Thrifty Living
Donna Dunn
Articles
Read a review of DON'T GO TO THE COSMETICS COUNTER WITHOUT ME (5th Ed.) by Paula Begoun, a book that's defintely worth a look.
How's your inbox? If you're not subscribing to one of the many free newsletters and ezines that are available, you may be missing out on something good and thrifty.
Taking Care of Business Part 2 - Choosing a Home Business
Before you take the leap, make sure your home business is right for you. And learn to avoid the scams that await you in cyberland.
Taking Care of Business Part 1 - Home Business Basics
Ever wanted to be your own boss? Starting out part-time with a home-based business may be just the ticket.
If saving money is important to you, don't overlook a great shopping resource: your local thrift store.
Thrifty Pleasures - Summer (Part 2)
After you've collected and pressed a variety of flowers, you can't just leave them tucked inside your books, for no one to see. Instead, use them to create beautiful and inexpensive gift cards and bags, and even your own official flower press.
Thrifty Pleasures - Summer (Part One)
My summer pressing passion began in my garden, where I don't always have the best of luck growing vegetables, but I do seem to have a way with weeds, if you know what I mean.
Golf may have thrifty beginnings but it's grown into a hugely popular sport with a price tag to match. Still, there are ways to cut some of costs so even frugal folks can enjoy tee-time if they choose.
It could be thrifty, it should be thrifty, but sometimes fishing is not the most economical sport around. It is, however, fun and interesting, and for some, a little addictive.
Think about some strategies to help you cope with peak demand: those times of the year when you know your obligations and commitments will be putting serious pressure on your resources.
Get the Message? Part 2 - Consumer Strategies
Ignorance is bliss? Maybe not where advertising is concerned. Here are some strategies that may work better at controlling the influence of advertising on your life.
Get the Message? Part 1-Advertising Strategies
Advertising is everywhere. It's a big-money industry, it's influencing how you spend your time, energy and money, and even cynics can become complacent. So even cynics might benefit from a review of some advertising strategies.
Life in the so-called slow lane may or may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for author Elaine St. James the decision to simplify her life led to a successful mid-life career change and the evolution of a cherished lifestyle. And it hasn't crimped her finances any, either.
If the price of gas is giving you, well, indigestion, stop by for some tips that may save you some money at the pumps.
Learn from my mistakes – before you declare war on the dandelions infesting your lawn, think twice. Maybe you can make better use of a natural resource that's both valuable and free.
Money may or may not be the root of all evil, but it certainly can be the source of marital conflict. And it may all boil down to the fact that opposites attract.
Time is a precious, non-renewable resource. Use it wisely, and use it well.
A Conversation with Harry Chickpea
Not just for trolls, newsgroups offer a unique forum for lots of people with good ideas, who just prefer to remain anonymous. And sometimes, amidst the chaff, you can even find the likes of a Harry Chickpea.
A personal perspective on my favorite thrifty past-time in the spring: garage saling. I'll tell you why this unglamorous hobby has become one of my passions.
Grime and Punishment Part 2 - Laundry Tips and Tricks
When it comes to laundry, less is more: more economical, more efficient and more environmentally responsible. Now that's my kind of chore.
Grime and Punishment - Part 1: Wash Words
Clean clothes and a healthy environment do not have to be mutually exclusive. Get familiar with some laundry lingo, make a few changes in your laundry regimen, and you'll probably save some money to boot.
Spring Cleaning Part 2 - Safe Cleaning Products
Spring cleaning shouldn't cost the earth. Take a responsible approach to your household chores, and investigate some good old-fashioned solutions for cleaning up.
Spring Cleaning Part 1 - The Urge to Purge
Spring cleaning marathons aren't for everyone, at least not anymore. And for some of us maybe it might be time to take a closer look at this particular rite of spring.
Computer Buying Part 2 - Buy What How?
You've already made your list of excuses, and you definitely need a need computer. And now comes the hard part -- you may want to do some homework before you sign on the dotted line. Here are some general guidelines that may help you.
Computer Buying Part 1: Why Buy?
Buying a new computer scares the daylights out of lots of folks, even when the technology has been part of our daily lives for years. Here are some thoughts on the subject that may help you sort through your own buying dilemma.
Can personal thrift be regulated by law? It has been tried, at various times and with limited success, all over the world. This week's little thrifty history lesson is about sumptuary law.
Even if you don't have a green thumb, indoor gardening is one way you may be able to make a dent in your grocery bills, and please your palate at the same time.
When manageable debt becomes unmanageable, even our health can suffer. If your finances are a mess, help is available.
Too often neglected in our day-to-day routines, a little romance can put some spark in your life. And it doesn't have to cost a fortune, either.
So you think you're thrifty? Maybe you are, but then again, maybe you're not. Here's another unscientific and meaningless checklist so you can monitor your episodes of wasteful extravagance.
If you're a student, you're probably broke, and you may even be wondering where your next meal is coming from. Money management is a crucial theme for students everywhere, and now starving students only have to move their mouse to access help and suggestions online.
Are you thrifty? See if you can recognize yourself in this unscientific and meaningless Thrifty Checklist. You might be more thrifty than you think!
