 or older attending North Carolina community colleges. Senior citizens can take up to six credit hours per semester for free. Audit options may be available at other schools.
At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, for example, senior citizens may audit classes for free after getting the instructor’s permission and submitting an application. Lab, studio, performance, distance education, independent study, internship and special topic courses are excluded. Online courses are available for those who prefer them.
35. North Dakota
Programs vary by institution in North Dakota. At Bismarck State, for example, senior citizens 65 and older can audit one course tuition-free per semester on a space-available basis. They’re still responsible for other course fees. Some online courses are available.
36. Ohio
Ohio residents at least 60 years old may attend class at any state college for free. Senior-citizen students do not receive credit and can register only on a space-available basis. They are still responsible for special assessments, such as lab fees, that may apply.
Many Ohio state colleges offer online courses, as well as in-person and hybrid.
37. Oklahoma
Oklahoma state colleges and universities waive tuition and fees for senior citizens 65 and older who wish to audit classes on a space-available basis.
38. Oregon
Oregon State University allows senior citizens at least 65 years old to audit classes for free at a maximum of eight credit hours per semester.
The University of Oregon also waives fees for seniors 65 and older auditing classes on a space-available basis.
Online course options may be offered depending on availability.
39. Pennsylvania
Clarion University offers a tuition waiver for residents 62 and up to audit classes. At Bloomsburg University, you need to be only 60 to take tuition-free classes on a space-available basis.
There can be additional benefits at the community college level: Bucks County Community College, for example, waives for-credit course tuition for seniors 65 and up so long as they register after students who are paying full tuition. Many courses are offered online, though some in-person and hybrid options are available.
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40. Rhode Island
Tuition waivers can be requested from citizens over 60 at the Community College of Rhode Island. Seats are granted when there is space available.
All degree-seeking senior students must fill out a FAFSA. They also have to submit a Senior Citizens Means Test to verify they have limited income.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to attend in-person classes. There are also online classes.
41. South Carolina
Residents 60 and above can attend classes at state schools on a credit or noncredit basis, pending space available, for free. The school must grant admission via its normal procedures.
Technology, lab and other fees are the responsibility of the student. Many South Carolina community colleges offer online courses for those interested.
42. South Dakota
Residents 65 and older can attend public universities in South Dakota at 55% of the normal cost of tuition for undergraduate or graduate in-person courses on a main university campus.
Interested adults should apply through the regular admissions system, and the school will automatically grant the discount upon admission. Student fees are not waived.
Contact your chosen university to see whether online courses are offered.
43. Tennessee
The University of Tennessee allows senior citizens to enroll in undergraduate or graduate courses for $7 per credit hour with a maximum fee of $70.
Students will still pay application and course fees. Senior citizens can choose between online courses and in-person ones.
At the University of Texas at Dallas and Lone Star College, undergrad students 65 and older must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA to receive a tuition waiver for up to six credit hours per semester.
Check with each individual university to see which online and in-person classes are available for enrollment.
45. Utah
Utah residents age 62 and up may enroll tuition-free at a state institution, space permitting; a quarterly registration fee is required.
At the University of Utah, for example, seniors can audit most classes on a space-available basis and only have to pay a fee of $25 per semester, plus any special fees required. Call to see whether online classes are included.
46. Vermont
Vermonters over the age of 65 can audit one class per semester tuition-free on a space-available basis in the Vermont State College System. Students can take additional classes at a 50% discount of the tuition rate, either in person or online.
They’ll still have to pay administration and course fees for all classes.
47. Virginia
Under the amended terms of the Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974, Virginia residents over 60 years old who earn a taxable income of less than $23,850 annually can audit up to three courses per term for free on a space-available basis at any public institution, either in person or online.
48. Washington
Institutions in Washington are required to partially or fully waive tuition fees for residents age 60 or older who are enrolled for credit on a space-available basis. Nominal fees may apply to students auditing courses.
Some schools limit senior citizens to a certain number of classes or credits; for example, Washington State University caps the waiver at six credits for the fall and spring semesters. Online programs are available.
49. West Virginia
Senior citizens 65 and older at West Virginia University seeking college credit must use the regular admissions form. Those wishing to be non-degree students pay just $5 to apply. WVU offers classes online or in person.
50. Wisconsin
Adults 60 and up may audit classes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus or at UW-Madison Online for free, where space is available.
