Max Wong's blog

50+ Ways to Save Water

Even if you live in a rainy climate, you can do the planet and your pocketbook a favor by conserving water. Here's how.

From Dumpster Diving to Garage Sales, Turning Trash Into Cash

Learn how one dedicated recycler earned $1,200, paid her tuition, repaired her furniture, and financed her wedding with discarded stuff she found.

18 Awesome, Practically Free Upcycled Craft Projects

One of the easiest ways to cut crafting costs is to source inexpensive supplies, and what could be cheaper than the recycling bin?

The Five Stages of Not Shopping

When people see us make a lifestyle change — even a positive one like frugality — their responses often resemble the Five Stages of Grief.

20+ Ways to Use Sriracha (AKA Awesome Sauce)

Investing in one bottle of Sriracha chili sauce means no boring meals for a year! (Or almost month if you enjoy Sriracha as much as this writer does.)

Mayonnaise: The Thrifty and Delicious Secret Ingredient Already in Your Fridge

Whether you want moist cake or tender chicken, for delicious, frugal recipes, just open a jar of mayo.

The Psychology of Money: How a T-Shirt Equals a Taco

Sometimes, really understanding your finances doesn't mean knowing the numbers — it means knowing how many tacos you can buy.

Talking Trash: Is Your Messy Mind the Cause of Your Messy House?

If your house is cluttered, it could be affecting your mind, too. The good news is that you can keep your home AND brain clean — even if you're naturally messy.

Is Peer Pressure Keeping You Poor?

Many struggle with large credit card balances instead of saying to others, "I can't afford that," but recognizing financial limits is one key to financial freedom.

Free Books: Little Libraries That Build Community and Save You Money

Around the world people are creating their own book exchanges. Learn how to find them, score cheap books, and meet your neighbors.

The Compact: Mindfulness and Frugality Through Buying Used

Is it possible to save the planet while saving money? Reformed consumer Max Wong shares some of her thoughts on the difference between frugality and mindfulness.

Almost 40 Everyday Things You Can Wash in the Dishwasher

Despite its name, your dishwasher is good at washing more than dishes. Discover how you can clean a variety of objects with just a few gallons of water.

From Sweet Tea to Chai: Delicious Homemade Tea Recipes

Hot or cold, tea is a remarkably versatile beverage. Whether simple or fancy, hot or cold, discover 10 delicious and frugal ways to enjoy tea.

Thursday Night Soup: Delicious Soup From Leftovers

If you want to stretch your pantry and your budget while reducing food waste in your kitchen, discover the delicious experiment that is Thursday Night Soup.

Reusable Gift Wrapping: The Wrap That Keeps on Giving

Why pay for something that will only be used once and then becomes garbage? Try one of these awesome, reusable wrapping methods instead.

Gift Giving Hacks That Will Save Your Money and Your Sanity

When one writer married into a huge family, gift giving got really complicated. Discover her savvy suggestions for saving money and time.

10 Great Gifts From the Thrift Store

This year, lessen your carbon footprint, support your local economy, save money, and give to charity all at the same time — buy gifts at the thrift store.

Eat Your Garbage! Turn Your Trash Into Delicious Holiday Food

From elegant brunches to tasty (and giftable!) treats, discover how your food waste can make amazing, celebration-worthy eats.

Get a Week's Worth of Dinners Out of One Chicken

Save money and eat healthy with this delicious plan for stretching one chicken into a full week of meals.

How My Hoarder Family Saved Christmas

Discover how one family of hoarders transitioned to a no-gift Christmas — and the amazing difference it made.