Blog Posts by Cheapism.com

By Louis DeNicola, Cheapism.com

If you've been to a trendy coffee shop lately, you've probably seen the usual crowd hunched over their laptops working fervently -- or at least checking email and Facebook fervently. But perhaps you've also noticed a handful of people swiping and tapping away on tablets. If you're afraid that joining their ranks would leave you with barely enough cash for a cup of coffee, fear not. Unless your heart is set on Apple's latest gadget, you have a number of good choices under $200. Here are the top picks from Cheapism.com.

Google Nexus 7

Related: Best inexpensive digital cameras

• The Google Nexus 7 (starting at $199) runs Google's latest Android operating system (a.k.a. Jelly Bean) and online reviewers say it delivers speedy performance. This tablet comes with a number of user-friendly features: 16 gigabytes of storage, a 1280 x 800 HD screen, and a front-facing camera for video chatting, to name a few. Expert testers report that the battery lasts about 10 hours.

By Louis DeNicola, Cheapism.com

At Cheapism we always try to pass along great money-saving tips, but we also know that some offers aren't worth taking. As the old saying goes, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. All this week more than 60 federal, state, and local government agencies and consumer groups have been observing National Consumer Protection Week, with the goal of giving consumers advice on how to make smart buying decisions and warning them of potentially fraudulent practices. The NCPW website links to hundreds of resources provided by the participating organizations. Topics range from online privacy and scams to debt and money management. Here are 7 useful sources of consumer advice you can find there.

Now is the time to get your finances back on track.

Related: Best free tax preparation software

• The FDIC maintains a Money Smart Podcast Network where consumers can download audio information on bank accounts, personal finance, credit, and general financial literacy. From "How to Write a Check" to

By Raechel Conover, Cheapism.com

We've all been there - tempted to buy anything and everything in bulk. At the time it seems like a good idea to take advantage of lower per item costs and stock up. But some items are just not meant for the bulk storage room. The next time you're faced with this dilemma, choose wisely: Some non-food items are worth buying in bulk and others aren't.

Paper products are great to buy in bulk.

Related: Which is the better buy: Sam's or Costco?

Things to Buy in Bulk. Common household items to buy in bulk have no expiration date (or one that stretches months out). And assuming you've got shelves to spare, they won't appear on your shopping list for ages. These are the things to buy in bulk when you find a deal:

• Paper goods, (e.g., paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper) and items like plastic wrap, aluminum foil, sandwich bags, garbage bags, laundry detergent, and storage containers are definitely worth buying in bulk. Such products are used daily and never expire, so keeping a supply

By Alyssa Goldman, Cheapism.com

It might be too late to book spring break tickets to the Bahamas, but forgoing a big trip will certainly save you money, and you and your family don't have to travel to an exotic location to have fun. Here are some affordable spring break activities to help you make the most of a staycation.

Take a photography class.

Try something new. Let a site such as Groupon or Living Social prompt you to take a class -- maybe cooking, dancing, or photography. It all depends on the deal of the day. Even if you're just checking out a new restaurant, your family won't have to travel far to enjoy a new experience. With options changing every day, it's perfectly acceptable to wait until the last minute to plan your spring break activities.

Related: Cheap luggage buying guide

Take a hike. Now that the weather is getting nicer, there's no excuse not to go outdoors for some spring break activities. Visit a nearby park and walk one of the trails, or add more entertainment to the mix

By Louis DeNicola, Cheapism.com

The latest high-end smartphones feature blazing-fast performance, beautiful screens, and hefty price tags, even with a new contract. But as manufacturers introduce new models, well-reviewed handsets quickly drop from $199 or more to almost nothing when you sign up for a two-year plan. For frugal shoppers looking to spend a bit less without sacrificing quality, or consumers who worry about splurging on a top-of-the-line gadget only to lose or break it, Cheapism.com has highlighted four top picks for a penny or less. While you may briefly see similar deals on hotter handsets, these are all consistently available for no more than $50 with a new contract.

HTC Windows Phone 8x

Related: Our cheap smartphones buying guide

• The HTC Windows Phone 8X (starting at 1 cent with AT&T) is available to Verizon and T-Mobile customers as well. Windows Phone 8, the latest version of Microsoft's mobile operating system, was unveiled late last year to largely positive reviews. Experts

By Raechel Conover, Cheapism.com

This February we invited readers to take the Frugal Month Challenge and commit to what some have called a "no-buy month." My family of three embarked on this cheap challenge and now I'm back to share the results. But first a quick refresher on the rule: Buy nothing extra -- only the bare necessities. For my family, that meant we paid rent and other monthly bills and bought groceries, dog food, and gas, but that's pretty much all the spending we did. Doesn't sound like much fun, does it? Surprisingly it wasn't too bad -- and wait until you see how much we saved.

Learn ways to save money on monthly expenses.

The Results. Okay, I'll admit it: I wasn't a huge believer that this cheap challenge would save us much more than $50 by the end of the month. I thought our budget was pretty tight to begin with, but the results have proved otherwise. During the month of February my family ended up saving $472. That's right -- 472 big ones. Here's a look at where we cut expenses:

Related: Which is

By Pamela Druckerman for Cheapism.com

The French approach to child-rearing doesn't just produce kids who throw fewer tantrums and (mostly) eat their vegetables. It can also save their parents some money. Here, for the first time ever on American soil (well, cyberspace), are 10 commandments for budget parenting á la française:

Bébé, Day by Day

Give kids one snack a day. True, cookies probably aren't your biggest household expense. But consolidating family eating into three meals a day, plus an afternoon snack, means you aren't constantly shelling out fivers for treats. An added benefit is that, at mealtimes, your kids will actually be hungry.

Related: Top inexpensive jogging strollers

Everyone eats the same thing. French kids don't eat "kids foods" - they typically eat the same foods as their parents. Imagine the savings in time, groceries and gas bills when you don't have to cook two separate dinners.

Drink water. Make water (from the tap, if it's potable) your family's de facto

By Raechel Conover, Cheapism.com

With fond memories of cabin mates, campfires, swimming pools, and s'mores, it's no wonder summer camp is a natural choice for parents looking to give their children the same enriching experience they enjoyed. At summer camp, whether a sleep-away or day program, kids can gain new skills, experiences, friends, and their own memories to cherish.

Read our cheap camping trip ideas!

And the good news is, you don't need a bottomless bank account to afford summer camp. There are plenty of city, state, and non-profit groups that offer cheap summer camps for kids; some even offer financial aid to help families with the expense. Our guide to cheap summer camp programs can help you find day and sleep-away options that are a good, inexpensive fit for your child.

Related: Best cheap tents for camping trips

Cost. Before investigating the options, look at your budget and decide how much you're willing or can afford to spend on a summer camp program. In general, sleep-away summer camps