51. Wyoming
At Laramie County Community College, senior citizens 60 and older pay only 20% of the resident tuition rate per credit hour, though they still need to pay any other course or online fees.
Northwest College offers adults 60 and older free tuition up to six credit hours per semester for on-site and online courses, as well as free entry to most college social, cultural and athletic events.
Prices vary depending upon the institution. Duke University, for example, has a $50 annual membership fee and then charges $50 to $175 per class. Senior citizens can choose to take classes online or in person.
OLLI classes don’t count toward a degree, but if you’re looking for personal development opportunities among older adults, these courses can provide opportunities that mix in the campus experience, too.
Contributor Catherine Hiles updated this post for 2023.
Smartphones seem to be getting more and more expensive by the year. Even Apple’s middle-market iPhone 14 comes in at a starting price of $799. Prospects don’t get better on the Android side either, with the Samsung Galaxy S22 also starting at $799.
With prices like that, can you even find an affordable smartphone anymore? One that has solid, essential features but doesn’t hurt your wallet?
Actually, you can — and one of our picks is only $99. We’ve rounded up the five best cheap smartphones on the market to help you find a deal that works best for your lifestyle and budget. Here are today’s best deals:
Apple produces some of the best smartphones in the world, but that quality typically comes at a high price. Apple has been offering a budget phone, the iPhone SE, since 2016 though. Now in the third generation, it just keeps getting better each year.
The iPhone SE has a slightly outdated design with a 4.7-inch screen featuring thick top and bottom bezels and a Touch ID sensor to unlock your iPhone via fingerprint. However, iPhone SE continues to offer a vibrant display that makes browsing photos or watching videos a joy.
Internally, the iPhone SE offers Apple’s A15 Bionic chip. That’s the same chip as the iPhone 13. That means the processing power won’t leave you wanting, even with a budget iPhone. You’ll be able to play all of the latest games without worrying about a slow experience.
For photos and video, the iPhone SE offers a solid camera system on the rear with a 12MP f/1.8 lens that still shines when compared to more expensive options. You’ll even get portrait mode and lighting built in, so you can take photographs with blown-out backgrounds and simulate perfect lighting conditions. There’s no night mode for extremely dark shots though.
Other features include splash, water and dust resistance (IP67) to protect your phone, a 5G radio for super-fast cellular connectivity and three color (red, white or black) options. All starting at $429.
Pro Tip
Once you know which smartphone you want, there may be even more ways to save, like picking a phone with less storage space or a refurbished phone.
Photo courtesy of Google
Google Pixel 6a: Best Budget Android
Key Features
The best Android smartphone under $500
Camera delivers great photos with AI processing
Battery can last over 24 hours on a charge
Pixel 6a
Price
$449
Cons
• Lack of an SD card slot means that storage can’t be expanded
Display
6.1” OLED
Rear camera
12.2 MP f/1.7, 12 MP f/2.2 ultrawide
US networks
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon
When it comes to budget smartphones, Google continues to impress us with its Pixel lineup. The Google Pixel 6a is our top budget Android smartphone for 2023, replacing our previous year’s pick, the Google Pixel 5a. A solid iteration of the company’s last budget offering, the Pixel 6a provides a smooth Android experience in a smartphone that’s less than $500.
The Pixel 6a features a 6.1-inch OLED display that sports bright, vivid colors — perfect for watching movies or bingeing TV shows on the go. If you need to jump into a video call, you’ll find a capable 8 MP f/2 front camera at the top center of the display. Flipping over the device reveals a smooth backing available in three colors — sage, chalk or charcoal.
When you want to capture a bit of your everyday life, the Pixel is ready to jump into action. Thanks to a dual camera system featuring a 12.2 MP f/1.7 standard camera and a 12 MP f/2.2 ultrawide camera, you can capture the action, near or far. We particularly like the Pixel’s AI features that allow you to remove unwanted objects from images and unblur faces.
Other Google Pixel 6a features include a Google Tensor processor for a speedy experience, an all-day battery that can last over 24 hours and a built-in fingerprint scanner. Sadly, you won’t find an SD card slot on this smartphone, so you are limited to 128 GB storage.
