budget lifestyle news stories on Newser

Best Cheap, Canned US Beers

Ambreen Ali — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:35:01 CDT

It's no small task to find a robust, canned American beer for less than $1, but these six passed the bar—albeit just barely—in a blind taste test conducted by the Washington Post : Baltimore's National Bohemian tops the list with its secret strategy: "Actually tastes like beer." Miller High...

Michelle's 'Recession Chic' the Latest Rage

Ambreen Ali — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:40:00 CST

Barack Obama may decide how to stimulate the economy, but it's Michelle who's teaching America how to look good in it, CNN reports. She's dumped the traditional first lady look for a "recession chic" fashion—a brazen mix of little-known designers like fellow Chicagoan Maria Pinto and bargain buys from...

How to Vacation on a Dime

Paul Stinson — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 17:19:36 CDT

With airline and entertainment prices rising, “free stuff isn’t just a bonus, it can be a vacation-saver,” writes Jeryl Brunner in Travel + Leisure , which offers 11 ways to beef up your trip on a budget. House-swapping: Cancel the hotel, and vacation in someone else’s home for free while they...

Dollar-Store Dining Possible in Big Apple

Clay Dillow — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:42:59 CDT

Grocery-shopping in New York City takes a hefty toll on one’s pocketbook, Henry Alford writes in the New York Times , but at 99-cent stores, more diamonds in the rough exist than one might expect. Alford embarked on a challenge: to craft a week's worth of meals made mainly from on-the-cheap...

Save Money; Buy Used

Sophie Goldstein — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 18:01:15 CDT

Some things, like lingerie and toothbrushes, are best purchased new. In other cases, used is just as good—and far cheaper. MSN Money gives you the lowdown: Books CDs and DVDs Little kids' toys

Europe Beckons; Penny-Pinchers Can Respond

Sophie Goldstein — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 14:06:02 CDT

The euro and the pound are kicking the dollar's butt, but that doesn't mean you need to cancel your vacation plans. The Times gives you 10 tips for traveling on a shoestring: Find cheap flights abroad Find a budget hotel or rent a villa Within Europe, try the budget airlines...

Hotels Go Budget Boutique

Christine Liu — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 11:02:07 CST

A new hotel hybrid, offering boutique aesthetics at budget chain prices, is poised to open across the nation this spring. The hotels trade on the hip design and high-tech amenities popularized by boutique hotels, but at less than $150 a night. The concession will be in location—most are planned...