Frugal Living

Valentine's Day on a Budget

Looking for ways to honor your partner and your financial goals at the same time? Don't want to be a dud this Valentine's Day, but don't have fifty to a hundred bucks to drop on ch

Too broke to be frugal?

The first few years after I got out of college my finances were seriously out of control. I was making pretty good money, but I was spending all of it. Worse, I wasn't keeping tr

Focus Focus Fo....What Was I Saying?

We as a nation are looking at finances in a way we might not have ever done in the past. Having to analyze our bills, pay close attention to our usual spending habits, and learn th

Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rate and Reduce Your Phone Bill, Immediately and Easily

Are your credit card interest rates getting to you? Are those monthly cell phone bills a pain in the wallet? How about cable TV? Internet? Even the power bill? Would you like to re

Does Amazon.com's "Frustration-Free Packaging" live up to its name?

Amazon.com recently announced their "Frustration-Free Packaging" initiative, aimed squarely at reducing the jagged tears and nasty lacerations. But is it as good as they claim?

Write for money online series - Part II - Associated Content

In the first part of this series about writing for money online I covered a relatively new revenue sharing site named Bukisa. Today I am reviewing a much more established website

37 Ways You’d be Better Off as a Bum

First, apologies for the blatantly provocative title (although I do make good on it). But did you know that some people prefer to be homeless? I know, sounds crazy right? But I was

Write for money online series - Part I - Bukisa

I started writing online in 2007 at my personal blog and have not stopped since. I am very fortunate to have been selected to join Wise Bread last year and I have made a steady am

6 Ways that Dieting and Budgeting are Exactly the Same

The New Year usually brings about two very common goals for most people: Getting in shape and getting their finances under control. Dieting is the number one method of achieving t

Advanced Grocery Deals: Catalinas

Have you mastered using coupons on regular grocery deals, taking advantage of clearance sales and buy-1-get-1 ofers? Then it's time to try some graduate-level deals: Catalinas.

How to find the sweet spot when buying electronics

The "sweet spot" is the ideal point where you get the highest performance (and quality) at an optimum price. It can refer to many types of goods, but electronics are of particular

Security is an illusion. Freedom is real.

There's a seeming tradeoff between freedom and security: You can stick with the day job or chuck it to live your dream--if you're willing to give up the security of the regular pa

Are Coupons For Everyone? A Review of the Couponizer (and a Giveaway)

I love the idea of coupons. Saving money? I'm so for the idea. Cutting, sorting, and saving little scraps of paper that will probably end up getting eaten by the baby or in the

The Key to Happiness: A Case Study

Let's explore the lives of two very different people with an aim to discover what the key to happiness is. It may be simpler than you think.

Making a good and memorable first impression.

As a professional ad man, I'm ashamed to say that I'm really not good at advertising, well, me. That goes double in social situations. I never know where to stand, how to eat, how

Entertainment Value: Start a Frugal Club

As you continue to work a full-time job, wrangle the kids, and make your money work for you, there are some sacrifices that you are making every day and you may not even realize it

How to create a speculative bubble and profit

Recently I read an enlightening story in the New York Times about the Pu'er tea bubble in Yunan, China. The burgundy fermented teas fetched prices of $150 a pound at the peak, but

6 Ways to Create a Great Home Gym For Less

If your New Year’s Resolutions involve exercising a bit more, you’re not alone. While the fitness industry won’t see as big a boom as they are used to this year, there’s still lot

Could you save money by subscribing to an addictive game?

During the Christmas break my husband and I went to dinner with some of his friends from high school. One couple we spoke with told us that they are trying to save money for a dow

Book Review: Tyranny of Dead Ideas

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

Latest Articles in Frugal Living

The 8 Most Eye-Opening Money Attractions in the U.S.

Make your next vacation money-themed, and check out these eight amazing attractions across the U.S.

5 Ways Gig Economy Workers Can Save for Retirement

Even if your full-time job consists of several gig economy jobs, you can successfully save for retirement — here's how.

5 Renovations That Don't Increase Your Resale Value

Before you get started on a new home renovation, make sure you know if it'll increase your resale value.

How to Protect Yourself From Credit Card Theft

Don't let a scammer get a hold of your credit card number. Here's how to keep your account secure.

5 Reasons Not to Use Debit Cards When You Shop Online

Before you place an order through your favorite online retailer, consider these reasons to use credit instead of debit.

16 Small Steps You Can Take Now to Improve Your Finances

Believe it or not, you can improve your finances in a big way by making several small money moves.

How to Maximize Rewards on Everyday Spending

If you're not using your travel or cash back card for certain expenses, you're leaving valuable rewards on the table.

How to Make Better Financial Decisions

Focusing all your efforts into reaching one financial goal is a fairly straightforward process. But what about when you have more than one financial goal? This guide will help.

5 Things Keeping You From a Life of Financial Independence

These are common obstacles that could be standing between you and sweet financial freedom.

Should You Use a Personal Loan or a Home Equity Loan to Remodel Your Home?

Looking to remodel your home? Here's how to decide between a personal loan and a home equity loan to pay for it.

5 Money Moves to Make Before You Turn 40

Before you hit the big 4-0, make sure you've made these money moves.

The 5 Best Products for Dry Skin

If you're looking for a new product to hydrate your skin, look no further than these five!

The 5 Best Products for Oily Skin

There are thousands of products on the market just for people with oily skin, and many of them are budget-friendly! Here are five excellent options.

The 5 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums

If you're looking to give hyaluronic acid serum spin, any of the five below are excellent picks that won't break your budget.

The 5 Best Eye Shadow Palettes

Here are some excellent eye shadow palettes that offer a wide range of shades and won't break your budget.

The 5 Best Sheet Masks

If you're new to the sheet mask scene, or are looking for a new one to try, these five are excellent picks that won't break your budget.

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Haircare Essentials

Whether you're looking for a dry shampoo, or a root cover-up to hide those grays, you can have the best haircare products delivered right to your door.

The 5 Best Cozy Home Essentials

If you look around your living room or bedroom and don't immediately want to take a nap, something's missing.

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Beauty Essentials

Just because the world has changed doesn't mean you need to neglect your beauty regimens. These products are budget-friendly and will make you feel like a glowing goddess.

The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Skincare Essentials

If you've been missing your regular facials, or you're just looking to switch up your skincare routine, these items will give your skin a fresh glow without breaking your budget.