Photo courtesy of OnePlus
OnePlus Nord N20 5G: Best Under $300
Key Features
Large, vivid display for movies and photos
4500mAh battery that lasts longer
Fast 33W charging
Nord N20 5G
Price
$299
Cons
• Only available via T-Mobile
• Camera system could be improved
Display
6.43” OLED
Rear camera
64 MP f/1.8, 2 MP f/2.4 macro
US networks
T-Mobile
We know that the term “budget” is subjective. For some, a budget phone is about $500. For others, it’s even lower, which is why we’re happy to recommend the Nord N20 5G by OnePlus. While the brand might be a bit unfamiliar, hard-core Android fans know OnePlus as a brand that’s always trying something new.
With the Nord N20 5G, OnePlus has hit an excellent combination of price and value. This affordable phone features a 6.43-inch AMOLED display that makes colors pop, and users can unlock the device using the high-tech in-display fingerprint sensor.
The camera system on the Nord N20 5G isn’t our favorite among our budget smartphone picks. (That award still goes to the Apple iPhone SE and the Google Pixel 6a.) However, the 64 MP f/1.8 camera on the back holds its ground for capturing everyday moments. There is even a smaller 2 MP macro camera on the rear — a fun addition if you love taking up-close photos of plants or other things.
Other features on the OnePlus Nord N20 5G include the large 4500mAh battery and 33W fast charging ability, which help keep you topped up if needed — great for travelers and concertgoers. For those who prefer wired headphones, OnePlus kept a headphone jack on this phone, unlike many phones being released today.
Photo courtesy of Motorola
Motorola Moto G Power: The Best Battery
Key Features
Battery lasts up to three days
Fast charging: a few minutes = 1 hour of use
Low price tag
Moto G Power
Price
$199
Cons
• Screen lacks the vivid colors we expect from Android devices
• Outdated processor that won’t help the longevity of the device
If battery life is one of your top priorities, you may want to consider the Moto G Power, which — if you couldn’t tell from the name — puts an emphasis on great battery life.
The Moto G Power isn’t just a one-trick pony though. Featuring a gray, silver or blue finish, the Moto G Power is crafted around a massive 6.6-inch display that makes watching the latest episodes of your favorite show fun, but the colors could be more vivid.
The camera system is decent, with the primary rear camera based around a 50 MP f/1.8 sensor and lens pairing that will help capture important moments, but don’t expect the best in the photo and video quality. As with the Nord N20 5G, the Moto G Power also features a 2 MP f/2.4 camera for capturing extremely up-close shots.
But the showstopper of the Moto G Power is the battery. Motorola claims the Moto G Power can last up to three days on a single charge. That’s quite an impressive feat for a smartphone. The battery can recharge up to an hour of power in only a few minutes, too.
All that energy is used to power a Qualcomm Snapdragon octa-core processor for a more enjoyable, lag-free experience — though the processor, which is a bit outdated, may not have the best longevity. All starting at $199.
Photo courtesy of Blu Smartphones
BLU G51S: The Best Under $100
Key Features
A decent smartphone under $100
A large 6.4” display for easy web surfing
Available in four colors
BLU G51S
Price
$99
Cons
• Best for web browsing and light productivity only
• No 5G cellular support
Display
6.4” LCD
Rear camera
13 MP
US networks
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon
It is not easy to find a good smartphone for under $100, but if you’re on an extremely tight budget, the BLU G51S is likely your best choice. BLU is a company known for focusing on the lower end of the market and occasionally offers a cheap phone worth purchasing — if you can make some sacrifices.
Featuring a 6.4-inch display, the G51S provides a large screen experience perfect for writing emails, checking your calendar and sending out a few tweets. But an underwhelming processor may not handle much beyond the basics. We don’t recommend the G51S if you are planning to do much beyond web browsing, texting, calling and other basic functions.
The BLU G51S has a camera, but it’s nothing special compared to other devices. The 13 MP camera may work best for those who need to snap the occasional photograph or document. We don’t recommend the G51S if taking high-quality photos is a priority for you.
If the BLU G51S sounds like a poor option, it isn’t necessarily. But at this price point, you do have to sacrifice higher-end specs and abilities. For a bit of fun, the G51S comes in an assortment of colors, including blue, bronze, green and red. This all starts at $99.
How We Chose the Best Budget Phones
To choose the best affordable phones for your life, we researched all of the options on the market and performed select hands-on testing. We focused on the price first but kept other important features in mind, including battery life, camera system and display.
