Free. It’s a powerful word. Magical, really. Out of all the four letter words, this one really stops people in their tracks. People clamor into stores en masse, wading through a sea of people only to endure time-halting lines. And free is good. In a world that often has complete disregard for their bottom line, … [Read more…]
“What did you do this summer?” It’s hard to not look at that like a loaded question. And I’m not talking about all the people who seem to want me to prove that I wasn’t just lounging around eating bonbons with my fellow teachers. The truth is that I’ve always struggled with answering this question. … [Read more…]
This series took a hiatus for a while. But I don’t want you to think for one second it was because I haven’t been my usual frugal awkward self. I have. I have. I still chirp, “You too!” when a server tells me to enjoy my meal. I still wave at strangers who are waving … [Read more…]
I’ve been a bit busy lately. Instead of blogging, I’ve been spending a fair amount of time pricing out bounce house rentals for our son’s first birthday. I know. I KNOW. My son can’t walk. He can’t even crawl properly. He looks more like a dog scratching its butt on carpet than a graceful cherub … [Read more…]
Why wouldn’t you want to earn more money? You can always earn more; it’s cutting back that you can only do so much of. Most people could find a job that pays twenty, thirty, or even forty thousand dollars a year online in a matter of days. These sentiments that get bantered about online—coupled with … [Read more…]
As of late, frugality has come under fire. I should know. I took one of the shots. Recently, though, I have also seen other personal finance writers throw some jabs at frugality. They pulled no punches. A lot of it was ugly, and it was downright incorrect in some instances, which leads me to wonder … [Read more…]
It’s a tale as old as time. Or at least as old as Hallmark. Couple sees Valentine’s Day on calendar. Couple spends lots o’ bucks to show their love. It doesn’t have to be like that, but for us, it was. The Ghost of Valentine’s Day Past Last year, my husband sent me a text … [Read more…]
The holidays are full of awkward moments. Like when your mother-in-law excitedly shepherds you into the family room to see the new family photos she framed. Your two sisters-in-law look like they stepped out of a magazine. And you? Well, you look like a cross between a Goodyear blimp and Violet Beauregarde because that’s what … [Read more…]
After a weekend at FinCon, I’m filled with inspiration and renewed sense of purpose for my blog. My mind has been racing, and I can’t fill my notebooks fast enough. I am going to make things happen. But first, I’m going to pause. Today marks the final week of my maternity leave. And as much … [Read more…]
Repeat after me: frugality is not a destination. Setting up a budget, tracking spending, and reducing expenses are all essential parts of understanding money. But mastering a $200 grocery budget or figuring out how to address all the awkward encounters after your cheap semi-annual haircut is not the end. Rather, it’s the means to an … [Read more…]