Some of you know that in a former life, I got my bachelors and masters in U.S. history. A large part of my education was studying material culture, aka "stuff," so I took several classes on evaluating objects and antiques. I even did an internship at an antiques auction house, which was an … [Read more...] about How to Spot Expensive Furniture at Thrift Stores
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How To Fake A Really Expensive Wardrobe
Last week, I asked you which products are worth the brand name, and many of you listed clothing items. I tend to agree that sometimes, it's quality over quantity when it comes to my wardrobe. However, there was a time and place where I simply couldn't afford higher end clothes, but I still had to … [Read more...] about How To Fake A Really Expensive Wardrobe
Giving Your Spouse a Car is a Really Bad Gift
Just recently I was browsing Facebook when I came across an interesting picture of an acquaintance of mine. She was standing in front of a brand new white Lexus, which in all honesty, was absolutely gorgeous. (Hey, if you can afford it, more power to you, right? ;-) ) The issue I had with the … [Read more...] about Giving Your Spouse a Car is a Really Bad Gift
3 Tips for Saving Money on Baby Stuff
Are you tired of reading about baby stuff from me yet? Don't answer that! ;-) I can't help it. I have babies on the brain! Plus, I have a lot of tips to share when it comes to saving money on baby stuff. Since I've had to buy things for two little bambinos, I've had to be smart about what I … [Read more...] about 3 Tips for Saving Money on Baby Stuff
Four Ideas To Come Up With Some Extra Cash for the Holidays
It may indeed be the most wonderful time of the year, but the holidays can quickly devolve into the most expensive time of the year as well when it's time to start shopping for Christmas. Don’t let a tight budget at Christmastime squelch your generosity or turn you into a Scrooge. Consider these … [Read more...] about Four Ideas To Come Up With Some Extra Cash for the Holidays
The 8 Best Apps for Budgeting
Staying on budget is an incredibly vital part of your financial future. If you want to start saving for that dream vacation, or even further down the road in terms of retirement, you need to start making some financial sacrifices sooner rather than later. In order to help you do that, there are a … [Read more...] about The 8 Best Apps for Budgeting
How I Come Up With Great Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids
I wish I could say that the holidays are all joy and cheer for me. The truth is that I, and a number of other parents I've spoken with, feel immense pressure this time of year to come up with great Christmas gift ideas for kids. If I'm not careful, I can let that pressure suck the spirit out of the … [Read more...] about How I Come Up With Great Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids
How To Increase The Value Of Your Home On A Budget In 4 Steps
If you're thinking about putting your home on the market, you probably want to get the best price possible for it. That certainly means adding things that will bring in more money. It also means not losing a lot of cash in the process. There are things that can be done for little money that bring … [Read more...] about How To Increase The Value Of Your Home On A Budget In 4 Steps
Secrets to Helping You to Get out of Debt Quicker
Those of you on a journey out of debt, or contemplating a journey to debt freedom, most likely know what you need to do. Every person who’s made it successfully out of their debt bondage does one or more of the following things: Budget Spend Tracking Goal Listing Snowball or … [Read more...] about Secrets to Helping You to Get out of Debt Quicker
Things I Would Never Do: The 97 Month Car Loan
Welcome to a new feature I plan on running from time to time here on Frugal Rules – Things I Would Never do. It’s meant to be part rant, part shedding light on unwise practices and part ways to avoid unnecessary debt. It’s not intended to be judgmental, but largely to help those that may be facing … [Read more...] about Things I Would Never Do: The 97 Month Car Loan
What a Pair of L.L. Bean Slippers Taught me About Customer Service
I’m not sure if I’ve ever written a post about great customer service that I have personally experienced. I spend a lot of time writing website and marketing material copy for businesses about putting the customer first. As consumers, we’ve all gotten so used to being promised great customer service … [Read more...] about What a Pair of L.L. Bean Slippers Taught me About Customer Service
Losing Isaac – Finding Life in the Death of a Child
Some of you will remember me sharing about the loss of our dear son Isaac four years ago in 4 Minutes That Changed My Life Forever.That post was from my perspective and have been asked over the last few months, by numerous readers, to have my wife share her side of the story. Make sure you have a … [Read more...] about Losing Isaac – Finding Life in the Death of a Child
