Other forums and blogs

[frugalone]

What are your other forums and blogs regarding frugality and personal finance? I've checked out The Simple Dollar and Mr. Money Mustache. I find the crowd at MMM to be a little brusque at times, sort of tough-love-ish.

I used to like Get Rich Slowly but it seems like it changed a lot. I know the original blogger sold it.

If there are any in particular that address being a Baby Boomer and not having a lot saved for retirement, that would be great.

Sometimes I find that I'm already following many of the suggestions on money blogs. For e.g., we don't go to Starbucks. We don't have smartphones and an expensive plan. We don't have a big cable TV package. We don't eat out much (once every couple of months, maybe? And then the bill rarely goes over $30). We have no debt. Sometimes I get discouraged because I feel like I'm doing everything "right" but things are not that great.

Looking forward to your suggestions.

[nswef]

Frugalone, Do you know why you are being frugal? I think if you know why you want a simpler life or why you want to be financially frugal it helps to see progress. Is being frugal to get you to financial independence, is it to make you feel secure by having "enough" money for the rest of your life, is it to make less of an imprint on the world? If you are content with the life you have, perhaps your sister's different life might not upset you into questioning your goals. Sisters can hurt with no bad intent. If you are not content with the way you are living,what would help it be more enjoyable? Lots of questions.

[iris lilies]

That is super dooper great that you have no debt!

[Teacher Terry]

Do you have an income problem versus a spending problem? Are there ways you could bring in more income if needed? Do you like the life you have? There is no one right way to live. Steve on this forum noted that they had to cut expenses in order for him to retire but that he was not sorry at all and enjoyed the life they have.

[razz]

I do find that many sites are repetitions of what I have been reading for years so I look for different ways of phrasing living simply such as minimalism so for your exploration:
http://theminimalistvegan.com/becoming-a-minimalist/
http://tinybuddha.com/blog/9-ways-to-need-less-money-stress-less-enjoy-more/
http://www.successwithmoney.com/live-on-less-than-you-make/
http://moneyboss.com/how-frugality-buys-time/

[frugalone]

razz, thanks for the links! I'll check them out.

Teacher Terry, I have been known to spend money on some frivolous stuff, like craft supplies that never get used. I'm working on selling/donating some of them. But it's an income problem. Can you send me a link to one of Steve's threads where he talks about cutting costs?

I don't know about bringing in more income. I've looked at various suggestions for same but I have a hard time seeing any of them working out. I had an Etsy shop for a while, but it's gotten very, very difficult to make money on there. I also have very little self-confidence about selling myself or my talents. I've started therapy so I can work on that issue.

nswef, Even if I had my sister's money, I wouldn't live the way she and her family do. I wouldn't be able to stand the pressure of keeping up with the Joneses, and my environmental beliefs vary widely from hers. She is not a happy person and a lot of the problems are of her own making. Why am I being frugal? As you said, lots of questions. One quick answer is: I have to be.

[Teacher Terry]

I can't remember any specific threads-it was too long ago. When we retired I looked at all our costs: car insurance, cell phone, cable, etc to see where I could cut and called and priced things etc. Is part of the problem is that your DH is the only one working? We all buy some things that we end up not using so don't beat yourself up over that.

[frugalone]

Yes, we're a one-income family and the one income is not very high. We're not poor enough to qualify for assistance, and I'm grateful for that.


I can't remember any specific threads-it was too long ago. When we retired I looked at all our costs: car insurance, cell phone, cable, etc to see where I could cut and called and priced things etc. Is part of the problem is that your DH is the only one working? We all buy some things that we end up not using so don't beat yourself up over that.

[Teacher Terry]

Every state has local offices that you can go to for help finding a job. Here it is called Jobconnect and it is free. If you have a disability you may qualify for training or help finding a job through your state dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation or it can be called Bureau.

[rosarugosa]

I like http://www.thefrugalgirl.com/ and http://thenonconsumeradvocate.com/ for day to day frugality encouragement. The NCA website appears to be down tonight though.

[awakenedsoul]

Hi frugalone, I still have the bookmarks that you used to sell in your etsy shop. They are beautiful, and I love them. I can relate to you post. I listen to Dave Ramsey's podcast. He's always suggesting that people cut grass, deliver pizza, or clean houses for extra income. I noticed that Beverly's is hiring for the Holiday season. I may apply there. I also opened an etsy shopt. Sales last month were excellent, but this month they were low. I'm sorry etsy didn't work for you. You are such a talented artist.

I used to do pet sitting and magazine writing on the side. That brought in good money. Like you, I spend very little, and have no debt, but I am not saving for retirement right now. My income is too low.

I hope things improve for you. You are not alone. It sounds like two incomes would solve your problems.

[rosarugosa]

Razz: Thanks for the reminder of The Money Boss. I have to add that to my regular must-reads. I love J.D. Roth, and GRS is just no good without him.

[Kestra]

I'm really enjoying my friend's blog:
https://financialtipsforthebroke.com/

Lots of lifestyle and low income tips.

[stopbeingdumb]

http://www.thepennyhoarder.com/ is a great place to start. They have thousands of articles and tips for frugal living and also for making money on the side. I read it nearly every day. Another good one is http://www.lifehack.org/money?ref=nav-bar-money I read this one regularly as well. And of course, I can't list out blogs and leave mine out- http://www.stopbeingdumb.net/ I'm very new to the game but any feedback would be appreciated!!

[ljevtich]

The Dollar Stretcher: http://stretcher.com
Penny Hoarder always seems to have good article on making money on the side: http://www.thepennyhoarder.com/29-ways-to-make-money/ seems to be the newest one
I always suggest looking at what your job is and does it help increase your ability to get where you need to be. If you are working, are you happy doing it? If not or it is not paying you enough, switch jobs. I have had six careers so far. This last one is the best, but I usually said that about each one of my previous ones. I am happy and FI, with no debt too.
Our website has languished for a bit, but I am going to start publishing it again, as we have been on the road now for 10 years. www.Laura-n-Sasha.com (http://www.Laura-n-Sasha.com)
I am sure you will find something there or other places to help you...

[catherine]

I used to love the Dave Ramsey discussion board, but the one on his former site shut down. His devotees have migrated to Debt-Free Fanatic (http://www.debtfreefanatics.com/content/), but that probably doesn't apply to you since you're already debt-free!

Another option is Frugal Village (http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/forum.php), which also has a DR discussion board, but is much broader in scope.

[LDAHL]

I like Jonathon Clement's humbledollar.com blog.

[Paige]

Chris Guillibeau (sp) (The Art of Noncomformity) currently has a daily email that goes out with side gigs. You may get some inspiration from those.