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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.

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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The Ball and Chain Bar in Little Havana is hosting free salsa events with dancing that begins at 8 p.m. and a class that starts at 9 p.m. every Sunday for the over 21 crowd. There is no cover charge. The restaurant and neighborhood bar is part of the vibrant and historic Little Havana scene …

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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 …

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Mark your calendar: Not only will there be booths and tables offering specialty items at this two-day event, but also plenty of tasty goodies, plus live entertainment and activities for kids. Talk about one-stop shopping, fun and entertainment! Boynton Beach Night Market When: Friday &  Saturday, July 25-26, 2025, from 5 to 11 p.m. Where: …

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When tech guru Steve Jobs said, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life,” he was paraphrasing the old adage to “follow your passion.” But what if you don’t know what that is?  Become a volunteer This is a good way for you to learn, observe, assist or even teach and …

Read More about Volunteer opportunities in Miami-Dade to become a helper

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 …

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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 …

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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

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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