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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.

Public transportation can be a challenge to navigate for those who are unfamiliar with the interconnected systems, but it can also be an essential mode of travel to the savvy, frugal-minded transit rider. In South Florida’s sprawling urban-suburban landscape, there are various levels of how a person can get from point-A to point-B and back, …

Read More about Getting around Palm Beach by bus, trains, trolleys, shuttles

If you don’t like driving around trying to find a parking spot, consider this: There’s an eco-friendly way to get around Boynton Beach. Coastal Cruiser park-and-ride Can’t find beach parking at Ocean Front Beach Park? Park for free and request a ride on the Coastal Cruiser from one of the following public parking lots: 115 …

Read More about Get park-and-ride service on the Boynton Beach on-demand Coastal Cruiser

It’s not your grandma or grandpa’s library! Did you know: The Palm Beach County Library System’s first Seed Library opened in February, 2023, at the Jupiter Branch; or that you can discover the Wonders of the Night Sky in a Telescope Viewing Session presented by the Astronomical Society at the Acreage Branch? The seed library at …

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Saving precious pieces of history is a passion for many people, especially the staff and members of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County who make the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum possible. General admission to the History Museum is free; donations are appreciated ($5 suggested). Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., …

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The Cox Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach is so much more than a mere museum and it also offers opportunities for discounts for many of its programs. Last Saturdays of  2026 Frontline Workers’ Discount: Half Price for Heroes offers 50% off general admission for themselves and up to 4 guests on the …

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Lincoln Road on Miami Beach has often been thought of as a public playground to many; a place to hang out, with restaurants, boutiques and myriad cultural activities within walking distance. Best of all, many outdoor events on the pedestrian mall are free and open to the public; vendor prices vary. And music has long …

Read More about Play new musical instruments on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach

Museums are a great place to take kids for a variety of reasons. They not only provide educational opportunities, but they also spark creativity, and promote family bonding. Plus, they can help give children a healthy perspective of where they fit in, between the past and the future. And thanks to the Museums for All …

Read More about Free or discount museum entry with SNAP card

Have you ever driven to a Tri-Rail station only to find there were no open parking spots? That is the dread of many South Florida commuters. Finally, there is a program to help provide options: A discount Ride Partner Service with Lyft and Uber. Tri-Rail provides EASY Card riders a $5 discount on Uber and …

Read More about Tri-Rail offers discount fares, connections & other perks

The first day of classes for the school year 2024-25 begins on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. See the Palm Beach County school calendar here. The Dept. of Health-Palm Beach is urging parents not to wait until the last minute to get their child’s required immunizations for the upcoming school year. Immunizations and a school physical …

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Beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024, residents (only) of Boca Raton, will be eligible to receive two free trees per household, while supplies last. This tree giveaway is a celebration of the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District’s 50th Anniversary, and Park and Recreation Month in cooperation with Community Greening. Location: …

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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 …

Read More about Take a free ride on the Coral Gables Trolley

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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