Personal Finance Advice

As some of my more regular readers may recall, I also write a literary criticism column for Bibliobuffet. I have a long standing love of books and I would gladly give up my television before I would give up my library. Admittedly, I would miss the Jack Benny Show, Fringe and Survivor but if something [...]

Last fall we had new neighbors move in next door. They seemed nice enough until spring came and I started hanging my laundry out on the line again. One day the lady of the house came over and said, “Can you not hang your laundry on the line? It’s not nice to look at.” I [...]

Last week some long lost relatives came to visit (well, not long lost but definitely not close relatives). Frankly, I wish they’d stayed lost. We let ourselves get talked into hosting these people by another relative who, knowing that these long lost people were coming to our town for a convention, so kindly recommended that [...]

The more I embrace frugality, the more I wonder if a frugal life equals a life detached from society. And then I ask myself: Is that a bad thing? I find myself less and less interested in “mainstream” society as the years go by. I don’t watch TV much, so I couldn’t tell you anything [...]

When I discuss frugality and money saving strategies with those who are just starting down the frugal road, one of the things they always want to know is, “What can I buy that will help me become more frugal?” I always have to swallow a chuckle because buying things to become frugal is oxymoronic. You [...]

There is an image that the US has become an nation of shopaholics driven primarily by consumerism. Lee Eisenberg, the author of Shoptimism, believes that this is not truly the case. He sees that the average person still retains some of the frugality on which the US was founded and believes that most people that [...]

I need to buy new sneakers today. I know this because when I took my dog for a walk this morning, the plastic heel guard in my right sneaker tore through the fabric cover and scratched my heel. More specifically, the abrasion continued for the full mile that I walked so that I was bleeding [...]

While I’ve never been one to keep up with the Jones’, I’ve noticed a palpable sense of relief amongst many friends, acquaintances, and message board posters that the pressure to keep up, show off, and compete is off. At least for the moment. In the heyday of the 1990′s and early 2000′s, everything was about [...]

Most of us who like to save money will, at some point, find ourselves faced with a chance to save money that is ethically questionable. Especially in a down economy when people are trying to save on everything, it is easy to fall into frugal ideas that stretch the bounds of legality. I see this [...]

I got a rude surprise when I recently asked for some CorningWare as a gift. You probably know the bakeware that I’m talking about. CorningWare was famous for their bakeware with the blue cornflowers on it. It came in other patterns, but that blue cornflower was an icon. My grandmother had it, my mother and [...]

I’ve mentioned before that I really like saving money. To me it’s like a game to find new ways to reduce my spending. Constantly finding new ways to lower spending keeps me on my toes and protects me from slipping into careless patterns that could lead to debt. It also frees up more cash that [...]

A lot of frugal people have stashes and stockpiles of items that they are keeping for use “someday.” These may be retail items acquired for free (think free samples and toiletries acquired through couponing or rewards programs). Other items frugal people keep are things like spare parts, extra hardware, magazines with useful articles or tips, [...]

Here’s a case study to think about: A member of my family has large retirement funds and savings accounts, a good income, no mortgage, and no other debt. She does not buy the top of the line in anything and is as frugal as they come. She buys very little that isn’t necessary and gets [...]

Weekend reading is a round-up of personal finance and money related stories that caught the eye of our forum members this week: Circuit City to liquidate remaining U.S. stores Congress considers ‘cash for clunkers’ proposal This is why you continue to get those Nigerian scam emails Chef Amanda Freitag Tries To Prep Family-Friendly Dinner On [...]

Weekend reading is a round-up of personal finance and money related stories that caught the eye of our forum members this week: WSJ Tries Blaming Economic Woes on People Being Frugal Porn industry seeks federal bailout If You Don’t Need It, It’s Not A Bargain At All Lenders digging up more than your credit score [...]

Weekend reading is a round-up of personal finance and money related stories that caught the eye of our forum members this week: How we went from $42,000 to $6,500 and lived to tell about it The difference between a recession and a depression The Worst Financial Predictions About 2008 The Credit Card & College Link [...]

Weekend reading is a round-up of personal finance and money related stories that caught the eye of our forum members this week: Americans’ debt shrinks – 1st time ever Trickledown Downsizing Eight of the market’s sharpest thinkers: The future is frightening Recession Special: Buy one car, get one free Why Bailouts Are Dangerous Buy Short-Term [...]

Weekend reading is a round-up of personal finance and money related stories that caught the eye of our forum members this week: Black Friday 10: Retailers that may not survive until 2009 The Holiday Season Is Already Over For Retailers Drinking tap water can save you $1,400 a year 20 tycoons who have lost billions [...]

Have you poured a half finished glass of orange juice back into the carton? Have you taken toilet paper down from your trees after being TP’d to use for its original purpose? I have heard of people doing just that. Have you done outrageous things just to save money? Are you happy with this lifestyle? [...]

Frugality and thrift are far from the predominant mindsets in our culture, even among the multitudes of people who are taking control of their finances and paying down debt. In times past (the Great Depression comes to mind), “thrift” was seen as a virtue, but not so much anymore. Frugality could, however, become popular again…someday. [...]