frugal living « Personal Finance Blog

Posts Tagged ‘frugal living’

Want to Save Money? Live like a College Student

December 28, 2011

Many recent college graduates fall into a financial trap of immediately upgrading their lifestyles once they get a job. They get a nice apartment (or buy a house) and buy or lease a new car. They buy a lot of expensive clothes and start eating at restaurants every day. As tempting as it may be to start living a more lavish lifestyle once you’re out of college and finally have a “grown-up” paycheck, that first paycheck often doesn’t stretch as far as you might expect.

Here are a few easy ways for new college grads (or people of any age) to save money by “living like a college student.”

Cheap (and Chic!) Furniture by Craigslist

November 3, 2011

It’s finally happening. You’re moving out of your parents’ house for college and getting your first apartment. Or maybe you’re tired of living with roommates and have managed to scrape together enough cash to get your own place. Or perhaps you’re upgrading from renting to buying.

Whatever the situation, chances are after paying for the place itself, your funds are going to be a little low, which is going to make shopping for furniture tough. You might think places like Target would be great for furniture bargains, but a lot of their stock is as much, if not more than Ikea!

So where are you going to find better deals than Ikea and Target? Craigslist. We explain.

Foodie Fun on a Budget

October 27, 2011

Anyone can be a foodie. You don’t have to be rich. You don’t have to be a “food snob.” It doesn’t mean you have to give up indulging in McDonald’s or enjoying a bag of Cheetos. It just means that you not only like food, you’re interested in it. You want to know more about what you are eating. You want to discover new tastes. And maybe most of all, you want to eat good food!

What’s the Secret to Financial Independence?

October 24, 2011

The secret to financial independence isn’t the career path you choose or the investments you make. It’s actually much more simple. Certified Financial Planner Rick Kahler explains.

How to Throw a Great Halloween Party on a Budget

October 20, 2011

Celebrating Halloween with friends and family is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. But for some, the idea of hosting the tricks and treats of a Halloween party may seem far too terrifying on the budget. With Christmas just around the corner and budgets already tight, it’s understandable to be more concerned with ensuring that you have enough to buy gifts for all your loved ones.

Throwing a spooky bash doesn’t have to cost much at all! Here are some great – and not so scary – ways to throw a festive Halloween party on a budget.

Cheap, Easy and Fun Halloween Costumes

October 13, 2011

Halloween is one of those holidays that everyone can enjoy. In fact, I’ll bet there are a lot of adults out there who like it even more than the kids walking around neighborhoods hoarding candy. I mean, who doesn’t like getting dressed up in a crazy costume and going to a party… or three?

You don’t have to make Halloween an exorbitant expense. Step away from the assembly line costumes of sexy nurses, sexy vampires and sexy pirates (hmm, I’m sensing a trend), and vow to put together your own costume this year! We show you how.

14 Frugal but Fabulous Beauty Tips

September 29, 2011

Just because you’re trying to cut back doesn’t mean you want to stop looking good! The salon and spa budget may be the first to go, but there are still many very inexpensive ways to look your best.

9 Tips to Stretch Your Vacation Dollars

August 11, 2011

Most of the money we spend goes to necessities like housing, food, and gas, so when it comes time to let loose and go on a vacation, some of us get a little “loose” with our spending for that, too. But being frugal on your vacation pays. You can do more – or even go on another vacation later in the year! While most people know the first rule of saving money on travel – book it ahead of time – there are many other ways that you can get more value for your money.

7 Inexpensive Ways to Beat the Summer Heat

August 4, 2011

Summer is here, and it is a scorcher! So much so in many areas that you might just be tempted to hide in your house and crank up the A/C… until you realize how much that’s actually going to cost you. But fear not! In the hot summer months, there are other ways to avoid burning to a crisp or melting away without your bank account melting away as well.

4 Books that Will Help You Save Money

June 6, 2011

Do you feel overwhelmed when it comes to couponing? Not sure where to start? Fret no more! We’ve searched bookshelves high and low to bring you four resources that will help you save money – all in easy-to-digest formats, each with their own unique tips.

Budget Sommelier: 5 Delicious Wines under $10

May 16, 2011

There are hundreds of high-quality, elegant, delicious wines for every budget—even those who want to spend less than $10. Your best option is usually to hit up an inexpensive store (our favorites are Kroger or CostCo) that offers at least a 10 percent discount with the purchase of six or more wines. Try these five highly drinkable wines to satisfy your palate and your wallet.