What is Voluntary Simplicity? The other day I heard Vicki Robin refer to the Simplicity Movement in a CNN interview. She was brought on as the counterpoint to a man saying that it was our patriotic duty to spend money. Obviously, she didn’t agree. More than that, it started me wondering just what the Simplicity …
I’ve been making the annual Thanksgiving Drive for 11 years. This year, we’re staying home for the holiday. Unfortunately, this is probably the year when traffic will be lighter! AAA estimates that 2% fewer people will travel this Thanksgiving. That’s a lot when you’re talking bumper-to-bumper traffic. If you do have to get on the road, see …
When the Mafia Wars and Farmville games first rolled out on Facebook, I didn’t participate. In fact, I actively blocked all of those posts and updates from my stream. Now that Google + has rolled out games in a separate stream, I decided to see why people get so addicted to these games. As I …
Of Monsters and Money: Fake Ways to Waste Real Money Read More »
Last year I read a delightful book called “Shoe Addicts Anonymous.” In the book, four women are forced to go on budgets. Rather than give up great shoes, they form a club to trade them. Since it’s a novel, close friendships and major life changes ensue. You can do something similar, but without the major …
Another week, another dollar, another set of picks from this week’s blog carnivals. We’ve got three to share this week, so here we go. The Carnival of Personal Finance #195 at Stock Trading To Go. In addition to my post about planning a week of freezer menus, I also recommend StretchyDollar’s post about coupons being cool again. The Festival of Frugality …
Thank You for Reflecting on the Economy – at the Carnivals Read More »
Yesterday at 12:01 PM, President Barack H. Obama was sworn in. He then gave a 20-minute inaugural address. Like most speeches of its kind, it was large on grand phrases and hope, but a little light on solid promises. However, it did present a good picture of the direction we can expect our country to …
A Review of the Inaugural Address: Where Do We Go from Here? Read More »
I first read about Simplify Your Life book by Elaine St James at Zen Habits. I instantly ordered a copy from the library (in keeping with the theme.) I expected a heavy tome, but it came it at a mere 238 pages. It’s also only about 5 x 5, so it really is a small, …
Following yesterday’s post about planning your Thanksgiving menu early, Bucksome Boomer asked me to post the recipe for the Cheesy Olive Puffs. These are not only delicious and cheap, but they can be made ahead and refrigerated until it’s time to serve them. The biggest problem? Trying not to eat them all before your guests arrive. If you’ve got …
This week, we have three carnivals to share, so I’ll dive right in. First, the Carnival of Personal Finance #226 hosted by All Financial Matters. In addition to my post about calculating the benefits of double health insurance, I also recommend Provident Planning’s article about permanent life insurance. I didn’t even know such a thing existed. Second, the Festival of Frugality …
Turning 5 Doesn’t Deserve a Platinum Bonus – at the Carnivals Read More »
As I’ve mentioned before, we opted to contribute the maximum $2500 to our FSA account this year because we initially expected to pay $2000-$4500 in coinsurance for my husband’s surgery. As it turned out, we paid $0 in coinsurance, which meant we have to scramble to spend down the $2500. Half-Year FSA Check-In We use our FSA …
