Sharing insights since 2007 on carefully saving money, investing, frugal living, coupons, promo codes because the little things matter in achieving financial freedom!
Probably the most common piece of personal finance advice out there is to save money by avoiding restaurants. It sounds so simple: just don’t eat out and cook at home or brown bag it. Lots of people do it and have no problem with it.
But, for some people, it can be tough. I touched on this last week on my post about spending frenzies; we all have our own weak spots when it comes to personal finance and what can be no sweat for one person can be a real test of willpower for another.
Here are some suggestions that can help you if you find it difficult to avoid the temptation to eat out. My approach to personal finance is holistic; I believe that other areas of our lives can affect our personal finances and becoming as healthy, balanced and happy as possible as people can empower us to take charge of our money. So bear with me if some of my ideas seem a bit out there. [ continue reading… ]
Just Google the term “get rich” and you’ll see a ton of results for ways to get ahead as easily as possible. And it’s not just get-rich-quick schemes too. There are now a growing number of legitimate money-making opportunities on and offline.
Still, there’s a gap between the number of people obsessed with getting rich and those who achieve this elusive benchmark. After all, the road to wealth is filled with hurdles — whether circumstantial, mental, or emotional.
Circumstances can be hard to overcome, but I think our biggest problem sits between our ears. You can be in the right place at the right time, with everything going for you, and still not get ahead. If desire and even circumstances aren’t enough, how do you know you’re prepared to get rich?
Used furniture can be a practical way to add to your home’s decor without breaking the bank. While the phrase may conjure up some idea of a couch found next to a dumpster or an ugly dresser handed down just in time for your first apartment, the fact is that it’s possible to find high quality used furniture that has little more wear and tear on it than the floor model at the brand name furniture store.
But many used furniture sellers know exactly what they have on their hands, leading to prices that are not so far off from what a brand new sofa or dining room table might cost you. That means finding the right deal can take a little work. These 10 tips can make it easier: [ continue reading… ]
During the frugal week when I spent just $34.01, I discovered just how great walking is for the mind—and the wallet. I told myself that when my wife came back, I’d need to include her in this new activity. Last night, we went out for a nice walk and it was fun, healthy, and a great chance for us to communicate. This got me thinking…
Isn’t the most effective frugal tip to actually influence people around you to be thrifty?
I realized that our circle of friends actually help us save money much more than we assume it does. The way I see it, here’s how cultivating a circle of frugal friends can help improve your finances:
Bursting the love bubble by sitting down and having a serious talk about finances is never fun, but open communication about money is a good idea in any relationship.
Those thinking of tying the knot should have a serious discussion about money at some point, preferably before you move in together or get married. Even if there are no plans to combine finances completely, it’s still good to clear the air and see if everyone is on the same page.
Here are five things that to talk about before moving forward: [ continue reading… ]
Last week, I wrote about how I moved across the country with my son in a bid to get a fresh start on my life after divorce. One of the reasons I moved was to experience a lower cost of living. While I probably could have afforded to remain put, and my career isn’t constrained by geography, a lower cost of living comes with a number of advantages for my son and me.
Indeed, before we moved, I talked with my son about the financial ins and outs of the move, as well as the social ramifications. This was a decision that my son and my ex were both involved with. So, while I’m not constrained by geography, being able to live somewhere with a low cost of living has provided us with the following advantages: [ continue reading… ]
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