I've been a penny pincher ever since I was a kid.  I'd squirrel away my savings for months at a time.  I'd come up with things I could sell to make extra money (although trying to sell rocks didn't go so well!). I know how to use coupons to save money, negotiate lower prices for things, and cut my utility bills.   But, as much as I consider myself a savvy saver, I'm kind of lousy at investing. Sure, I am able to earn money with my investments (usually), but I kind of just operate on auto … [Read more...]

I love watching Food Network.  I drool over the food and imagine all the scrumptious things I could prepare for my family if only I knew what I was doing in the kitchen. I love to eat, and I like to cook, but only when I have a plan, and when the recipes are easy to follow.  I will abandon an entire cookbook if it has even one recipe with an ingredient I know I'll never find in my grocery store.  Anything that seems remotely exotic to this Midwestern meat-and-potatoes girl, like scallops or … [Read more...]

I frequently have a dream that I am one of those women who has everything put together. I'd be phenomenal at finding bargains and freebies, whipping up amazing frugal dinners, and creating warm family memories, all while looking great and enjoying simple organized splendor. Nice dream, huh? I've come to accept that I'll never be THAT woman, but I have found a book that can help bring me closer to the person I'd like to be. All In Good Time: When to Save, Stock Up, and Schedule … [Read more...]

I've been doing this frugal living thing for more than a decade.  And you would think I would have it down by now. But I don't.  In fact I'm human.  And it was a lot easier to manage our money with fewer kids, smaller house payments, and lower grocery and gas expenses than it is now. Even though I've written about budgeting, it's been hard for me to follow my own advice.  Lately, I've been floundering a little when it comes to our finances.  Yes, we're still living within our means, but it … [Read more...]

Sometimes the simplest lessons are the ones that most need repeating. Such is the case with Danny Kofke's new book A Simple Book of Financial Wisdom: Teach Yourself (and Your Kids) How to Live Wealthy with Little Money. Kofke knows what it takes to be frugal.  As the author of How to Survive (and Perhaps Thrive) on a Teacher's Salary, Kofke knows the ins and outs of tightening belts and making ends meet. His latest title offers the short and sweet tips you need to get started or to get … [Read more...]