M is for Money

Frugality often gets the cold shoulder in the world of personal finance. It’s not sexy or glamorous, like hot stock tips and free, fast money. The frugal path to wealth is slow and determined - it takes years to realize the benefits. It’s the tortoise of the financial race, not the hare.

The anti-frugalists decry this focus on simplicity and saving, but many of them are missing the point. Frugality does not intend to be a complete financial strategy. First and foremost it is a lifestyle, a pattern of living below one’s means. It doesn’t replace earning more or being a better investor. It doesn’t replace having adequate insurance and a well balanced portfolio. It’s simply one tool in the financial toolbox that you can use to build a more secure financial house.

But, it might be the most important tool for long term financial security. Where does the money you save come from? Living frugally means having more left over at the end of the month that you can invest. Being frugal means you need less money saved to be financially secure. When you add the power of budgeting, saving and investing to a frugal lifestyle, you are in the best position to reach your financial goals. Earning power is important, but at the end of the day it is what you keep that matters.

In that vein, welcome to the 186th Edition of the Festival of Frugality. Here is a wide selection of articles from across the web on frugality and finance.

Frugal with Family
One Family’s Blog gives us some Frugal Options for Families with Kids during Summer Months

Waste Less, Want Less
Kyle from Suburban Dollar has a way to stretch a chicken and a dollar in Three Meals One Bird

Stop Wasting Gas and Money
Tyler at Frugally Green gives some excellent tips for how to maximize your gas mileage – Save $550 a year by Hypermiling

Consignment Shops, Another Place to Bargain Hunt
Matt at Financial Methods talks about stumbling into an unexpected shop one day in Finding Deals at the Consignment Shop

Don’t Lose Sight of the Big Picture
Kristy at Master Your Card wants everyone to remember that Personal Finance is not a Race

Good for Your Wallet Ideas on Good for You Organic Food
Sarah at Devastate Boredom has loads of ideas on how you can eat organically without breaking the budget – The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Finding Organic and Local Produce

Something Handmade
Rose at Fine Craft Guild brings us directions for Handmade Business Cards in Pouch – The Perfect Gift

Big City, Big Price
Free Money Finance breaks course and writes about big towns worth the extra dough – Ten Pricey Cities Pay Off

Save Trips to the Store, Save Money
We save money by shopping less often, and apparently we’re not alone. Maggie at Your Non Toxic Life shares How Frozen Milk Saves Me Money

Will America’s New Found Frugality Last?
Darwin's Finance wonders if America has learned her lesson in The New Normal is: Abnormal – It Won’t Last

See the Game, Keep your Change
Jeff from Good Financial Cents gives his thoughts on How to Save Money Going to a Sporting Event

Money and Morals
This is a topic much on my mind lately. Money Ning talks about What to do When Money Conflicts with Ethics

What are You Frugal For?
Ben of Money Smart Life draws inspiration from the country’s Independence Day to look at personal independence in Happy Financial Independence Day

Did your childhood shape your finances?
My Life ROI looks back at The Three Most Influential Lessons from my Childhood

Small Space, Maximum Yield
Jim from Bargaineering introduces the small space garden known as the Square Foot Garden

Understanding the Home Appraisal Process
There is a lot to learn about the home buying process. Sound Money Matters brings some insight into The New Home Appraisal Process

When It Comes to Cooking, It Pays to be Prepared
Kevin from Surviving the Law School Money Crunch is always ready with The Low Cost Cookbook: Freeze Your Own Veggies

DIY Saves Money
Super Saver from My Wealth Builder tells how they saved money by fixing it themselves in Easy DIY Car Repair - $250 savings

Do Programmable Thermostats Save Money?
Vh from Funny about Money reports on one experience Update: Programmable Thermostat vs. Electric Bill

Budgets are Necessary
J Money at Budgets are Sexy presents a great resource Best Free Budget Templates and Sites

Times are Tough
Raj Patel from Debt Goal offers some ideas on regaining focus in the current economy The Fundamental Shift of Consumers

Do You Budget?
Craig at Money Help for Christians looks at why people don’t budget in Ten Budget Busters

Are You in A Credit Union?
Mathew of Fine Tuned Finances looks at the Advantages of Using Credit Unions

You Need a Budget
And SVB from The Digerati Life has a deal on YNAB software in Budget Planner on Sale

Keep Your Eye on the Prize
To help you The Smarter Wallet gives some Tips for Saving Money: The Frugal Mindset

What to Do With Extra Money
Single Guy at Single Guy Money looks at what he is doing with The Extra Paycheck – Save or Spend

Make Your Own Dishwasher Detergent
Save money and the environment, Matt from Debt Free Adventure shows you how in Simple and Effective – Jabs Homemade Dishwasher Detergent & Rinse Agent

Safety and the Stock Market, an Oxymoron?
Banker Saver ponders How Safe is Your Retirement Fund?

It’s Tough out There
Elizabeth from Modern Gal has some ideas for When Freelance Gigs Dry Up

A Question We’ve All Asked Ourselves
Ray from Money Blue Book does his own analysis of Costco Executive Membership: Is It Worth It?

Credit vs Debit, the Debate Continues
Debt Kid in a guest post at Cash Money Life breaks it down in Debit Cards versus Credit Cards

Back to Basics with a Budget
Jill in a guest post at My Dollar Plan gives some experienced based advice How to Get Control of Your Budget

Cash in on that Clunker
Free From Broke gives you the major lowdown on the government’s latest scheme Car Allowance Rebate System – Cash for Clunkers

Are You Up for the Challenge?
J Money in a guest post at Five Cent Nickel throws down the challenge in Quit Spending, Save Money

Lines Folks, Boats Don’t Have Ropes
Marjorie of GO Girls Outdoors shares her experience with garage sale finds in The Joy of Sailing

No Car Needed
WK of Fiscal Fizzle has the breakdown on Alternative Forms of Transportation

Mental Roadblocks
CJ Perry of Wise Money Matters asks What’s Getting in Your Way?


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