Monthly Archive: July 2017

Featured / Frugalwoods Philosophy / Uber Frugal Month

31 Jul, 2017

There’s No Perfect Time To Start Being Frugal

There’s no perfect time to start being frugal. Come to think of it, there’s no perfect time to start doing anything! Life, by its very definition and practice, is messy, imperfect, laden with surprises both quotidian and profound, and undeniably averse to our best laid plans. And that, my friends, is perfectly fine. Frugality doesn’t magically descend upon your life in a crystal moment of divine, idyllic proportion where everything on your to-do list is...

119

Featured / Frugalwoods Philosophy

27 Jul, 2017

Frugal Minimalism: Do Less, Buy Less, Worry Less, Live More

I’m currently engaged in what can only be described as a battle with our basement. When we moved to our homestead last May, we established a mentality and practice of minimalism in our home. Mr. Frugalwoods and I eliminated just about every object that we don’t actively use on a daily basis. As we unpacked, we only removed things from boxes that we find ourselves in need of regularly. And I wish–fervently, in fact–that I could take...

116

Food / Reader Suggestions

17 Jul, 2017

How To Stop Eating Out According To Frugalwoods Readers

Eating out, take-out, restaurant meals, dining out, take-away, delivery… whatever you want to call it, not preparing your own food is the #1, top, chief, primary, far and away most commonly cited roadblock to frugality. Without fail, this is the most frequent question I get from readers. Without deviation, this is cited as the largest area for budgetary improvement. And without alteration, this is the toughest thing for people to modify in their quest for all-encompassing...

101

Featured / Frugalwoods Philosophy

14 Jul, 2017

How Making Luxuries Rare Increases Our Happiness

Going to Portland, Maine for three days to celebrate our ninth wedding anniversary last month was transcendentally idyllic. Mr. Frugalwoods and I strolled the streets hand in hand, popped into funky shops, and hopped from one culinary delight to the next (you know, beer, coffee, beer, coffee… ). My in-laws watched Babywoods and Frugal Hound for us, which meant we were completely removed from our typical daily responsibilities. Usually while on vacation, I unpack our suitcase and hang everything up...

121

Reader Case Studies

12 Jul, 2017

Reader Case Study: Starting From Scratch In Canada; Where Do I Go From Here?

Welcome to this month’s Reader Case Study in which we’ll address Alison’s questions on how to map out her financial future. Case studies are financial dilemmas that a reader of Frugalwoods sends to me requesting that Frugalwoods nation weigh in. Then, Frugalwoods nation (that’d be you), reads through their situation and provides advice, encouragement, insight, and feedback in the comments section. For an example, check out last month’s case study. P.S. Another way to get support on your financial journey is to participate in...

This Month On The Homestead

7 Jul, 2017

This Month On The Homestead: The Rhubarb Jungle

If you’re just tuning in, this is a recurring series in which I document each month of our lives out here on our 66-acre Vermont homestead. After leaving urban Cambridge, MA in May 2016 to chart this wholly different life, we’re experiencing a constant learning curve of exploration (and plenty of stupid novice moments). Check out last month’s installment here and check out the best and worst moments of our first year on the homestead here. June 2017 June is like a...

Monthly Expense Reports

5 Jul, 2017

An Anniversary Trip And Other June 2017 Expenditures

June was a glorious month punctuated by a visit from my in-laws, which is always a welcome and wonderful event. I won the in-law lottery and Mr. Frugalwoods’ family is, in a word, superb. I’ve always felt lucky to have them as my second set of parents and that feeling is magnified now that they’re incredible grandparents to Babywoods. They even tolerate our extremely frugal ways! Anniversary Trip (with free hotel!) To give you some...