Hey there! I’m really excited to host the Festival of Frugality today and share some of the top posts from the last few weeks. Don’t forget to link back if you’re featured, and if you want to join next week, you can submit your post here.
**PARTY LIKE THERE’S NO TOMORROW**
Money Beagle talks about “How We Had An Amazingly Fun Weekend And Kept It Cheap” on Money Beagle. It was a fantastic weekend, and the best part? It didn’t cost much!
Amanda L Grossman offers “6 Frugal and Fun Activities for Fall and Halloween” on Frugal Confessions. Experience the blend of crisp mornings turning into warm sunny afternoons.
Philip shares “Tips for Scary Cheap Halloween Candy and Decor” on PT Money Personal Finance. With Americans spending about $2 billion on Halloween candy annually, this averages out to $20 per person. Here’s how to save on both candy and decorations.
**TRAVEL THE WORLD**
Corey asks, “Would You Rather…Buy a Second Car or Travel?” on 20s Finances. Would you prefer an extra car or a yearly vacation? What’s more valuable to you and why?
Pauline (that’s me!) discusses “How to Save Money on Currency Exchange” on Reach Financial Independence. Whether you’re swapping currencies for a holiday or a move abroad, get the best rate with these tips.
Miss T. explores “Are You Getting Ripped Off at the Gas Pump?” on Prairie Eco Thrifter. Double-check that the price per gallon times the number of gallons nearly matches the total charged.
**START A HOMESTEAD**
CF provides a “Summer 2012 Garden Recap” on The Outlier Model. We harvested the last of our tomatoes and reviewed our garden investment return, which was impressive!
**MAKE BABIES**
Jason talks about “What is the Right Time to Have a Baby, Financially?” on Work Save Live. Is there ever a perfect time?
Sustainable PF reflects on “Using a Midwife, One Year Later, Financials” on Sustainable Personal Finance.
**CALL BEFORE YOU GO OFF THE GRID**
SFB considers “Why I May Finally Buy a Smartphone” on Simple Finance Blog. With over half of US cell users on smartphones, I’m thinking about getting one too.
Beating Broke shares “How I Saved Money on iPad Repairs (Twice)” on Beating Broke. Discover how I saved 50% on my second screen repair by doing it myself.
**FORGET THE JONESES**
Maria emphasizes “Why Comparing Your Budget to Others’ is a Dumb Idea” on The Money Principle. Your budget should reflect your own preferences and comfort.
Ashley asks, “How Big Is Your Carrot?” on Money Talks Coaching. A picture I saw clearly relates to financial decisions.
Glen Craig elaborates on “How to Control Your Emotions When Shopping” on Free From Broke. Emotional shopping can lead to unwanted items and debt. Learn to stay in control.
SB critiques “Dumb Real Housewives and Their Foolish Money Practices” on One Cent at a Time. Avoid living a glamorous but debt-ridden lifestyle.
Jacob questions, “Are You Guilty of Irrational Money Decisions?” on My Personal Finance Journey. Learn to avoid illogical spending and stay financially healthy.
Melissa advises “Consider Selling Your Car and Going Car-less” on Bargaineering. Going without a car, though challenging, can sometimes be beneficial.
Young shares “A Woman’s Perspective on Engagement Rings” on Young And Thrifty. After years together, my view on engagement rings is straightforward.
David Leonhardt offers “8 Sneaky Ways to Get Free Furniture” on Self-help Happiness Blog. Free furniture is everywhere if you’re creative and observant.
Savvy Scot categorizes “The Saver: In Which Category Do You Belong?” on The Savvy Scot. Whether you’re disciplined or occasional, find out where you fit.
Everything Finance discusses “Why You Should Have a $1,000 Car Insurance Deductible” on Everything Finance Blog. Here’s why it’s a good idea.
**SPEND EVERYTHING AND RISK GOING BROKE**
Crystal questions, “Could That Happen to Me?” on Budgeting in the Fun Stuff. ESPN’s “Called Broke” shows how pro athletes went broke despite massive earnings.
Teacher Man shares “My University Money Interactive Student Budget” on My University Money. This budget tool is user-friendly, even for humanities students.
**KEEP WORKING**
Harry Campbell suggests “Save Money on Your Flu Shot This Winter” on Your Personal Finance Pro. If you’re frequently sick, your job might be at risk.
Scott explains “What is the Fiscal Cliff and Why Should I Care?” on One Smart Dollar. Learn about the fiscal cliff and its impact on your life.
A Blinkin analyzes “Presidents are at the Mercy of the Business Cycle” on Funancials. Explore past presidents’ economic records to inform your voting decision.
**ADAPT YOUR HOME**
Sicorra offers “How to Save Money on Home Improvement Projects” on Tackling Our Debt. Here are tips to update your home without breaking the bank.
JP discusses “Buying a House as an Asset for Your Family” on My Family Finances. Fixed housing costs avoid the uncertainties of rent inflation.
Hank emphasizes, “Why Your Stay-At-Home Spouse Needs Life Insurance” on Money Q&A. Missing this coverage can be a tragic error.
**KEEP YOUR FRUGAL COOL AND PAY DEBT**
John S asks, “When is Being Frugal Really Just Being Cheap?” on Frugal Rules. Know the difference and choose quality items to save more in the long term.
FMF advises to “Spend Less than You Earn” on Free Money Finance. Keeping expenditures low is just one part of this important financial advice.
Steven lists “Top 100 Websites for Saving Money in Canada” on Grocery Alerts. This includes various financial advice, deals, and blogs.
Ben Feldman shares “The 27-Year Old Entrepreneur Who Paid Off $6,500 in Credit Card Debt” on ReadyForZero Blog. This is a motivational story of breaking free from debt.
KT explains “How to Compare Credit Cards” on Personal Finance Journey. Here are four ways to choose the right card for you.
Michael advises “4 Ways To Save By Automating Your Payments” on So You Think You Can Save. Mailing checks could be costing you money.
Chris presents “5 Reasons You Should Avoid a Low Credit Score at All Costs” on Modest Money. A low credit score is more damaging than you might think.
**INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE… IN CASE THIS IS NOT THE END**
Invest It Wisely explores “Why I Love Being a Landlord” on Invest It Wisely. Perhaps this might inspire you to become one too.
Suba discusses “Early Retirement Strategy on One Income” on Wealth Informatics. We aim to retire by 40, but quitting my job has made this goal more challenging.
TRL offers “Best Ways to Buy a Rental Property” on The Retired Landlord. Learn the various methods, including beyond traditional mortgages.
This post is also featured on My University Money and The Outlier Model. Thank you!