Clicky Skip to Content

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.

Making the arts more accessible and affordable to full-time students is now a reality, thanks to the ArshtPass student discount program, which provides $25 tickets to select shows. Plus, they are also offering similar $50 tickets to those 18-35 years old. ArshtPass members get exclusive access to limited discounted tickets for select shows, including concerts, …

Read More about ArshtPass offers $25 tickets for full-time college students, $50 for ages 18-35 years, Miami

If you are a student, educator, veteran or first responder, and you don’t mind making plans at the last minute, here’s an opportunity to check out at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Education & Veteran “rush” Ticket Program Please note that availability is limited and is not valid for all performances. The cost …

Read More about ‘Rush’ discounts at Kravis Center for those eligible, West Palm Beach

November in Palm Beach County is packed with major cultural and entertainment events, kicking off the mild-weather season. It’s a great time to celebrate cooler temps and attend some of the myriad activities for family fun throughout the month. Here’s a sample list of some of the things we’ve compiled for 2025; listed in chronological …

Read More about Top things to do in November in Palm Beach County

Street parades offer a unique kind of magic, transforming ordinary city blocks into shimmering, vibrant pageants of marching bands, floats and community spirit. Following is a list of some of the most popular ones across Palm Beach County. Listed chronologically: Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, Boca Raton, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, Boynton Beach, at …

Read More about Holiday street parades in Palm Beach County for 2025

The public is invited to attend these community holiday festivities with local artisans, food vendors, music, skating and a fire truck with snow. Winter in Paradise When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m. Where: Historic Northwest District, Heart & Soul Park, 825 N. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach Located just north of …

Read More about Free Winter in Paradise celebration, Heart & Soul Park, West Palm, Dec. 6

Each week, the Norton Museum of Art presents a new experience, with an eclectic mix of live performances, film screenings, workshops, tours, and more. So, if it’s Friday, shake off the sand and head down to The Norton as part of the museum’s Art After Dark series that features something new and different each week. …

Read More about Art After Dark: Fridays, West Palm Beach

Boynton Beach is gearing up for the holidays and the future looks bright. Here’s what’s in store: Boynton Beach Holiday Parade When: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, beginning at 4 p.m. and ending at 6 p.m.  Where: Downtown Boynton Beach on Federal Highway between Boynton Beach Boulevard and Woolbright Road. The parade is free for spectators.  …

Read More about Holiday parade in Boynton Beach, Dec. 6

Take advantage of this ongoing series of free concerts under the stars, with food trucks and vendors, plus pop-up family events scheduled in 2025. Click HERE to see who’s performing and what else is happening this week and next! The amphitheater at Wellington Town Center has a capacity of 1,500 people. Plan to take portable seats …

Read More about Free weekend concerts in Wellington

Northwood Village in West Palm Beach is hosting a free night of fun, food and family festivities, plus shopping opportunities, with holiday lights, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts from local artisans, and festive live entertainment. Nights in Northwood Village When: Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. Where: Northwood Village, Old Northwood Historic District, West …

Read More about Nights in Northwood Village, holiday edition, West Palm Beach, Dec. 12

If you haven’t been to Manatee Lagoon in a while, here’s the perfect time to visit. This information has been updated for 2025. Exhibits include three life-sized manatee statues, a seagrass exhibit and a Florida mangroves exhibit. Entry to Manatee Lagoon is free. Parking is also free.  Recurring events Manatee Rescue Adventure When: Saturdays and …

Read More about New ‘rescue’ adventure at Manatee Lagoon in Riviera Beach, weekends

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.

Living on the Cheap in the Media