“Sometimes, you just have no choice but to bite the bullet. Or at least, the stars are lined up to give you that illusion.
Whether it’s at the airport or coffee shop, I have no problem paying for internet services. It’s a bit pricey alright, but the convenience they provide should be worth something. However, as I sit in front of my computer on the cruise right now, I find myself unable to click the connect button. The reason? $0.55 a minute.
This is the evil counterpart of the beauty of supply and demand at work. When there is a monopoly with no other choices, expect ridiculous fees simply because there’s no competition. I can be complaining all I want, but is it really the cruises’ fault for trying to make more money, especially when it’s optional?
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Returning to familiar territory after a period of absence can bring back a flood of memories. Some are good, others might be bad but these mental pictures almost always generate a new perspective to the whole situation.
For many that were successful in getting out of debt, the struggles and the stress of paying high interests month after month will undoubtedly keep them from dipping back into the red. But for those of us who have trouble ignoring the temptation of easy credit, what advice do you have to give?
If you can do it all over again, how will you keep yourself from digging? Do you have any stories to share?
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As a frugalist, I naturally know many people who share the same values. Some practice the art by choice, and others by necessity. Some love being frugal, while others wished life were different. In every category though, there seems to be a select few who would resent the rich. The other day, I heard this comment:
…Who cares. Those people have rich parents and that’s why they can afford it. Me? I make my own living.
Don’t worry if you’ve felt something similar. I have done this too, as I find myself envy of my friends who are well off at times. It rarely happens, but sometimes I wonder why I have to struggle dealing with my wife’s constant request to purchase our first house when others I know just buy because they have a huge inheritance waiting for them.
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The unemployment rate is still very high, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t or shouldn’t take a vacation. Actually, with the added stress that a bad economy puts on us, a vacation is much needed and hard earned! Luckily, Galit helped prepare some tips for us to take that dream vacation without breaking the bank.
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We often equate frugality with trade offs. Trading our time to save money, trading for alternatives, and trading instant satisfaction for future gratification. No wonder frugal living seems so tough.
You may wonder how great you life would be if you never had to make any financial sacrifices, but let’s imagine for a minute that you didn’t have to say no to spending. That whatever you wanted, you would just buy it. That iPhone? Already have it. What about a Gucci hand bag? Got three this month already.
How will your life be if you can’t even think of anything you wanted? Do you really think there is any fun in that? If you just bought whatever you wanted without much thought, does buying really make you happy anymore?
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Many people are scared of the IRS even if they did nothing wrong. If you want to avoid IRS audits, remember that taxes should always be on the back of your mind, not just during April. Furthermore, here are nine precautions you can take to avoid those dreadful meetings with Uncle Sam.
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