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Frugal Living

Getting mega-value from your pumpkin

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Getting mega-value from your pumpkin. Have your pumpkin yet? Good. Now, to get more value from it: Roast the seeds There are lots of different ways to do this, based in part on personal preference. We've had good results cleaning them off, tossing them with some vegetable oil and soy sauce, and … [Read more...] about Getting mega-value from your pumpkin

Earn $450 as a Chicago Election Coordinator

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Earn $450 as a Chicago Election Coordinator. The next elections are: March 17, 2020 Primary Election and November 3, 2020 General Election About Election Coordinators and Judges There is a shortage of Election Judges and Election Coordinators for the upcoming election(s). The shortage is most … [Read more...] about Earn $450 as a Chicago Election Coordinator

97 cheap and easy Halloween costumes

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

97 cheap and easy Halloween costumes. Halloween is just around the corner. Be creative and save money by skipping high-priced, mass-produced, store-bought costumes this year. You can make great costumes using things you have around the house (think toilet paper or duct tape), can borrow from … [Read more...] about 97 cheap and easy Halloween costumes

Posted by Carol Filed Under: Frugal Living

How to register to vote in Chicago

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

How to register to vote in Chicago.  If you haven't registered to vote yet - no worries now is the time to do it.  Not sure if you're registered? Check here.  Don't wait for Early Voting or Election Day to register. The primary is March 17, 2020 and it will probably be an insane asylum. There … [Read more...] about How to register to vote in Chicago

State of Illinois offering Tax Amnesty

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

State of Illinois offering Tax Amnesty If you know you owe the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR)  money this would be the time to pay up.   Taxpayers who pay, in full, outstanding eligible tax liabilities will have eligible penalties and interest forgiven during the amnesty period.  If you … [Read more...] about State of Illinois offering Tax Amnesty

Posted by Carol Filed Under: Frugal Living

How to get an Illinois REAL ID driver’s license

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

How to get an Illinois REAL ID driver's license What is REAL ID REAL ID is a driver's license (and State ID) with specific characteristics that meet the federal governments requirements.  Beginning October 1, 2020 you will no longer be able to board an aircraft with a regular Illinois Driver's … [Read more...] about How to get an Illinois REAL ID driver’s license

Free rides from Circuit

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Free rides from Circuit. A couple weeks ago I saw what looked like a golf cart coming down State Street so I yelled out "What are you?" and the driver said "Free rides!"  So I found and downloaded the Circuit app and registered  (or here). Later I used it to get home for free (well I tipped $3 … [Read more...] about Free rides from Circuit

Get free stuff on your birthday

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Get free stuff on your birthday. Birthday freebies used to be more generous but hey free is still free.  You will be required to sign up to receive emails and in some cases join a dining or other club for free or for a fee in order to receive birthday freebies. All freebies are subject to … [Read more...] about Get free stuff on your birthday

Free paper shredding at Staples

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Free paper shredding at Staples Staples offers shredding deals from time-to-time for free or at a discount.  The offer is back. It would be nice if they gave you more than a couple of days notice. You can find a printable coupon from their coupon page online here. If you don't see it filter for … [Read more...] about Free paper shredding at Staples

Posted by Carol Filed Under: Frugal Living

Free water test for Chicago residents

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Free water test for Chicago residents. If you're concerned about the lead levels in your water Chicago residents can test their water for free.  How it works To get your free test you can either call 311 or fill out a form here to request a kit. The City of Chicago Department of Water … [Read more...] about Free water test for Chicago residents

Posted by Carol Filed Under: Frugal Living

Free City of Chicago chemical and computer recycling

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Free City of Chicago chemical and computer recycling The City is restarting it's Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling program. Have a clear out of your cupboards, closets, storage space and garage.  Then dispose of your household chemicals responsibly and recycle your old computers and … [Read more...] about Free City of Chicago chemical and computer recycling

Posted by Carol Filed Under: Frugal Living

U-Pick Farms around Chicago

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

U-Pick Farms around Chicago. It's that time of year again. Growing up we would, at least once a year, drive out to farms and pick berries, pumpkins and apples if our apple tree wasn't producing that year. It was fun to run around in the fields and be helpful. And I'm sure it was economical because … [Read more...] about U-Pick Farms around Chicago

Member of the Living on the Cheap Network

Chicago 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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