It's time for the turkey challenge: just how many ways can a person use left over turkey? While leftovers are a wonderful, thrifty thing, sometimes their sheer abundance can be a little daunting. But thanks to generous and resourceful cooks everywhere, the internet is a fabulous source of ideas and recipes ...
Rediscover barter, as an alternative to money. Thrifty people can trade their time, energy, talents and unwanted possessions, to get what they want and need.
Trade, swap or barter – no matter what you call it, it's been around longer than money, and has a lot of potential for thrifty folks. Part One of this two-part series looks at organized barter, and it's increasing use in the business world.
It's hard to take siesta in the middle of a fiesta. Routines fall by the wayside at this time of year, and sleep becomes more precious, and elusive, than ever. You'll need to be well-rested to get the most out of the season; this article may help put you to sleep. ...
'Tis the Season, and it's a pretty sure bet that you could have some guests drop by at a moment's notice. It might be a good time to review some Emergency Clean-Up tactics, the better to prepare yourself for Unexpected Company.
The costs of professional home repairs and maintenance can really add up fast. Take some free online advice, and learn to do it yourself instead.
Psssst! Hey! Wanna get lucky? Take advantage of the free lotteries, sweepstakes and contests online; you may actually win something. And although most of the online contests are no-brainers, there are some contests where you can actually put your gray cells to work.
We live in a disposable world, and some manufacturers seem determined to keep it that way. Maybe it's time to just say no.
Make the most of your pumpkin! Take advantage of this thrifty squash with a wealth of resources available online.
Autumn is my favorite season, and not just because of the glorious colors and textures of the season. It's one of the few occasions in life when we can actually turn the clock back, and gain some precious time.
The odds are pretty good that right now you may actually have a cold, are just getting over a cold, or are about to get a cold. It's no fun, and maybe we need to review the cold facts.
Thrifty philanthropists find meaningful ways to use their spare time, energy or money. Use the internet to check out some virtual opportunities, and find ways to make a contribution that is thoughtful, and practically painless.
Leftover turkey isn't the only the only thing to be thankful for when celebrating Thanksgiving. And thankfulness doesn't have to be limited to one day per year.
Forget planned obsolescence! Thrifty types want multi-use, multipurpose products that keep going and going and going . . .sometimes even long after you've forgotten why you bought them in the first place.
Brush up on your skills or learn new ones, online and for free! The web offers a huge assortment of online learning opportunities that are accessible and affordable.
There are only 24 hours in a day, so how can we make sure we spend more of that time in ways that are meaningful and enjoyable for ourselves? Get organized, and free up some time for yourself.
Look good for less! Tips and links to help you achieve the look you want, without spending your last dime.
Weddings are big business, and the pressure to go over your budget can be overwhelming. This article has some advice and links to help you plan a wedding you can actually afford and avoid those wedding bill blues.
Ever yearn for some good, old-fashioned politeness? It's something that even the terminally thrifty can indulge themselves in to their hearts'content.
Park your car and try some different modes of transportation. Save money, and be kind to the environment.
Giving a homemade gift is a great way to show you care. Not only can you give a beautiful present for a fraction of the store-bought cost, you can also have a lot of fun creating truly personal gifts for those who mean the most to you.
Sometimes we take money too seriously, and need to lighten up a little. After all, it's only money!
Family entertainment doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here are some suggestions for thrifty activities you and your family may enjoy.
Kids today need to learn about money in a positive way. Here are some tips and links to help parents begin teaching fiscal responsibility to their youngsters.
Freebies are fun, there's no doubt about it. But with all the freebie sites popping up on the web, the search can become very time-consuming. Here are some links to help you get the freebies you really want.
Thrifty Shopper - Price Check!
Smart shoppers check prices, and shopping search engines make it easier than ever to compare prices before buying. Find the shopping robot that's right for you.
Thrifty Shopper - Product Reviews
Increase your consumer satisfaction! It's easier than ever to do product research online, before you buy. Know what to look for in a product-review website.
Downloadable ebooks are a growing trend on the internet, and some are even free! This article has some info about ebooks, pros and cons.
Garage Sales - Tips for Sellers
Hosting a garage sale is a great way to practice the 3Rs, and make a little money, too. Your sale has the best chance of success,however, if you do a little preparation beforehand.
Garage Sales - Tips for Buyers
Garage and yard sales are becoming more popular than ever. To be successful, a garage sale outing requires a little more planning and preparation than a regular shopping trip to your local convenience store.
When it comes to tipping there are no firm rules, but guidance and help are available. Information and links for tipping protocol are found here.
Thrifty Pets Part 2 - After You've Thought and Bought
You've made the commitment, and now it's time to think about creative and thrifty ways to meet your responsibilies to your pets.
Thrifty Pets Part 1 - Think Before You Buy
Owning a pet can be an expensive proposition, but some preliminary research can save you from making costly mistakes.
A thrifty attitude goes a long way in helping preserve and protect our resources. Discover easy ways to be thrifty and green at the same time.
Being Thrifty Is Just Good Sense
Thrift is a personal lifestyle choice, that can actually improve your life, as well as make a positive impact on the world around you.