Latest Blog Posts
How to Negotiate Your Mechanic Bill From $1,600 to $600
My car recently had a flat tire, and when I went to a mechanic to get the tire replaced, I got some bad news. My 16 year old car had not one, not two, but three separate, major problems that needed to be fixed soon. The shop estimated the repairs would cost $1,600....
Is $250,000 Per Year Middle Class?
I recently read an article entitled $250,000 a Year is Not Middle Class. The author argues that because families who make $250,000 per year earn more than most Americans, an income of $250,000 is not middle class. The implication is that these “elite” earners need to...
How I Lost 35 Pounds by Changing My Diet
Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to lose weight? The gyms are always jam packed in January, and by February, they already start emptying out. So many people try to lose weight, get frustrated when they don’t see results, and give up. I’ve been there. Here is...
2016: Planning Your Best Year Ever
With 2015 coming to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the past year and thinking about everything I want to accomplish in 2016. Natalie Bacon, the blogger behind Financegirl, recently shared an inspiring post about how to plan your best year yet. If you're feeling...
The Worst Financial Advice I’ve Ever Been Given
“Don’t take financial advice from broke people. Do what rich people are doing.” – Dave Ramsey Many millennials don’t know much about personal finance. High schools and colleges often don’t teach finance, and many millennials instead rely on the advice their parents...
Why You Need an Emergency Fund – Even if You Live With Your Parents
An emergency fund is money that is set aside in case something unexpected comes up – like a car repair, property repair, medical expense, or the loss of a job. 25% of Americans do not have ANY emergency funds and instead rely on borrowing money from relatives or...
Practical Stocking Stuffer Ideas
I love giving gifts and finding the “perfect” gift for someone. As a frugal person, I like to get the most bang for my buck. I don’t like to buy someone a gift that they won’t like or won’t use. Many stocking stuffers are totally impractical – no one really needs a...
60 Clutter-Free Holiday Gifts for Minimalists
One of the things I love about the holiday season is giving gifts. I enjoy choosing a gift for someone and finding something that they will love. As a frugal person, I feel it’s important not to waste my money – and I don’t want to blow money on something the gift...
The Appeal of Minimalism
I have a "cluttered" fridge that is completely covered with photos and calendars. I collect household items with penguins on them. I will gladly accept your free t-shirt. ...And I’m a minimalist. Believe it or not, these statements are not contradictory. I know...
30 Days of Gratitude
Thanksgiving is coming up, and that always gets me thinking about what I’m grateful for. Of course, we should show gratitude all year long, but it’s easy to start taking certain things for granted. One thing I like to do is keep a gratitude journal – every day, I...
Lessons Learned From a Sprained Ankle
I recently sprained my ankle, and the first question everyone asks is: “How did it happen?” I tripped. That’s it. *This post may contain affiliate links and/or sponsored links. I was at the gas station, and when I was walking back to my car, I tripped and my ankle...
The “Our Next Life” Series
The awesome bloggers over at Our Next Life shared an intriguing post on their blog about what their “next life” will look like after they begin early retirement. They invite other bloggers to continue the series and share their own daydreams of what their “next life”...