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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 Children’s Science Explorium in Sugar Sand Park is a free hands-on science center designed for children 5-12 years of age and their caregivers. It offers fascinating and interactive exhibits, programs that bring the physical sciences to life. Admission is free, however a suggested donation of $5 per person is appreciated. The  Sugar Sand Park …

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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 …

Read More about Back-to-school immunizations in Palm Beach County for 2024

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

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 …

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

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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