Frugal Living

Alternative Wedding Ideas for Big Savings

Posted July 22, 2009 - 08:00 by Lynn Truong

Frugal Living

looking back

I got married in May and I couldn't have been happier with how the day went. We opted for some frugal alternatives that ended up making the day better than I could have imagined. Here's how we saved loads of money by choosing alternatives over tradition.

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Wage slave, debt slave

Posted July 21, 2009 - 12:00 by Philip Brewer

Personal Finance, Frugal Living

Signs showing the way out

This article has its roots in an article I wrote some time ago that used the terms wage slave and debt peonage--terms that some people objected to. Those making free choices aren't slaves, they said, even if their poor choices result in a hard life. There's some truth to that. But there's also some truth to the notion that our system makes it easy--almost automatic--for people to trap themselves.

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30 Household Products Vinegar Can Replace

Posted July 21, 2009 - 05:00 by Nora Dunn

Frugal Living, General Tips

vinegar

Who knew that vinegar could do so much? It serves a purpose in just about every room of the house, and there are dozens of household (and personal) products that vinegar can replace, as you will see below. It’s cheaper, better for the environment, and better for your health and home (in eliminating unnecessary chemicals).

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Will "forced frugality" last?

Posted July 18, 2009 - 09:00 by Xin Lu

Frugal Living, Lifestyle

Lately I have been hearing about the concept of "forced frugality" from the media and my peers. Many colleagues and family members say that they feel a need to be frugal in this economic climate due to job loss and investment losses. With this shift to frugality it seems that shopping at thrift or dollar stores is suddenly trendy. However, will this new wave of frugality last?

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Pesky Pests: Easy Homemade Mosquito and Insect Traps and Repellent

Posted July 13, 2009 - 04:00 by Nora Dunn

Frugal Living, General Tips

spider
With the summer heat come the summer critters and pests too. Keep those insects, ants, wasps, rodents, and other creepy crawlies at bay with these easy homemade recipes. You probably already have what you need, so give it a try!

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Would You Accept $200,000 If You Didn't Know Where It Came From?

Posted July 7, 2009 - 12:52 by Paul Michael

Frugal Living, Consumer Affairs

Button Button

You know, I hear a lot of people say that frugal people would do anything for dime. Personally, I think that applies more to greedy people, but it got me thinking of a question that combines morals with money. Would you accept $200,000, no strings attached, if you did not know where it came from.

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DIY Plastic Surgery: This Is Not A Hoax.

Posted July 2, 2009 - 09:58 by Paul Michael

Frugal Living, DIY, Consumer Affairs

Nose Job

I do a lot of research on the Internet for information about home-made solutions to everyday problems. In fact, I'll be posting one soon that covers recipes for home-made car wax, air freshener and even glue. But on my travels, I discovered a horrifying fact - in these tough economic times, people out there are taking medical matters into their own hands. DIY plastic surgery is on the rise.

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Wine Tastings: Finding Cheap Wine That You Like

Posted July 2, 2009 - 03:26 by WC Porter

Frugal Living, Food and Drink

Wine Tasting

There is lots of advice out there on how to save money on drinking by buying this or that wine. But forget that—everyone's tastes are different and one person's "good wine" might be another's dud. The only way to find good wines you know you'll like is to taste as many as you can. For free.

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Save Some Cash With These 6 Clever Cleaning Hacks

Posted July 1, 2009 - 12:48 by Linsey Knerl

Frugal Living, Green Living, DIY

I’m a sucker for brand-name cleaning supplies, and while it’s no crime to be brand-loyal and use what works best for you and your family, often times there are shortcuts that can cut back on cleaning time – and out-of-pocket expenses. The July issue of All You Magazine had some of the most inspiring ways to get your cleaning jobs done for less. Here are my top picks, along with some additional ways to stretch that dollar!

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Can't Afford A Home Alarm System? You Probably Already Have One.

Posted June 30, 2009 - 08:50 by Paul Michael

Personal Finance, Frugal Living, Life Hacks, General Tips, Real Estate and Housing, Consumer Affairs, Cars and Transportation

Broken Door

Home alarm systems can be expensive. A basic alarm system can be hundreds of dollars. Move up to the home-monitoring systems of ADT and Brink's, and you're talking big money. Installation can cost over $1000, and the monthly monitoring fee can be upwards of $40 a month. But, chances are, you already own a pretty good alternative.

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