As I mentioned last week, my husband suddenly joined the ranks of the unemployed and he’s looking for new work.  We are in a better position than many to weather this, because we do have his retirement pension and we rent a field out to some farmers for a small sum (less than the going [...]

Listening to NewSon share the benefits of filing his taxes now that he was married made me realize that his gain was our loss.  Our now married daughter meant one less tax exemption for Husband and I.   Later in the evening while checking my email, I saw the weekly summary from The Dollar Stretcher.com.  Here [...]

Note: In one of life’s many little ironies, a couple days after I wrote the following, my husband joined the ranks of the unemployed. We have five progeny still at home, one with multiple handicaps, and I just learned that the sleep machine my doctor says I need because I stop breathing 35 times an [...]

Walking past the bathroom, I notice a puddle of water on the floor. A soft drip, drip takes my eyes to the ceiling and a spot damp with rain makes me realize that my roof must be leaking.  I grab a trashcan to catch the drips and head to the dining room, where my feet [...]

Save up your coins- every night drop your change in a bucket or jar. Take them in to a Coinstar location near you. If you choose a gift card instead of cash, you get the full value (occasionally they run specials, so check back regularly. There are a few grocery stores, CVS pharmacies, places like [...]

Opening the box and removing the returned product, I was overwhelmed by the smell of popcorn. This package had been diligently packed with the cushioning power of popped corn! As Husband’s helper from time to time at his place of employment, I have had the opportunity to open and describe the condition of returned products. [...]

Never waste a single penny, and you’ll then save many a pound ; Never leave a pin or needle lying useless on the ground ; Never lose a single moment, and an hour you’ll never lack ; Never waste in foolish fancy what should hang upon your back ; Never let a heap of ashes [...]

Answering Husband’s call, I smile at his request:  †Let’s put a log on the fire and drink hot chocolate tonight!†  Winter has come to Texas and as transplants from the East Coast, we try to savor the colder moments. Positively commenting on his meal that evening, Husband found great delight in his meal [...]

Economize defined in an 1890 dictionary: “Managing frugally or to the best effect….â€Â  “To practise economy; avoid waste, extravagence, or excess, be sparing in outlay.†To manage your own income is to make it work for you, to sort out the dollars ( think of those greenbacks as your troops or your employees) and, like [...]

Closing the notebook, I considered the fact that I had never shared about our debt-free journal with my fellow frugal livers. With a heart to live with a multi-generational vision, Husband and I seek to share our convictions and principles with the generations to follow.  As I have previously shared, keeping journals specifically written to [...]

I realize the class itself may not be for everybody, but the principle of free education is something all of us can learn from.  I’d also like to suggest that you give it a second glance if you’ve decided sign language is not for you. Why Sign Language: nobody knows for sure, but it seems [...]

Reflecting back upon past years of living economically, I couldn’t help but consider how I developed my present frugal perspective. All my lifetime memories include needing to approach finances with care. However the book by Amy Dacyczin, The Tightwad Gazette, changed my perspective and attitude towards living the frugal life. I still recall reading The [...]

According to my vague internet research, get out of debt is in the top ten New Year’s Resolutions each year.   Save more money would have to be another. Reduce consumption would be related. Simplify your life would be another.  Improve your use of time would be another. Here are some suggested resolutions that might help [...]

Turning through the pages of a book on nursery knitting projects I couldn’t help but think how blessed I am.  Both of my “grandsisters†were friends before our children married.  Both these women are very creative and have many craft skills.  I will never forget years ago seeing the curtain made by New Daughter’s mother [...]