We visited the Tulsa Zoo once when our son was just a baby, and for the next seven years I said I wanted to take the kids again. We finally made the trip; a three day frugal-ish Mother’s Day weekend in Tulsa, OK. Here’s what we were able to pack in for just under $700. Frugal-ish mother’s day weekend: air … The post A FRUGAL-ISH MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND IN TULSA, OK appeared first on a life on a dime.

“Stop wasting your money on paying rent” is likely a phrase you’ve heard often. After all, the common version of the American dream consists of owning a home. But is renting really all that bad? No, and sometimes it’s actually better than buying your own home. Yes, it’s true! In some cases, and for some families it’s smarter to rent than to buy. However, that’s not the advice we often hear. I was personally suckered into […]

Flamenco, food, and fiestas—without the financial hangover. Spain isn’t just a country—it’s a sensory explosion. From the Moorish palaces of Andalusia to the Gaudí-studded streets of Barcelona, from Madrid’s electric nightlife to Valencia’s silky beaches—this is a place where culture and joy are part of everyday life. Think it’s too expensive to enjoy it all? … Read more

I’m in the first year of several, being age 49. Yep, I’m going to delay that 50 as long as possible. I thought this might not be the audience for this type of article, but I got a recent comment that convinced me otherwise: Also, why not write about skin cream? Last July, I wrote about trying to grow hair. I gave the option I went with and included a budget option for those who […]

Do you like living by a budget? Some people associate budgeting with being poor or feeling restricted, but that’s far from the way I see it. Living by a budget is for everyone, no matter your means. Budgeting allows you to be in control of your money (whatever amount that is) instead of having your money control you. A budget gives you the freedom to spend how you want because you are the one who […]

Budgeting isn’t always easy, especially when you’re just starting out. It can feel frustrating or even overwhelming at first. But budgeting is for you. It just takes a little time to get the hang of it. Whether you’re new to budgeting or ready to level up, I’ve got 16 budget tips to help make it easier—so you can feel more confident, more in control, and start making progress with your money. 1. Create a zero-based budget before […]

When most people think about financial planning, they think about implementation tactics. Should I be in a Roth or a traditional IRA? Should I use a bond ladder or stick with a total return portfolio? How should I time Social Security? These are good questions, but they’re not the first questions you should be asking. You can’t determine which strategy or tool might be appropriate based on a list of your assets without additional context.   […]

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please see my full disclosure policy for details. Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can feel like a lot, especially if it’s your first time. Between choosing resorts, buying tickets, making dining reservations, and figuring out which rides to prioritize, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To help families […]