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Divorce is more than a legal process—it’s a full life reset. Even when it’s the right decision, even when it’s amicable on both sides, it can leave you feeling untethered. The routines, assumptions, and plans you once relied on have dramatically changed—sometimes all at once. And in the middle of all of that, there’s a very real, very practical question underneath it all: What happens to my finances now? You might be sorting through paperwork, […]
A mix of snake plant, ZZ plant, and aloe vera shows how drought-tolerant houseplants stay green and structured even during long gaps between watering. Shutterstock A garden does not have to demand constant attention to look vibrant and full of life. Some plants handle dry spells like seasoned survivors, storing water and adapting to tough conditions with impressive resilience. These green champions fit perfectly into busy homes, unpredictable schedules, and forgetful watering habits. Instead of […]
Frugality often comes with a set of “rules” that, while generally sound, don’t always work for everyone. Sometimes, spending more or disregarding conventional money-saving advice is the most practical and economical option in the long run. Here are a few unconventional frugal living tips that defy traditional wisdom but make perfect sense in real life. Major Caveat: Please don’t take these examples as an excuse to spend more money or buy things you don’t need. They worked for people (real people, if you must know), but that doesn’t mean they will work for you. The point of this article is to stress that every person’s life and situation are different, and therefore, their frugal living strategy will be different. Meal Delivery One surprisingly effective way to stay within a grocery budget, without the stress of meal planning or cooking, is to use a meal delivery service. I know! Hear me out! If you hate cooking or don’t have a space to cook properly, having prepared meals delivered can make it easier to stick to a fixed monthly grocery budget. Even with the convenience factor, it’s possible to keep total food costs well within budget while also saving time and avoiding takeout. Look for meal prep and food subscription companies offering promotions, and take advantage of them. Auto Maintenance Knowing how to do your own car maintenance doesn’t mean you always should. Taking the responsibility of doing this and then not doing it is just not worth it. So, if you aren’t going to do it anyway, then make sure to hire a professional to make sure it gets done. Outsourcing this task to a professional can be more cost-effective than risking major vehicle issues from neglect. Earning More by Working Less Sometimes, working fewer hours or choosing less conventional shifts, like weekends, can actually increase the amount of money you are taking home. For families with young children, the cost of weekday childcare and commuting can outweigh the benefit of a full-time Monday-to-Friday job. Signing up for off-peak shifts can reduce expenses and improve work-life balance. Drinking Only at Bars This may sound counterintuitive, but choosing to drink only in social settings, such as bars, can help curb other spending habits. It prevents mindless online shopping or late-night spending sprees that often accompany home drinking. The tab might be higher per drink, but having a set place to drink will make it less likely for you to overindulge. You will also hopefully drink less and save money by not buying alcohol for your house. Spending To Support What You Value Sometimes, it’s worth spending more to support local businesses, farms, or institutions you care about. Spending more money at companies you value might be worth it for you and make you happier with your spending. After all, its not about spending nothing but about spending mindfully. Post-Holiday Gifting If you won’t be kicked out of the family chat, consider this: rather than buying gifts during the peak of the holiday
A hand holds up a large piece of raw beef ready for preparation. Smart shoppers are increasingly choosing affordable cuts such as chuck roast or beef shank that provide excellent flavor when cooked slowly at home. Pexels. Beef prices have climbed significantly this year, making it harder to fit your favorite steaks into your weekly budget. Ranchers and packers are dealing with complex supply issues that keep retail prices high at the register. Rather than […]
These frugal living tips aren’t like those other girls — they’re a little off-beat, funky, and dare we say…a little quirky? And any quirky person reading this knows that’s a good thing, especially in 2026! Let’s review six unique frugal living tips that you should adopt this year. Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner When life gives you lemons, make an affordable bottle of cleaning solution. There are tons of products, like baking soda, vinegar, and lemons, that you can mix together for a DIY cleaning spray. They often work just as well without any of the chemical smell or residue. You can even mix things up and customize the scent with different citrus or essential oils. Read More: 8 DIY Cleaning Supplies Recipes You Can Make To Save Money Plan an Extravagant Stay-Cation Get creative with your vacation this year by staying home. You don’t have to stay inside; bonus quirky points if you camp out in the backyard! Staycations can also mean exploring your hometown and falling in love with your favorite places all over again. You’re saving on airfare and accommodations, so not only do you have a more flexible budget, but you can afford to splurge a bit more and go big! Plan a Leftover Night Leftover nights are when you take whatever you already have in the fridge and create something new. Toss whatever veggies you have in with some broth and pasta for a hearty minestrone. Use some leftover rotisserie chicken to make quesadillas. This is a frugal living tip that both saves you money and encourages your creativity, so it’s easily one of the best if you’re looking for something fun and different. If you love the tips in this post, you’ll love my Frugal Living Planner — it’s the perfect next step, and only $10! Get it here. Freecycle With Some Friends Swap parties and freecycling are on the rise, so join in and see what kind of fun stuff you can get. Freecycling is just recycling things that other people would otherwise throw away, but you have a use for. For example, you might have just gotten a new coffee maker for Christmas, and your friend got a new blender. But you love their blender and their in the market for a coffee maker. Swap instead of buying new and both of you save! Collect Your Rainwater Rainwater is a free natural resource you can use to water your garden. You can go all-out and install an irrigation system (which is more expensive up front, but makes using rainwater easier) or use a rain barrel. Either approach will let you harness the power of Mother Nature to help save money on your utilities. This is especially good for those of you with greener thumbs! Do a No-Spend Challenge Who’s up for some friendly competition? If you and your other frugal friends are looking for a different way to save, try seeing who can do it the best. You can go
