My Financial Independence Journey » Entries tagged with "frugality"
Evolution of My Thoughts on Personal Finance: Part 1
Although I’ve only been blogging for about nine months, I’ve been interested in the world of personal finance for the last five years at least. During that time, my overall opinions on personal finance and investing have evolved. Over the next few posts, I’d like to walk you through the evolution of my thoughts and share how my motivations, opinions, tactics, and overall financial life have developed. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Reflections
Five Common Frugal Styles (pros and cons)
Frugality is just a tool for saving additional money. Almost all of us can find ways to save a bit more more money. And judging by the savings rates of people in the US, we need to be far more focused on saving money than we currently are. Below, I have briefly summarized the pros and cons of five different commonly encountered varieties of frugality. Which one are you? … Read entire article »
Filed under: Reflections
7 Reasons why you will save money and live better by cutting TV consumption
There are very few instances where I feel at all compelled to embrace anything resembling minimalism. But TV is one of those. Don’t believe me? Go take a look at your cable bill and tell me if you think that you are getting anywhere near as much as you are paying for. Still don’t believe me? Read on! Danger: The below post is rated ‘R’ for serious ranting! … Read entire article »
Filed under: Reflections
Downsides of Extreme Saving
I spend a of this blog focusing on extreme saving, which I would consider to be anything above 20%. Why? Because extreme saving is an extremely powerful tool for achieving early financial independence or retirement. Without it, you’re going to resort to such fallback plans as rich dead relatives, becoming a drug kingpin, winning the lotto, or starting an unusually successful business. However, most people don’t have tons of money at their disposal, so pushing … Read entire article »
Filed under: Reflections
Should I buy a new car or keep the old one?
I’m quite certain that I’ve mentioned somewhere or other that I drive a reliable, but old car. Occasionally, I catch flack from people about why I haven’t bought a new car yet. I don’t really feel like buying a new car yet – mostly because I’m cheap and lazy. So who’s right? My cheap lazy self, or my consumerist oriented acquaintances. It’s gonna get all consumerist vs frugality demolition derby style up in here today. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Reflections
17 Ways to save money without adversely affecting your quality of life
Saving money is essential to achieving early financial independence. But saving money at the expense of wrecking your quality of life is a game that I don’t play. Here are some methods that I have have successfully used to reduce my bills. And I promise no BS about meatless Mondays, biking to work, or taking cold showers. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Reflections
Identifying the Core Psychological Aspects of Your Life
I’ve mentioned in passing that life can be divided into three distinct spheres, the material (needs), the psychological (wants), and the social. Each sphere contains certain core elements that are central to our ability to live happy productive lives. I’ve already talked about how to identify the core material aspects (aka: needs) of your life. Today, I want to focus on the core psychological needs of your life, otherwise known as wants. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Reflections
Frugality is Just a Tool – Nothing More
Frugal habits take many flavors, kind of like ice cream. There is the do it yourself (DIY) approach which focuses on making your own clothes, doing your own home and car repairs, even making your own laundry detergent. There is the bargain hunter approach which wield coupons, shopper club cards, and weekly sales like some kind of a money saving Navy Seal. Then there is the haggle and negotiate approach, which emphasizes debating the price … Read entire article »
Filed under: Reflections
