I love to DIY projects. Well, some projects. I have a limited range of crafting ability. I’m good at what I’m good at … then there are the other things. Of course, if I’m having fun with a project then it doesn’t matter much how skilled at it I am. On the other hand, if […]
frugal living
Cheap vs. Frugal: What’s the Difference?
Cheap vs. frugal … there’s a difference. It’s important to understand that difference. Here’s why. Frugal living is a lifestyle choice. If you fully understand why you have made that choice, then you’re more likely to stick with it. Moreover, you’ll be glad that you did. In contrast, if you save money and reduce spending […]
10 Frugal Celebrities Show Us How to Live Well on any Budget
Frugal celebrities show us that living on a budget isn’t about how much money you earn. In fact, frugal living is something that you can embrace at any income level. It is more about a mindset than about a specific financial goal. Here are tips from ten frugal celebrities. 1. Embrace Free Hobbies Jimmy Carter […]
Important Habits You Need for Frugal Living
Frugal people implement many tricks to save money. However, the real savings isn’t in the tricks. It’s in the daily habits you need for frugal living.
I Don’t Budget, And It’s Ok
This may come as a shock to some of my newer readers, but I actually do not budget. I generally live my life on frugal autopilot- I just avoiding spending money. At this point, I’ve been doing this frugal living thing for two years, and I’ve optimized my life to save as much as possible. […]
To Be Frugal, You Need Time
As those of you who follow me on Twitter may know, I had some car troubles last week. (Cars are annoying and expensive, and I can’t wait to get rid of mine someday.) My car simply shut down in the middle of traffic on three different occasions last week. Twice on the highway! Anytime something […]
Present Bias And Debt: A Match Made in Hell
A few weeks ago I was talking with a new college grad. I shared my journey out of debt with him, and stressed that the best thing he can do for himself now (at age 22) is to start paying down his own student loans. He listened, very politely, to my story and agreed that […]
An Attempt at My Dream
I’m a woman of many dreams. I spend a lot of my time thinking about all the things I want to do, the places I want to see, the people I want to meet. (Oprah, top of the list.) Possibility is like a drug to me. In so many ways, my life is full of […]
When My Boyfriend Stole My Lunch, and How My Frugality Has Limits
My frugality is a really important part of my identity at this point in my life. I’ve embraced a somewhat extreme downsizing on spending in my life, compared to most 20 somethings. It’s a pretty even split between wanting to live a simple, renewable life and saving money. I want to have as small an […]
On Being Called Cheap
A catering co-worker of mine called me cheap the other day. I guess the first time he said it it was to someone else in our catering company. ‘Kara’s too cheap. It’s getting out of control.’ As we all know, I am a fiend for catering leftovers and getting the most out of my side […]