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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.

Got time? If you’ve got some spare time and you’re looking for a way to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of others, volunteering is a great option. There are many different volunteer opportunities available, so you’re sure to find one that’s a good fit for you. And the …

Read More about Volunteer opportunities in Palm Beach County

When the weather is great, there are plenty of places to visit and things to experience. Here’s a list of some popular events and things to do in Palm Beach County during the month of May. MOSAIC Palm Beach Deals & discounts on admissions, May 1-31, 2026 Reminder: MOSAIC discounts for attractions & events, Palm …

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You may have seen ads and announcements on social media about Candlelight Concerts throughout South Florida. These special events not only provide a multi-sensory musical experience, but also include a depth of repertoire and breadth of genres, from classical and jazz to show tunes and pop music. What is Candlelight? These concerts give the public …

Read More about Candlelight Concerts feature all genres across South Florida

Visit the Norton Museum of Art for a free accessible art workshop for the entire family every month. This program will feature interactive time in the gallery and art-making in the classroom, plus all participating staff members are trained to lead programs for people with autism. When: Third Sunday of each month, from 3 to …

Read More about Free: Family Autism Art Workshop, third Sunday, West Palm Beach

Golf with Us is free and open to the first 150,000 new participants who enroll before June 15, 2026. The program offers kids 6-18 a free one-year membership to Youth on Course, giving them access to tee times for $5 or less at thousands of courses nationwide. Returning Golf with Us participants can renew their …

Read More about Golf With Us, Bank of America offer free and discount golf memberships for kids

Attention instrumentalists, vocalists, and jazz lovers of all ages, here’s your chance to join Neil Bacher and Friends as they bring the rhythms of jazz to life at the Library! Whether you’re a seasoned musician or simply love great live music, all are welcome to be part of this vibrant community event. Jazz Jam Sessions When: …

Read More about International Jazz Day Concert at Lake Worth Library, April 30

Communing with nature has never been more fun and the Daggerwing Nature Center has so many opportunities for kids and their families to take advantage of the great outdoors. Admission is free; access to trails and boardwalk are free; most programs have fees usually from $5 to $10. Weekly: ANIMAL FEEDINGS & TALKS Wednesdays, Thursdays …

Read More about Free access to Daggerwing Nature Center, Boca Raton

You just get home from work and the kids are hungry and you’re tired. If it’s Tuesday and you’re near West Boca, you’re in luck. Here’s a seasonal event for the whole family but it varies between weekly and monthly (on the 4th Tuesday) depending on the season.  Tasty Tuesday When: Tuesday, weather permitting, from …

Read More about If it’s Tasty Tuesday, we must be in West Boca

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is a 108-foot historical landmark on a riverfront site with historical displays and natural features. Occasional discounts and free entry opportunities are offered. The attraction includes: Opportunity to walk on a spiral staircase with 105 steps to top of the red structure for a panoramic vantage point of South Florida’s waterways and …

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Weather update, check; pumped up tires, check; water and energy bar, check. Then, put on your bike shorts, grab your wheels and helmet and go explore and discover something new in The Palm Beaches – for free! You don’t have to be a snowbird or visitor to enjoy the Florida outdoors. If you’re not up …

Read More about Free bike trails also good for walking in Palm Beach

Manatee Lagoon counted 230 manatees on a chilly morning recently – the highest number in the site’s history. Those unable to visit in person can also watch the manatees via Manatee Lagoon’s 24-hour underwater manatee cam or above water manatee cam. If you haven’t been to Manatee Lagoon in a while, here’s the perfect time to …

Read More about Florida’s protected sea cows gather at Manatee Lagoon

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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