Price: While mid-range Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy devices are close to $800, we considered only phones that cost less than $500 and offered the best combination of savings and features. We also included cheap phone options as low as $99 for readers seeking extreme savings.
Battery life: We wanted to ensure every smartphone we recommended wouldn’t die on you halfway through the day. We also included a few options, such as the Moto G Power, that focus primarily on battery life, so you can go longer between charges. Wireless charging isn’t a feature on these cheap phones though.
Camera system: For most everyday users, the smartphone has replaced the compact camera, allowing us to easily capture important moments. Putting the best affordable tech in your hands to take quality photos was a priority. Our top selections feature stellar cameras, and we note when a camera — such as the BLU G51S — may not live up to your expectations.
Display: Because the display is integral in everything you do, we wanted to ensure the screen always looks great and recommended only the best options for each price range. Since many people prefer larger displays, we emphasized smartphones with the largest screens.
Maybe you noticed that some cameras with higher megapixels (MP) ranked lower. Why? Megapixels generally don’t matter much. The camera’s sensor technology and quality of glass are more important.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is the Best Smartphone for a Budget?
Our top budget smartphone selections are the Apple iPhone SE ($429) and the Google Pixel 6a ($449). They aren’t the cheapest smartphones, but they offer an excellent value for the price. There are also cheaper options available, such as the BLU G51S for $100.
Which Android Phone Is the Best Value for the Money?
After reviewing Android phones, we found the best value is the Google Pixel 6a ($449). The Pixel 6a offers a solid balance of features, including a great display, an excellent camera system and a stellar 24-hour battery. The Pixel 6a even offers fast charging abilities for topping up your battery at a moment’s notice.
Which iPhone Is the Best Value?
Our top affordable pick from Apple is the iPhone SE ($429). This budget smartphone still features a solid display, a superb camera and the fast A15 Bionic chip, just like higher-end models.
What Are Low-End Devices?
Low-end devices focus on the low end of the price spectrum. Our budget smartphone roundup includes middle- and low-end devices for those looking to save a little or a lot — like those folks who simply need a no-frills phone to get them through the day.
Which Budget Smartphone Should I Buy?
The right budget smartphone for you depends on what you want and how much you want to pay for those features. If you can afford a higher price point, go with the Apple iPhone SE or Google Pixel 6a. They both offer excellent value.
If your primary focus is battery life, pick the Moto G Power for its three-day battery life and super-fast charging abilities. If price is your main factor, check out the OnePlus Nord N20 5G and the BLU G51S.
Michael Archambault is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder specializing in technology.
However you’ve landed on needing a good milk alternative, we’re guessing you have your reasons. After all, plant-based milk alternatives (sometimes called “mylks”) have been known to cost as much as twice the price as regular dairy milks, according to a 2021 study from Food Dive.
Maybe you’ve developed a lactose intolerance or are simply looking for tastier new additions to your plant-based diet. Whatever has brought you to your search for the perfect milk alternative, this guide will help. As someone who’s spent the better part of the last five years trying every mylk option under the sun, I’ve learned a thing or two along the way about which brands and varieties taste best, what they pair well with, and how much they cost. Here’s our handy guide to the eight absolute best milk alternatives.
What’s the Deal With Plant Milks?
Before we dive into which milk alternatives made our list, it’s helpful to understand a bit about the plant milk industry, which provides insights into why these drinks cost so much, and also why they can be found seemingly everywhere these days.
The main reason for both of these things is that plant milk companies are required to spend a lot of money on processing, packaging, and marketing in order for their products to succeed. On the flip side, the same researchers behind that Food Dive study say the dairy milk companies don’t spend nearly enough on R&D and also that they price their products too low. Translation? Plant milk might not be expensive so much as it is accurately priced for profit.
But one thing’s for sure: The plant milk industry is on fire. In 2021, plant-based milks accounted for 16% of all retail milk dollar sales, to the tune of $2.6 billion in sales, according to a recent study from the Plant Based Foods Association.
The trajectory for plant-based milks doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon either, since these numbers also represent a 33% growth in the industry over the past three years, which is part of a larger trend of the nearly 79 million American households now buying plant-based foods.
All of which is to say: If you’re buying plant-based milk, you’re in good company. Here are some of our favorites for you to consider next time you’re at the grocery store.
