I had an idea about a budget cutting mat. For several years I've been buying disposable cutting mats for preparing food. And it struck that they should work pretty well as cutting mats for cardstock.

The mats are a thin flexable plastic 14x12 inches and come in a 2 pack. Best yet the packs cost less than $3 the last time I bought one.

The only real drawback is the thickness of the mat. While they are perfectly fine for normal cutting, with pressure its possible to cut through the mat. But even so I think I might use them next time I need to replace my mat. I could place them right over top the old mat and once again have a smooth cutting surface and the old mat would protect the table should I cut through the disposable one.