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Mary Lou Cruz

Mary Lou worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel for 21 years. She was a special sections writer in the advertising department for 7 years and worked in the newsroom for 14 years. Before her newspaper career, she worked in the airline and travel industry and has lived in Brazil, Puerto Rico and vacationed in more than 25 countries. Motto: "Learning to live a frugal lifestyle is both an art and a science." She can be reached at marylou@miamionthecheap.com.

Transportation is a big deal, and when it’s free, that’s even better! Driving and maintaining insured vehicles can be costly. Trying to navigate heavy traffic patterns can be frustrating. Finding a nearby parking space can be a time-consuming challenge like no other.  So, here’s an option that can aid in cutting down on the frustration …

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If you’re over the age of 65 and live in Doral, you probably appreciate not having to drive and navigate traffic or looking for a parking spot when you don’t have to. Well thanks to a new program, the City of Doral launched a free ride-share, on-demand option with Freebee and its fleet of electric …

Read More about Doral seniors get free on-demand transport with Freebee

Yes, there really are free transportation options in and around Miami. Miami-Dade County’s public transportation may still need much improvement, but several options are free.  MetroConnect now provides free ride-share service around Miami-Dade County that easily connects you to Metrobus, Metrorail and takes you where you need around town. More details can be found here. Please …

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While the Society of the Four Arts hosts a seasonal menu of performance and creative programs, fall through spring, it is also packed with free, fun and cheap things for adults and children to do at the Palm Beach cultural center year-round. Currently it is holding ongoing book discussions and lectures, plus garden and gallery …

Read More about Free & cheap exhibits, activities at Four Arts cultural center, Palm Beach

Do you and your dog like to dress up in costumes? Do you and your dog resemble each other? Do you and your dog enjoy mingling with other furry friends and their hoomans? Do you and your dog often exercise together, play games or run obstacle courses? If you answered in the affirmative to any …

Read More about Dog-friendly ‘Woofstock’ at The Barnacle, Miami

The Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora (MoCAAD) presents Knight New Work, a virtual reality art exhibition and documentary featuring new work by visual artist Marielle Plaisir. What: Premiere of “The Day I Heard the Sounds of the World” When: Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Where: Black Archives …

Read More about Free: Documentary & VR experience, Miami

If you enjoy hiking, camping and backpacking, REI is offering a free event to help you learn the basics and ethics of hitting the trail. Learn how to protect yourself and the natural areas and wildlife you love. Admission is free, however spaces are limited. Reserve yours at REI basics & ethics. When: Friday, Mar …

Read More about Free ‘Leave no Trace’ event, Boca Raton

Many seniors live on a fixed income, so pinching pennies is not only wise, it’s also become a routine of daily life for most of us. Eating out or ordering for pickup is a guilty pleasure when we feel like splurging, but even then, we keep our eyes peeled for special discounts. According to the Bureau …

Read More about Restaurant chains that offer senior discounts

Movie lovers on a budget know that the best time to see a movie is during the day, with up to 30% off evening prices for shows before 4 p.m. every day! Not only is the theater less crowded (especially on weekdays), but it’s the best opportunity to take advantage of savings at the box …

Read More about AMC Theatres offers big discount on matinée showtimes

Imagine a place where seniors can attend workshops in multiple languages to learn about how to use Zoom, comprehend computer and cloud storage, better understand smartphone technology, and interact with friends and family on social media. Well, thanks to AARP and the Older Adults Technology Services program, that dream will become a reality soon at Senior …

Read More about AARP will help older adults create their future at Senior Planet, Miami

Miami-Dade County wants you to save water. The county water and sewer department has several incentives to encourage water conservation through its Every Drop Counts initiative.  They are offering a free high-efficiency shower head for bathrooms built prior to 1996. After completing the application, if approved, they will tell you where to go to pick …

Read More about Free shower head, toilet rebate in Miami-Dade

Living on the CheapSouth Florida on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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