frugality | Evolving Personal Finance

Married with Roommates?

April 24th, 2013 | 52 Comments

Here are the parameters we’re working with: 1) Kyle will graduate as early as June or as late as September, but we’re not sure where he’ll be doing his postdoc or when he’ll start. 2) I’ll need a roommate for after Kyle moves out. 3) If Kyle has a significant period of non-employment in between graduating and starting his postdoc, my pay isn’t quite enough to cover our expenses and basic percentage-based budgeting. Since roommates are easiest to find … Read entire article »

Filed under: frugality, housing, marriage

Republic Wireless Review

April 1st, 2013 | 37 Comments

Last August I told you that I signed up to get a smartphone through Republic Wireless, a new company with a different business model for providing cell services. I received my new phone in December and I thought it was high time to write a review! Go back to our previous post for more detail, but briefly: Republic Wireless utilizes available wireless internet to cut cell expenses for its customers. Customers are required to register at … Read entire article »

Filed under: frugality

How to Spend Less When Attending Out-of-Town Weddings

March 18th, 2013 | 40 Comments

In a 48-hour period last week, we received two unexpected wedding invitations, heard about two more engagements, and attended a pre-wedding event – all for weddings occurring this summer! We had thought it was going to be another slow wedding season for us, but we are now planning to attend at least two out-of-town weddings – one in Boston and the other in Madison, WI. Since 2010, we have attended TEN out-of-town weddings. We want to … Read entire article »

Filed under: family, food, frugality, marriage, personal, travel

The Month I Had an $11 Electric Bill

February 27th, 2013 | 24 Comments

I’m happy to share with you today a guest post from Jen, who blogs at The Happy Homeowner. A former self-professed Princess of Interest, she’s completed a radical financial change over the past 5 years. From debt-ridden and clueless to a homeowner with retirement accounts, she’s all about finding unique ways to save money. Thanks for helping me out while I prepare for my preliminary exam, Jen! Yes, you read that correctly. The amount of my … Read entire article »

Filed under: frugality, housing

How to Replace Large Items on a Budget

February 15th, 2013 | 15 Comments

I put out a call on Yakezie for guest posts while I prepare for my preliminary exam, and Kylie Ofiu volunteered a post for today! Kylie is an author, international public speaker, writer, financial mentor and mother of 2. She shares ways to make and save money on her blog KylieOfiu.com as well as her goal to become a millionaire by 30. Thanks Kylie and I hope you all enjoy the post! In the last 2 months my … Read entire article »

Filed under: frugality

Frugal Practices I’ve Grown to Love

January 21st, 2013 | 39 Comments

It’s wonderful when a positive, self-beneficial act becomes automatic and even better when you enjoy or look forward to doing it! Being frugal doesn’t come naturally to me; I had to learn many of my current practices over time and fight against my upbringing. My husband will attest that I’m certainly not frugal in all aspects of my spending! But I’m so glad I started doing the activities that I list below because they have … Read entire article »

Filed under: cars, checking, found money, frugality, insurance

Do You Buy, Lease, or Get Free Entertainment?

January 9th, 2013 | 22 Comments

For Christmas this year Kyle received an Amazon (affiliate link – thanks for using!) Kindle gift card (and the giver checked that we do in fact own a Kindle). Receiving that gift card, as well as considering some others, made me realize that we really don’t buy media any more. I can remember only twice in the last five years or so that we’ve bought a song, book, or movie that wasn’t a gift. It’s not just … Read entire article »

Filed under: frugality, spending

Frugal Friends Go Skiing

January 7th, 2013 | 15 Comments

This past weekend I found out just how naturally frugal some of my church friends are! A few weeks ago one of the women in our small group suggested a day trip to a ski resort in West Virginia. The decision-making cascade our group made from that invitation was exactly in line with what Kyle and I would have wanted to keep costs down! Lodging: Even though we had to drive from NC well into WV, … Read entire article »

Filed under: frugality, spending

How to Tell If Your Means Are Just Not Enough

November 28th, 2012 | 17 Comments

I write quite often on this blog about the virtue – nay, requirement – of living within your means. Even though I am earning a salary that many would consider laughable for my education and experience, I am determined not only to live within my means but give and save as well. I think everyone else should strive for this too – whatever your income, you shouldn’t be running up debt for your living expenses. However, … Read entire article »

Filed under: budgeting, choices, debt, frugality, grad school

Judge John Hodgman on Frugality

September 21st, 2012 | 3 Comments

One of my favorite podcasts currently is Judge John Hodgman (JJHo). The premise of the show is that John Hodgman (of The Daily Show and The Areas of My Expertise) hears “cases” brought by regular Joes and issues judgements. The cases are often silly and relatable, such a wife who wants to get chickens but her husband doesn’t and a man who wants his friend to stop smoking ecigarettes in sports stadiums. It took me … Read entire article »

Filed under: frugality, income, marriage, podcasts