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Staff Writer

Margaret Garcia-Couoh

Lives in one of those tiny Northern California towns that people driving through say 'who in the heck would live here?!' She lives here as frugally as possible with husband, two kids and two cats.

Margaret Garcia-Couoh's bio

Latest articles by Margaret Garcia-Couoh

Six Months as an Amazon Seller

WIth six book cases in the house and two more bookcases plus twelve file crates of boxes in the garage becoming an Amazon seller seemed to be the next logical step in both frugal living and keeping a less cluttered house.

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: Extra Income

Cleaning the Oil Stove

I'm naturally pretty scared of doing maintenance on anything electric or gas or kerosene oriented. Thankfully my husband was game about cleaning the kerosene stove or we'd be out nearly $240 this weekend.

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: DIY, Home

Throw a Swap Meet Party

Want to shop with your friends and neighbors without spending a dime? Throw a Swap Meet Party.

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: Shopping

The Joys of Plus Size Shopping for Women

Last week Wise Bread readers vocalized a lot of frustration with plus size shopping (along with other issues). It doesn't and shouldn't be a chore to go shopping. It can be fun. But you have to be realistic with yourself first.

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: Shopping

The Census Questions 8 and 9

While filling out this year's census I wondered, how relevant are questions 8 and 9 going to be to the government programs they might serve? Don't the questions themselves make the results inaccurate?

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: Extra Commentary

Review: Bluebird -- Women and the New Psychology of Happiness

It's ingrained in our culture. In our Declaration of Independence we've spelled out that Americans must pursue happiness. To that end, billion dollar industries have heeded our call. Ariel Gore tells it like it is. We might just need ourselves.

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: Health and Beauty, Lifestyle

Housesit on Your Next Vacation

Want to take a vacation somewhere sweet but can't afford the hotel? Housesit!

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: Travel

Could Online Teaching Be For You?

It’s a new year and you need some supplementary income. Should you try online teaching? January 2010 makes the seventh year that I’ve been teaching online.

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: Career and Income

Ode to the Ecofan

Considering whether buying an Ecofan is worth the price to keep you warm this winter?

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: Technology

Dreaming of a Frugal Christmas: 6 Things You Can Make That People on Your List Will Use and Want

You know sometime in November you'll be rushing around trying to think of cheap Xmas gifts to buy or make. Why the rush? Start now with some simple fun things to make that everyone on your list will love.

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: DIY, Shopping

Disneyland on the (Sort of) Cheap

Do you sometimes feel like the "Happiest Place on Earth" is also the "Most Expensive Place on Earth"? Disney has marketing strategies like no one on this planet. Here are a few ways we've learned to combat the expense while still having a great time.

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh

Little Road Trips Here and There: Little Savings Everywhere

While we’ve been pondering shorter vacations, staycations, and the like, there is nothing like the great American road trip to feel truly connected to this great land of ours. It doesn’t have to be nearly as expensive as it sounds.

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: Travel

Who Cares if there's a Recession? I just started a business

Thinking about starting a little business on the side in the middle of a recession? Go ahead and try it! I am.

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: DIY, Lifestyle, Shopping

The Disaster Known as the California State Budget

Live in California? Fed up with the budget crisis? If you could whisper a suggestion in your state reps ear or our illustrious governor, what would you suggest?

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: Budgeting, Taxes

Are you a telecommuter paying commuter rates for auto insurance?

A couple of things to ask your insurance agent that might save you a good deal off of your car insurance.

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: Cars and Transportation

DIY Entertainment--A Recipe for the Recession

Live in one of those godforsaken next to the highway hamlets? Pining for a night out on the town but can't afford it? Don't sit home. DIY your own entertainment and bring some lively new fun to your community.

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: DIY, Entertainment

Book Review: Tyranny of Dead Ideas

Matt Miller's new Tyranny of Dead Ideas proves to be an insightful, fun read.

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: Consumer Affairs, Lifestyle

The Gen X Last-Minute-Get-Creative Xmas Present Alternative

Does nothing in the mall or your craft book seem like it will please the discerning taste of the Gen-Xer on your Christmas list? Don't want to spend a lot on them anyway?

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: Lifestyle, Shopping

The Bank Christmas Tree

What are we teaching our children about wants and needs this Christmas? At my local bank branch the 'give to the needy' Christmas tree has reached new levels of tackiness.

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: Budgeting, Shopping

The Great Coupon Debate

What's the one thing worse than talking about a budget with your spouse? Grocery shopping. I live with a coupon cutter who insists we buy nothing that isn't bought with coupons.

by: Margaret Garcia-Couoh | channel: Food and Drink

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