A pre-purchase inspection and diagnostic scan can uncover hidden engine, electrical, and structural issues in used cars before they turn into expensive repairs. Shutterstock Buying a used car often feels like a race against time and other buyers. Shiny photos, low prices, and “great condition” claims push decisions faster than they should. One simple oversight keeps showing up again and again in expensive repair bills after the purchase. Many buyers skip a full pre-purchase inspection […]
Saving money doesn’t always mean cutting back on everything you love. Sometimes, it’s about being creative and finding new ways to stretch your dollars further. Here are some clever strategies that have proven to be super effective for keeping more cash in your pocket. 1. Bring Out Your Inner Handyman Instead of forking out cash every time something breaks, some have turned to YouTube tutorials to fix things themselves. Learning to repair rather than replace can save a significant amount of money, and it’s surprisingly satisfying to solve problems with your own two hands. 2. Shop Smarter, Not Harder Opting for budget-friendly grocery stores can make a huge difference in your monthly spending. It’s a simple change that pays off, proving that saving money doesn’t require sacrificing quality or variety in your diet. 3. Kick the Habit Quitting smoking is not just good for your health; it’s a financial game-changer. Those who’ve quit report saving a small fortune, not to mention the potential long-term savings on healthcare costs. 4. Cut Down on Paper Waste Some savvy savers cut paper towels into smaller pieces to avoid waste. It’s a small, eco-friendly step that adds up to big savings over time, challenging the notion that convenience is worth extra cost. 5. Rethink Parking and Gym Fees Avoiding paid parking and gym memberships by walking more and using the available free parking can lead to both financial and physical health benefits. It’s a creative way to save money and stay fit without the monthly fees. 6. Pay Yourself First Pay yourself first! Putting money into an investment account before paying other expenses is a strategy some swear by. It forces savings and grows wealth over time, making it harder to spend impulsively. 7. Using Concentrated Soap Switching to concentrated soaps like Castille soap for everything from dishwashing to hand soap can dramatically cut down on expenses and plastic waste. Its concentrated formula and versatility make it a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice. 8. Choose Barbers Over Salons Opting for a barber instead of a salon for simple haircuts can halve the cost. It’s a no-brainer for those with shorter styles, challenging the idea that gender should determine where you get your haircut. 9. Master Meal Prep Preparing meals in advance is not just a health-conscious decision; it’s a budget-friendly one. It saves time, reduces the temptation to eat out, and ensures you have delicious, cost-effective meals ready to go. 10. Streamline Subscriptions Canceling unnecessary streaming services can free up a surprising amount of monthly cash. It’s a reminder that sometimes less is more when it comes to digital entertainment. 11. Carpool To Cut Costs Sharing rides isn’t just good for the environment; it’s great for your wallet. Carpooling to work or events can significantly reduce fuel and maintenance costs over time. 12. DIY Beauty Treatments Learning to do your lash extensions, nails, and hair color is not only a fun skill but a major money-saver. It’s a luxury experience at a fraction of the
It’s been a while since I’ve given just a general update on what we’ve got going on. And with some really big plans like moving to Asheville on the agenda, I thought it might be a good time to bring you up to speed. Besides our big move, we’ve got some fun international trips we’re working on getting on the books over the next couple of years that we’re already super-excited about! Just to make […]
A quick announcement for today: I just released the 2026 edition of Taxes Made Simple. It includes all the stuff that’s new for 2026 (and 2025), such as the $1,000 charitable donation deduction for non-itemizers, the senior deduction, the deductions for qualified tip income, qualified overtime income, and vehicle loan interest. If you think it would be helpful for you or a loved one, I’d encourage you to grab a copy. Or leave a review […]
The number that breaks retirement plans In the accumulation phase, the job is growth. In the withdrawal phase, the job is survivability. A big equity drawdown early in retirement does real damage. You sell stocks when they are down and […]
We spent 90% of January 2026 overseas, mostly in Thailand. Travel spiked 412% in one category, yet total expenses landed just $544 above our 12-month average. Here’s the full monthly expense breakdown, what alternative income covered it, and why the trailing average is the only number I trust. The post FIRE Trial — January 2026: A Month In Thailand And What It Did To Our Budget appeared first on Turtle Investor.
A step-by-step guide to turning your own backyard into your next favorite destination. We spend so much time dreaming about far-off destinations that we completely overlook the magic sitting right in our own backyard. But with flight prices climbing, limited PTO, and life getting more expensive across the board, staycations are regaining popularity. I sat […] The post How to Plan a Staycation You’ll Actually Look Forward To with Jenn Nielson appeared first on The […]
Buying everything new is making your bank account suffer. Most products lose half their value the second they leave the store. You can find high-quality items for a fraction of the price at thrift stores or online marketplaces. Choosing used goods saves you money and helps the planet. Here are 19 things you should never buy new again to keep your budget on track and your home looking great. 1. Solid Wood Furniture New furniture […]