Best Plant Milks at a Glance
Best for Health Nuts: Pacific Foods Soy Milk Unsweetened Original
Best for Gluten Sensitivities: Almond Breeze Original Unsweetened Almond Milk
Best Eco-Friendly: Pacific Foods Hemp Unsweetened Original Beverage
Best for Cooking: Silk Organic Unsweetened Soy Milk
Best in Coffee: Silk Original Oatmilk
Best in Smoothies: SO Delicious Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk
Best with Cookies: Great Value Extra Creamy Oat Milk
Best to Drink Plain: Silk Nextmilk
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Best for Health Nuts: Pacific Foods Soy Milk
Price: $3.79 per 32 ounces
If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to cow’s milk, soy milk might be your best bet. That’s because nutritionally it has a similar profile to cow’s milk. More specifically, the Unsweetened Original soy beverage from Pacific Foods, currently priced around $3.79 per 32 ounces, offers 16% of your daily value of protein and 10% of your potassium intake.
Expensive though it may be, this soy milk is delicious and versatile, so you can use it in everything from baking to your bowl of cereal. I also like that these come in smaller, packable units that don’t require refrigeration—meaning you can stock up on a bunch and just open them as needed.
Something to keep in mind is that soy can be hard to digest for some people. If that sounds like you, then you might want to try something a bit easier on the gut.
Best for Gluten Sensitivities: Almond Breeze Original
Price: $3.79 per 64 ounces
Speaking of easier on the gut, Almond Breeze Original Unsweetened Almond Milk is a great choice for anyone trying to play it safe with a gluten allergy. Although most almond milks steer clear of any gluten additives, this company is a leader in the industry that you can trust won’t accidentally expose you to anything.
It’s also just a really delicious plant-based milk from a company that’s been selling almond products for years. Currently retailing for $3.79 per half gallon, this almond milk can also be found in a variety of flavors including vanilla, chocolate or extra creamy. The reason we chose the unsweetened original has to do with versatility. You can use this delicious and healthy milk in just about anything, but it’s especially good in recipes where you want a lighter milk (ie. less creamy).
Pro Tip
Don’t want to pay extra for plant milk? Consider making your own. Buying pricey nuts for a bit of milk won’t save you money, but other kinds of plant milks can be made inexpensively, like oat milk.
Best Eco-Friendly: Pacific Foods Hemp Unsweetened Original Beverage
Price: $3.80 per 32 ounces
You’ve likely heard the argument before: Almond milk uses a lot of water, and soy milk production contributes to deforestation. So which plant milk is actually okay for the environment? Each obviously has its own impact, but one of the best options we’ve found is hemp milk.
Since nearly all parts of this relatively unfussy plant get used, and it actually enriches the soil it grows in, hemp has risen to the top of our list for eco-friendly plant milks. It’s also a pretty delicious milk for everyday use, and this particular one from Pacific Foods has an especially nutty taste and creamy texture that I’ve come to love. Currently retailing at $3.80 per 32 ounces, this milk is definitely on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Best for Cooking: Silk Organic Unsweetened Soy Milk
Price: $4.49 per 64 ounces
If you plan to use your plant milk to make lots of creamy soups or sauce recipes, then you’re going to want to choose a milk that’s high in fat, like this Organic Unsweetened Soy Milk from Silk, currently priced at $4.49 per half gallon.
Versatile enough to be used in baking sweet treats or concocting up a savory dish, this milk also has a relatively smooth flavor profile, meaning it won’t overpower whatever recipe you’re going for.
Pro Tip
Cooking lots of curries? Try a can of Thai Kitchen Unsweetened Coconut Milk. Since it’s creamy with lots of fat, this will take your next Indian or Thai-inspired dish to the next level.
Best with Coffee: Silk Original Oatmilk
Price: $5.49 per 64 ounces
I’m a pretty big coffee drinker, so you can trust me when I say I’ve tried a lot of milks in my homemade lattes. But by far the most delicious of these has been the Silk Original Oatmilk. Slightly sweet and incredibly creamy, this plant milk alternative checks all the right boxes whether you’re mixing a dirty chai, or just adding a splash to your morning brew.
Out of all the milks on this list, this one is probably my favorite taste-wise, and you can almost always find it in my fridge. Currently retailing at $5.49 per half gallon, this plant milk certainly isn’t cheap, but it still beats the cost of going out for coffee.
