Amy Livingston
Amy Livingston is a freelance writer who can actually answer yes to the question, "And from that you make a living?" She has written about personal finance and shopping strategies for a variety of publications, including ConsumerSearch.com, ShopSmart.com, and the Dollar Stretcher newsletter. She also maintains a personal blog, Ecofrugal Living, on ways to save money and live green at the same time.
How to Get Emergency Financial Assistance & Help With Bills – Resources
Even when you do everything right, it isn’t always possible to avoid a financial crisis. But there are ways to keep it from crushing you. There are plenty of programs out there — some run by the government, some by charities — that can help you keep the bills paid until you get back on your feet.
8 Best Kid-Friendly Family Restaurants – How Affordable Are They?
Eating out with kids doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to dining on chicken nuggets and spaghetti. Here’s our list of top picks for kid-friendly family restaurant chains that are affordable and have something for everyone.
Where to Buy Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Clothing on a Budget
There's no way around it: Sustainable clothes made with eco-friendly fabrics and fairly paid labor tend to cost more. But eco-conscious shoppers can remain true to their principles without busting their budgets. If you know where to look, you can find clothing that’s good for both the planet and your wallet.
5 Ways to Make Extra Money Online (on the Side)
It's no big secret that the Internet has revolutionized how we spend money. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 10% of all retail sales in America are now made online. For some...
9 Best Paycheck Advance Apps to Help You Make It to Payday
If you sometimes feel like there's too much month at the end of your money, you're not alone. According to the 2016 National Financial Well-Being Survey conducted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, more than 40%...
How to Afford & Pay for College as an Older Adult
It's never too late to get a college degree. As an adult, you can take advantage of many programs designed for "traditional" students, including grants, scholarships, loans, and 529 plans. You can also benefit from special programs just for adult students.
17 Benefits of Having / Owning a Dog – Can It Save You Money...
Dogs are a lot of responsibility. You have to feed them, walk them, groom them, play with them, and board them when you go on vacation. But with all that work comes many rewards. Studies reveal that these furry friends provide their owners an array of physical, emotional, and social benefits.
How Much Does a Dog Really Cost? – Where to Save & Where to...
Dogs bring a vast array of benefits to their owners. These benefits come with a price tag — an average of $2,883 per year. But owning a dog doesn’t have to be this expensive. There are some dog care products and services you don’t need to spend big bucks on. Just don’t skimp on the wrong ones.
Luxury Items for Less: 4 Affordable Alternatives to Luxury Goods
Luxury items like wine, diamonds, prescription eyewear, and shampoo can add up and be too expensive for the average budget. These alternatives can help you get the high-quality product you want from a luxury item without the high price tag. With these luxury item substitutes, you don't have to sacrifice the luxury experience you want to stay within your budget.
7 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her (on a Budget)
Valentine’s Day can be stressful when you’re on a budget. Those glittering store window displays send the message that you have to shell out the big bucks to show your lady you care. But real women tell a different story: These seven inexpensive Valentine’s Day gifts are what they really want.
9 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him (on a Budget)
It's tough to shop for your man’s Valentine’s Day gift when you’re on a budget. Sure, the stores have lots of cute displays of cheap gifts for the holiday. But nothing ever seems quite right for your guy. But these meaningful gifts — many suggested by guys themselves — are just the right price.
How to Throw an Oscar Viewing Party on a Budget
It only takes a little creativity to throw a Hollywood-style Oscar night extravaganza without breaking the bank. From fabulous food and signature cocktails to swag bags and a red-carpet entrance, follow these seven steps to throw an Oscar party worthy of the stars — even on a tight budget.
