Are kids expensive? Are kids cheap? No one knows and everyone claims they do. The only thing I actually know is that there are plenty of ways to be frugal when it comes to having a toddler. It’s not just about learning to say no to their wants. It’s also clearly about learning to say … [Read more…]
I’m not entirely sure how it happened, but mattress sales on Memorial Day are ubiquitous across the United States. Then, there are the home good sales. And the linen sales. And the lawn furniture. And the list goes on. While I have nothing against scoring a bargain on something you actually need, no one should … [Read more…]
“But what’s the point of not really buying anything all the time if we don’t do this?” A comment my husband made while we were mapping out our summer plans stopped me in my tracks. Once again, I forgot the why of frugality. We were knee deep in the middle of ideas–literally. Our dining room … [Read more…]
Kids are really expensive. But what if you can get cheap toys? Cheap toys when they’re babies, toddlers, and kids. OK, never mind cheap. What if you learn how to get free toys? Kids are expensive anyway. But that doesn’t mean that learning how to score toys for less isn’t important. It is. In fact, it’s become … [Read more…]
I’ve written about our decision to opt out of opting out before. In short, major spending restrictions don’t seem to target our money needs right now. Five years ago, when I literally bought an espadrille in every color so I could make a rainbow on my personal Instagram account? Money gods, yes. Now? Not so … [Read more…]
We made a choice when we had our son. We agreed to raise him differently. He eats pizza. He’s even had French fries. If I’m being entirely honest, he’s also eaten crayons, sock fuzz, and whatever he found in the dust pan at the play place that accidentally got left in the middle of the … [Read more…]
For some people, frugality comes naturally. I. Am. Not. Some. People. But I have adopted a fairly frugal lifestyle for the past few years, and I like it. I really do. We are much more intentional with our spending. The constant influx of of stuff has stopped. I wreak far less havoc on the environment. … [Read more…]
‘Tis the season to be… I know. Christmastime is over and there’s probably nary a carol left stuck in your head. Until now. You’re welcome. While there’s a good chance this next season is all about being grumbly over the gray weather as we all wait for spring, I’m actually using it as time to … [Read more…]
Alright, alright. With Thanksgiving time nearly upon us, I’ve been thinking a lot about how much money Americans spend on turkey time each year. About $165, with nearly $68 of that going to travel. In my mind, this number is the problem with averages. If you are flying your family across the country, you’re spending … [Read more…]
I am frugal? I am frugal. When I was unsure of myself when I was little, my dad would always comment, “Are you asking me or are you telling me?” I’ve become much more clear on a lot of things since then. I do love the Cubs. I did work hard and get everything done … [Read more…]