frugality

I recently came across a fascinating article by Ed O’Brien, a professor at the University of Chicago, and Robert Smith, a professor at The Ohio State University, entitled Unconventional Consumption Methods and Enjoying Things Consumed: Recapturing the “First-Time” Experience, which appeared in a very recent issue of the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. […]

Your best friend’s birthday is coming up, or maybe it’s your significant other’s birthday, or your mother’s birthday. Whatever it is, it’s a special event, one that in your heart of hearts you know you should be playing a role in celebrating. At the same time, however, you don’t have a dime to spare. Your financial situation is perilous. You want to celebrate. […]

This is the third entry in an eight-part weekly series that provides a detailed look at the book The Wisdom of Frugality by Emrys Westacott. If you’re new to the series, feel free to hop back to the first entry. For most people in the Western world today, seeking out some degree of happiness in life is a major life goal. […]

There’s a little ice cream shop near where we live that serves some really delicious ice cream. I’m not sure if they make it in their shop or whether they buy it from a vendor, but whatever the case may be, it’s incredibly rich and creamy stuff. Naturally, our kids love the place, especially on summer evenings when it’s warm out but not unpleasantly hot. […]

Over the last several years since I started The Simple Dollar, I’ve found myself trying out literally thousands of money and time and energy-saving strategies in order to seek out the best “bang for the buck” life that I can have. Some tips just didn’t work at all. […]

Over the last several years since I started The Simple Dollar, I’ve found myself trying out literally thousands of money and time and energy-saving strategies in order to seek out the best “bang for the buck” life that I can have. Some tips just didn’t work at all. Other tips were okay – saving a little bit of money or time or energy, but not resulting in a big win. […]

James wrote to me with an interesting question: My neighbor recently replaced his 20 year old fridge that was still working just fine. According to his math he would actually save money over the next few years by replacing it rather than letting the old one sit. Is that possible? […]

This is the second entry in an eight-part weekly series that provides a detailed look at the book The Wisdom of Frugality by Emrys Westacott. If you’re new to the series, feel free to hop back to the first entry. There is an underlying thread, both in philosophical writing and throughout history, that living a simple and frugal life is meant to improve us. […]

One of the most effective ways to cut back on your food spending is to find ways to keep the costs of your work lunches as low as possible. […]

One of the most effective ways to cut back on your food spending is to find ways to keep the costs of your work lunches as low as possible. […]

This summer, my family and I are going on a lengthy road trip vacation through the South, touching the states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida, and possibly portions of Alabama and Missouri. […]

This is the first entry in an eight-part weekly series that provides a detailed look at the book The Wisdom of Frugality by Emrys Westacott. When I first read The Wisdom of Frugality two years ago, shortly after its publication, I was struck more than anything about the depth of the connection between philosophy and frugality. […]

One of my most recent interests has been time tracking. […]

Unless I happen to slip into a flow state where I’m so focused that I lose track of time on a task, I find myself needing a break about ever hour or so when I’m trying to get something done. […]

One of the biggest money savers that Sarah and I have ever incorporated into our lives is to make cooking at home normal. By “cooking at home,” I don’t just mean throwing a prepackaged meal in the oven, either. I mean pulling ingredients out of the pantry and fridge and putting together a meal, usually out of fresh ingredients and other basic items. […]

Your bank is the worst place to buy checks. Banks are way too expensive. Here are the best places to order checks without getting ripped off. If you’ve signed up for a checking account at a brick and mortar bank, then you likely know the routine.  First show proper ID and sign the necessary paperwork. Then the bank CSR will ask you how many checks you’d like to purchase.   “So Mr. […]

Lowering car insurance costs is a great way to save money. Sometimes a quick phone call is all it takes. Here are 6 ways to save money on car insurance. Everyone is always looking for new ways to save money. Cutting expenses, trimming monthly bills, and tightening the budget are all great options. […]

Do you drink beer? Smoke cigarettes? Do you love your morning latte on the way to work? Maybe you really enjoy lunch out with your coworkers a few times a week? Of course you do. However, these little habits may be costing you more than you think. More importantly, they could be doing serious damage to your financial future. I’m not knocking your vices. We all have them. […]

There are plenty of well-known ways to save money on your vacation, such as booking flights and hotels online, cashing in credit card rewards, or eating the free breakfast in your motel. […]

All of us, I’m sure, are busy shopping and planning for gifts for all the people we care about. In the process, though, we need to take some precautions. We don’t want to end up in a situation where we are happy for a month, but are left paying December’s credit card bill throughout the next year.   So, here is my list of money-saving tips for the holidays. […]