Blog Posts by Cheapism.com

By Elizabeth Sheer, Cheapism.com

For students of a certain age, the end of the school year is synonymous with prom. Whether attending this penultimate high school event in a group or with a date, it's a can't-miss opportunity to glam yourself up. Making a statement is what it's all about, and for most girls that starts with the dress. But it doesn't end there. The guys need a tux (or suit) and the entire evening needs a plan. We found several free prom apps that can get you there in style and on budget.

A frugal and fun prom can be a possibility.

Related: Effective budget diet plans

One caveat: Our research revealed that most free prom apps have problems loading, force close, or black out at times. The reviews we read indicate that these issues are particularly notable on Android devices. We tested all the apps mentioned here and didn't have any problems, but even if you do, these are free prom apps so you have nothing to lose by giving them a whirl.

Prom Night Moves 2013 (free for iPhone and Android) starts

By Elizabeth Sheer, Cheapism.com

Huge sales on food items at the supermarket are so tempting. It's an opportunity to save lots of money and ensure plenty of cheap meals (and "pantry shopping" when you're out of money or time) for days to come. But food isn't cheap if it spoils and you have to dump it, and some foods have a shorter shelf life than you might think.

Curious about what foods are great to buy and store?

Related: Best BBQ grills under $250

Here's an overview of foods to stock up on, and those you should buy as needed.

Canned goods. If canned goods have a "use by" date, buy as much as you know you'll consume before the deadline, which may be a few years out. The USDA warns against exposing stored cans to extreme temperatures and says to discard them if they're bulging. Highly acidic foods, like tomatoes or pickles, spoil more quickly than low acid foods, like soup or tuna fish, because the acid eventually begins to corrode the container.

Dried foods. Cheap pantry staples, such as pasta, rice, and beans,

By Alyssa Goldman, Cheapism.com

Summer is prime time for a family get-away. If you're concerned about costs, now's the moment to start planning a fun summer vacation that fits your budget. Whether your family enjoys the great outdoors or prefers the air-conditioned indoors, we've got you covered with a list of eight cheap summer family vacations.

A family vacation could be just a beach away.

Related: What are the Best Cheap cruises?

1. Yosemite National Park, California. National parks are the way to go if you crave cheap sightseeing, and Yosemite arguably offers some of the best scenery of any national park. Admission with a car costs $20 (all occupants included) or $10 a person (over age 15) by any other means of transportation (e.g., foot or horseback); admission is good for seven days.

Yosemite is nearly as large as Rhode Island and boasts 800 miles of trails that accommodate the rugged outdoorsman as well as the leisurely walker. With more than 100 lakes, multiple waterfalls, mountains, and a few beaches,

By Gina K. Briles, Cheapism.com

By decree of the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association, March is Frozen Food Month. Participating brands have released a slew of cost-cutting coupons and grocery stores are offering further discounts. All the sales make this a good time to stock up on frozen dinners for busy nights and convenient snacks for growing kids. But which products are worth a spot in an already overstuffed freezer? Cheapism.com recently conducted a blind taste test of a popular staple: frozen pizza. The test included 10 pies -- four cheese, four pepperoni, and two half-and-half -- all of which cost less than 30 cents per ounce. A nine-person panel rated the products based on appearance, aroma, texture, and, most important, taste.

See which pizza ranks on top.

Related: Our full frozen pizza taste test

Here are the frozen pizzas that earned the warmest reception and the ones that left the panel cold.

The Best:

Freschetta Signature Pepperoni (purchase price: $5.99 for 27.35

By Contributing Author, Cheapism.com

It's tempting to go to the hilt when decorating and furnishing your baby's room, especially if it's your first-born. Major retailers peddle pretty -- and pricey -- cribs, dressers, wall hangings, and decorations that are hard to resist. But if you'd like to sock away some of that money for a college fund instead of top-of-the-line items, you can create a cheap baby nursery with tips from moms who have done it.

Having a baby doesn't need to be expensive!

Related: What are the best inexpensive baby diapers

Cheap Nursery Furniture. Mom and Cheapism writer Raechel Conover was able to save on the bigger pieces of furniture. She got a really cheap crib off of Amazon and a deeply discounted changing table from Ikea because it was the floor model and the last available. A rocking chair and a bookshelf came as hand-me-downs from friends.

Mom and baby products designer Jennifer Porter of Satsuma Designs says a good way to make a cheap baby nursery that is also environmentally friendly

By Alyssa Goldman, Cheapism.com

Given that the Easter Bunny often arrives in April, you may be surprised to see that the holiday is coming up quickly this year, on March 31. Before you run out and purchase ready-made Easter decorations, see what you can create with some cheap supplies or by repurposing things you already have in your home. Here are nine easy Easter decorating ideas to try.

Celebrate Easter on the cheap!

Related: Budget microwave oven reviews

1. Give Christmas lights another chance to shine. Lights can liven up any holiday -- and provide more value if you use them more than once a year. Dig out a box of white lights from the basement or the garage and create an outline of an Easter bunny. Colored strings can make festive Easter eggs.

2. Turn soup cans into vases for flowers. This is an easy Easter decorating idea from Catie Parrish, an editor and blogger at Wayfair.com. Wash out soup cans and wrap them in scraps of fabric or paint them in simple pastel patterns, such as stripes and

By Alyssa Goldman, Cheapism.com

Prom is supposed to be a night for creating lasting memories, not a lasting impact on your pocketbook. American families budgeted an average of $1,078 for prom last year, according to a survey by Visa. Savvy parents can send their teens to prom in style without spending nearly that much. Here are seven tips to prepare for a successful yet relatively cheap prom night.

Create long-lasting memories with a cheap prom.

Related: Inexpensive treadmills review

1. Don't start the dress search at the mall. First, have your daughter browse the closets of older cousins and friends who attend other schools. You never know -- she might fall in love with someone else's dress. Scour thrift stores in affluent areas to see if you can score a designer piece. And renting isn't just for tuxedos anymore. Ladies can borrow designer duds through Rent the Runway. If you do shop for a cheap prom dress at the mall, you may have some luck at one of your daughter's favorite stores for everyday clothes. "Fast

By Elizabeth Sheer, Cheapism.com

Passover is the favorite holiday of many Jewish Americans. It begins with a seder (say'-dur), the ritual-filled meal that retells and metaphorically relives the experience of the biblical exodus of Israelite slaves from Egypt. The seder is held on the first and usually second night of this eight-day festival and gathers together family and friends for a long evening of eating, discussing, and singing while following time-honored traditions that celebrate the journey from slavery to freedom.

Celebrate passover on the cheap!

Related: Our budget slow cookers guide

The word "seder" means order, so there is a set way that the rituals unfold. Within that order, though, is opportunity for individualization. If you're hosting and must stick to a budget, rest assured that a meaningful cheap Passover seder is well within reach. The following tips can make this night no different from other nights in terms of saving money.

There are several items that no seder can be without,