Best in Smoothies: SO Delicious Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk
Price: $6.49 per 64 ounces
Although you will need to actually like the taste of coconut to benefit from this suggestion, this highly-drinkable carton of coconut milk is one of my favorites for smoothies and other blended drinks (Pina Colada anyone?). Since coconut is naturally sweet, I prefer this unsweetened version, which also has 120% of your DV in Vitamin B12.
You can currently buy this delicious coconut milk for roughly $6.49 per half gallon.
Best with Cookies: Great Value Extra Creamy Oat Milk
Price: $3.79 per 59 ounces
There are certain nostalgic milk-food pairings that aren’t easily mimicked with plant-based milks, but this Extra Creamy Oat Milk from Walmart’s in-house brand comes pretty darn close.
Another reason I love this milk (and that it’s my No. 2 favorite on this list)? The price. Currently going for $3.78 per 59 ounces, this oat milk is significantly cheaper than the competition. It also, as the name would suggest, has that extra creamy flavor profile that makes it the perfect choice for drinking alongside your favorite sweet treat (like a choco-chip cookie).
Best to Drink Plain: Silk Nextmilk
Price: $5.89 per 59 ounces
For those reading this who just want plain old deliciously satisfying, can’t-tell-it’s-not-milk milk—this one’s for you. The aptly named Silk Nextmilk is the company’s own proprietary blend of oatmilk, coconut milk, soy and a whole slew of added vitamins that creates the closest thing to milk (while still being plant-based) that I’ve ever tasted.
Available for $5.89 per 59 ounces either in a full fat and reduced fat version, this highly drinkable beverage is also versatile enough to be used in cooking, with your morning cereal or just about any other way you’d normally consume a dairy milk.
Contributor Larissa Runkle specializes in finance, real estate and lifestyle topics. She is a regular contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
Americans donate billions of dollars each year to nonprofits — both at home and abroad. That money is essential to helping those nonprofits carry out their missions.
But how do you know that money will be used the way you want?
If you’re donating money to a charity, take a minute to make sure you know where your money is going first.
3 Things to Consider Before Donating Money to a Charity
If you have the money to make donations — or even if you don’t, but feel strongly about a certain cause — it’s important to evaluate the charity first.
Are donation dollars helping support a worthy cause — or supporting high administrative costs?
You want to get the most out of your donation dollars. Here are some tips to help.
1. Make Sure You’re Donating to a Legitimate Organization
You can search the organization and find its address, mission statement, tax filing status and total expenses vs. total contributions.
Charity Watch will also tell you how much it cost the charity to raise $100, which can be a sign of the organization’s efficiency (or lack thereof).
Charity Watch gives organizations a letter grade, like A, B or C. Charity Navigator rates organizations on a scale of one to four.
2. Know Where Your Money Is Actually Going
You don’t want your hard-earned money to go into someone else’s pockets — unless that’s who you donated it to.
The number that can help you understand where your money is going is called the program efficiency or expense ratio.
Higher efficiency ratios are a good thing. They illustrate a charity’s productivity in providing services in line with its mission.
A general rule of thumb: The most efficient organizations spend at least 75% of their budgets on programs and services, with the rest going toward administration and fundraising costs.
Finding the spending ratio is super simple. Go to Charity Watch and search for an organization. You’ll see a “program expense ratio” that reflects the total expenses a charity spent on programs relative to overhead.
3. Take Note of the Group’s Nonprofit Status for Your Taxes
When you make a donation, check to see if it’s tax deductible. This is important to some donors because donation dollars can be deducted from taxable income. That means it won’t be taxed.
To determine the status of your monetary contribution, look for the charity’s tax status.
But remember: You can only claim charitable donations if you itemize your taxes. And most Americans don’t itemize.
According to The Tax Foundation, about 87% of Americans took the standard deduction in 2019 instead.
For the 2022 tax year, the standard deduction is $12,950 for an individual, $25,900 for married couples and $19,400 for heads of household.
That means your deductible expenses — including your charitable donations — will need to equal more than $12,950 (or $25,900, if you’re married and filing jointly) to be able to take advantage of a charity tax benefit.
For many of us, that will not be the case.
Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder. Carson Kohler is a former staff writer.
