No matter how long you’ve been frugal, just about everyone wrestles with large bills and debts at some point in their lives. You’ll be going along fine and something blows you out of the water. Maybe it just wipes out the emergency fund, or maybe it does a whole lot more damage, leaving you in…
Basics
5 Frugal Books Worth Reading (And Re-Reading!)
Whether you’re new to frugality, or an old hand at it, there are certain books that are classics in this niche. They’re worth reading if you haven’t gotten around to it. They’re also worth re-reading, especially if you’re feeling like you’ve lost your frugal “mojo”. Reading just a few pages a day of any of…
What To Do When Your World Is On Fire
Ever had one of those days, months or even years where nothing seems to go right? Sure, there are always challenges, and life is rarely quiet on all fronts, but how about those times where every area of your life seems to explode in your face? We’re having one of those months. I wish I…
Vintage FMs: Get In Charge of Your Credit Cards (Before They Take Charge of You!)
Needs major updating!The majority of Americans carry a credit card balance. These balances can add up fast! Banks are in the credit card business to make money, not give it away, and they will try anything to dig further into your pocket. The entire system is designed to get you in debt and keep you…
Vintage FMs: The Price Book
Needs Updating for the modern world! This is my favorite tightwad tool, and so simple! Here is what you need:One 3-ring binderLoose-leaf paperPenSome time to do thisReceipts 1. Start by listing all of the groceries you buy on a sheet (or two or three) of paper. Don’t list things you occasionally buy, list things you…
30 Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill
Here is a collection of strategies and tips for cutting your grocery bill. Some of these ideas I use religiously, others I am working on or struggling with! I have gleaned some of these from books, frugal relatives and my own improvising. By far the best resources are any relatives you have who remember the…
Frugality 101: Getting Started
Ok, you want to save money and tighten your budget, but where do you begin? Lots of people know they need help, but where do you start? Here are some ideas to get you started: Set Goals-What is it you want to achieve? It may be something simple, like not living paycheck to paycheck, which…
11 Frugal Strategies to Stretch Your Budget
Here are some of my favorite strategies for saving money. Since everyone’s situation and resources are different, you need to adapt these strategies to your own lifestyle. Remember, frugality is a tool that you can customize to the way your live. Use them as much or as little as you want, according to your need….