photo by Martin Bravenboer

Frugality topics are often about small ways to save. But what about the bigger ways? Many people voluntarily choose to make extreme changes to their lifestyles to live more simply. Have you ever felt like a slave to your own life? I’m not suggesting you live off the grid. But we’re fortunate to have many choices every day. Frugality can help you explore your values and pinpoint how to get from where you are now to where you want to be through choices.
Some people don’t …

photo by Thomas Pix

Are you prepared for the holiday season? Yes, I’m going there. What’s the matter? Is May too early for you to think about the holidays? If you’re always kicking yourself for waiting until the last minute, this nudge is for you. This year, it’s going to different. You have plenty of time to get organized. Grab a paper and pen and make a master gift list. Afterward, you can budget in a gift each week or month or make some gifts yourself. Planning ahead and buying throughout …

photo by ChezDeniseetLaudalino

Small kitchen appliances can be an obsession. You don’t realize how many you own until you try to list them all. Some collect dust and serve as a reminder of your good intentions. One underutilized appliance is a conventional countertop blender. It’s often overshadowed by stand mixers with accessories, immersion hand blenders, choppers and food processors.
If you already have a standard 10-, 12- or 14-speed model, you might have forgotten all that it can do to speed up food preparation. They’re not just for frozen drinks. You …

photo by adactio

DEAR SARA: Can I freeze deli-style sliced ham? The ham that we like to take in our lunch is on sale half price this week, so I want to stock up. Can I freeze it if I put it in freezer bags? Will it taste OK thawed? — champagnium, Nova Scotia
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photo by amazing podgirl

Frugalitarians are disciplined consumers. While they might be tempted by savvy marketing, they don’t fall prey to it. I’ve discovered that I’m happy to admire merchandise without having to own it. I’m not anti-consumer, but I do believe in spending my money wisely. Today, my readers share their own frugal rules. If you’re interested in saving a few bucks, try to apply a rule or two to your life.
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