Hi everyone! I’m thrilled to host the Festival of Frugality today, featuring some of the best posts from the past few weeks. If you’re included, please remember to link back to the festival. If you’d like to participate next week, you can submit your post here.
PARTY LIKE THERE’S NO TOMORROW
Money Beagle shares how they had an amazingly fun weekend while keeping it cheap over at Money Beagle. It was a great weekend, made even better by how little it cost! Amanda L Grossman offers six frugal and fun activities for fall and Halloween at Frugal Confessions, where crisp mornings give way to warm, sunny afternoons. Philip provides tips for getting Halloween candy and decor on the cheap at PT Money Personal Finance, pointing out the importance of saving on these items, especially when Americans spend around $2 billion a year on Halloween candy.
TRAVEL THE WORLD
Corey from 20s Finances tackles the decision: would you rather buy a second car or travel annually? What means more to you and why? Pauline from Reach Financial Independence gives advice on saving money on currency exchange for your next holiday or move abroad, ensuring you get the best rate for your hard-earned dollars. Miss T. from Prairie Eco Thrifter discusses how to avoid getting ripped off at the gas pump by ensuring the price per gallon adds up correctly.
START A HOMESTEAD
CF from The Outlier Model recaps their summer 2012 gardening efforts, highlighting how they came out ahead after harvesting the last of their tomatoes last weekend.
MAKE BABIES
Jason at Work Save Live explores the financial timing of having a baby, pondering whether there’s ever a perfect time. Sustainable PF discusses the financial aspects of using a midwife one year later at Sustainable Personal Finance.
CALL BEFORE YOU GO OFF THE GRID
SFB from Simple Finance Blog considers finally buying a smartphone. Although smartphones are now the majority in the U.S., it’s a recent consideration for him. Beating Broke shares how they saved money on iPad repairs by doing research and repairing it themselves, cutting costs significantly.
FORGET THE JONESES
Maria at The Money Principle points out why comparing your budget to others is a bad idea. Budgets are personal and should reflect your own needs and preferences. Ashley from Money Talks Coaching uses a simple comparison to illustrate the importance of financial decisions. Glen Craig at Free From Broke advises on controlling emotions while shopping to avoid unnecessary purchases and debt. SB from One Cent at a Time highlights the poor financial practices shown on reality TV and why you should avoid emulating them. Jacob at My Personal Finance Journey discusses irrational spending decisions and how to avoid them. Melissa at Bargaineering suggests considering going car-less, especially if it fits your lifestyle better. Young at Young And Thrifty offers a woman’s perspective on engagement rings, sharing personal insights after a long-term relationship. David Leonhardt at Self-help Happiness Blog shares creative ways to get free furniture. Savvy Scot categorizes different types of savers and challenges you to see which one you are, with a chance to win $50. Everything Finance Blog explains why a $1,000 car insurance deductible is a wise choice.
SPEND EVERYTHING AND RISK GOING BROKE
Crystal at Budgeting in the Fun Stuff discusses ESPN’s “Called Broke,” which highlights pro athletes going broke despite earning millions. Teacher Man from My University Money introduces an interactive student budget to help students manage their finances better.
KEEP WORKING
Harry Campbell at Your Personal Finance Pro offers tips on saving money on flu shots this winter. Scott at One Smart Dollar explains the fiscal cliff and its implications. A Blinkin at Funancials analyzes the economic track records of past Presidents, aiming to inform your voting decisions.
ADAPT YOUR HOME
Sicorra at Tackling Our Debt shares ways to save money on home improvement projects. JP at My Family Finances argues that buying a house is an asset that protects against rent inflation. Hank at Money Q&A stresses the importance of life insurance for stay-at-home spouses to avoid financial disaster in case of unexpected death.
KEEP YOUR FRUGAL COOL AND PAY DEBT
John S at Frugal Rules differentiates between being frugal and being cheap, emphasizing the importance of quality. FMF from Free Money Finance explains why “spend less than you earn” is key advice for financial health. Steven from Grocery Alerts lists the top 100 websites for saving money in Canada. Ben Feldman at ReadyForZero Blog shares an inspiring story of a young entrepreneur who paid off $6,500 in credit card debt. KT at Personal Finance Journey explains how to compare credit cards wisely. Michael at So You Think You Can Save discusses the benefits of automating payments. Chris at Modest Money outlines five reasons to avoid a low credit score at all costs.
INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE… IN CASE THIS IS NOT THE END
Invest It Wisely shares why being a landlord is rewarding. Suba at Wealth Informatics discusses strategies for early retirement even when household income is halved. TRL at The Retired Landlord lists various ways to finance a rental property, beyond the traditional mortgage.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Festival of Frugality this week!