Monthly Archive: May 2017

26 May, 2017

You Can’t Buy Your Way To Green: How Frugality Is Environmentalism

One of the many reasons I love frugality–beyond, you know, the money it saves me and the financial independence it brought me–is the fact that its application in my life has made me a more environmentally conscious person. I’ve always respected natural resources, been a fan of mother nature, and loved the outdoors, but it wasn’t until I became a frugal weirdo that I began living a holistically environmental life. I’ll say right now that I...

Frugalwoods Philosophy / Reader Suggestions

19 May, 2017

The Various And Sundry Professions That Allow Frugalwoods Readers To Work From Home

After I shared the logistics of how Mr. Frugalwoods and I both work from home while caring for 18-month-old Babywoods (and thus avoid the expense of childcare), I was inundated with a chorus of requests for more information on how to find a work-at-home job. Since I’m not expert in that field, I decided to crowdsource a rundown of remote jobs from the best experts I know: the readers of Frugalwoods. As I do every month, I...

Featured / Frugalwoods Philosophy

17 May, 2017

19 Reasons Why Frugality Is The Best Thing That’s Ever Happened To Me

What does the word “frugality” conjure for you? Perhaps a mirage of miserly discontent with no worldly comforts and a tin of beans at your side as your only solace in an otherwise cheerless existence? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! Frugality gets a horrendous rap, primarily from those who peddle the pricey products we’re lured to believe will equal the good life. When Mr. Frugalwoods and I embarked on our extreme frugality regimen three...

Frugalwoods Reviews

11 May, 2017

Get Your Financial Life Together

When I graduated from college, I had only a vague notion of how to manage money (and, actually, vague is probably overstating the situation… ). I understood that debt was bad and saving was good, but beyond that, I was clueless. The result? I was terrified to spend money. I could not drop a dime without experiencing sweaty armpits. To be honest, I’m glad I didn’t swing in the opposite, profligate direction, but no one should...

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Reader Case Studies

8 May, 2017

Reader Case Study: We Have A Van, Now We Need A Plan!

Welcome to this month’s Reader Case Study in which we’ll address Florence’s questions on how to plan for financial independence, travel, and children (in other words, life)! 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...

Frugal Homestead Series / This Month On The Homestead

5 May, 2017

This Month On The Homestead: Mud, Trellises, and The Land Trust

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. April 2017 I’d forgotten what spring means. I’d forgotten how the grass greens itself and the plants...

Monthly Expense Reports

3 May, 2017

A Jogging Stroller And Other April 2017 Expenditures

As the snow receded from our land, allowing bare earth and grass to take its place, we quickly realized we’d need a new outdoor baby conveyance solution. All winter long, Mr. Frugalwoods and I snowshoe hiked by towing Babywoods behind us in this game sled, which sailed over pillows of snow, up mountains, and across frozen streams with ease. I tested the game sled out on mud and grass and that was a non-starter. Literally. Backpacking A...