Northern Cheapskate

Frugal. By Nature.

Book Review: Lord of the Flies

Book Review: Lord of the Flies

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Lord of the Flies is an allegorical novel of the Nobel Prize-winning English writer William Golding. It should be admitted that it was the first author’s novel and it became a bestseller a few years after its publication. Lord of the Flies was first published in 1954 and won international fame for its authentic plot and composition. The book is read and studied at colleges and universities of the whole world. At the same time, the novel is supposed to be among the most controversial books of the … [Read more...]

How to Eliminate Debt in 2017

How to Eliminate Debt in 2017

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Debt can put a lot of stress on a marriage, let alone a single person to take the entire weight on your shoulders, so it is best to start now to eliminate debt this upcoming year.  With the long-term goal of having money available to live a quality life in retirement without counting pennies, now is the time to get out debt completely and free up money to contribute to your emergency fund, savings, and retirement account to grow.  There are plenty of ways to start attacking debt right now to get … [Read more...]

7 Opportunities to Save Money in 2017

7 Opportunities to Save Money in 2017

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As you are dropping money left and right during this holiday shopping season, you can anticipate a sad day when the credit card bill comes in the mail, wondering how you are going to pay this back before the interest starts piling up.  While you work on that balance, you can also focus on other areas to free up extra money in 2017, taking note of a few opportunities you may be missing out on. Weigh Refinance Options Although mortgage rates are not currently at all-time lows, if you have … [Read more...]

Ways to Put Your Holiday Bonus to Good Use

Ways to Put Your Holiday Bonus to Good Use

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If you are fortunate enough to receive an end of the year bonus that is greater than the jelly of the month club (the “gift that keeps on giving” according to Cousin Eddie in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation), it is time to start thinking about what to do with it.  Do you buy that new 4K UHD TV you have been wanting?  Take your wife to the Bruno Mars concert?  The short answer is, it depends.  Each have a different financial situation, so as long as you will not get into debt, I am all for … [Read more...]

Saving Money on Entertainment Does Not Mean Sacrifice Fun

Saving Money on Entertainment Does Not Mean Sacrifice Fun

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  Just because you are being responsible by looking to save a little extra money does not mean you have to get rid of what makes you happy.  We work hard all week so that we can play hard on the weekends, and that can add up to huge entertainment costs, not to mention restaurant and bar tabs over the course of a weekend.  By cutting a few corners you can still keep a smile on your face and be out on the town. Buy Tickets Direct from the Box Office Concerts happen to be one of … [Read more...]

6 Frugal Things Making Me Happy Right Now

6 Frugal Things Making Me Happy Right Now

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I've always said that the little things add up to big things.  A few pennies pinched here and there can become a few dollars in my wallet later. Every so often, I like to take the time to celebrate those small frugal things that are helping me save money and live more simply.  Taking time to think about our frugal efforts and share them with others helps affirm our actions.  It keeps us on the straight and narrow, moving forward, even if it's slow going sometimes. So with that.... here is … [Read more...]