Weekly Roundup - Frugal News Edition

Beginning with today’s post I’m shifting my weekly roundups from Saturdays to Fridays.  My traffic is typically better on Fridays, and I’d like to draw some of that attention to the wonderful posts and bloggers I discover throughout the week.  Selfishly, I’d also like to take Friday nights off, and these roundup posts require a good bit of preparation. Don’t worry, I still plan on delivering a post on Saturday.  Be sure to check back tomorrow because I have a very special guest post.

It’s been a crazy week here at Frugal Dad!  Lots of exciting things to tell you about, and a few administrative items as well.

On Monday evening I launched a new forums feature here - Frugal Dad Forums.  So far, about 30 of you have signed up, which means a couple thousand of you are lurking around out there somewhere.  Registration is free and only takes a few seconds.  I’d love to see you over in the forums where we plan to have some lively discussions on everything from frugal living to blogging to movie reviews.

On Tuesday morning my article 75 Ways to Survive a Down Economy was mentioned by the Smart Spending blog at MSN Money.  The post was selected by MSN editors to appear on the MSN.com homepage mid-morning, and the traffic surge that ensued was enough to bring down Frugal Dad for a short while.  It’s a good problem to have, and one that has me considering future upgrades to the infrastructure running Frugal Dad.  Thanks to Karen Datko at the Smart Spending blog for getting it all started with her great writeup featuring my article.

Now writing for Mint.com!  I’ve accepted an invitation to write for Mint.com, an online money management service that offers the ability to organize activity from bank and credit card accounts into one, consolidated view.  From all appearances it is a great tool and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to their growing list of resources at their blog.

Enough about me, let’s get on with the roundup!

The First Steps Away from Living Paycheck to Paycheck.  Trent is right, paycheck to paycheck living is so dangerous.  It’s like living your life hanging over a financial cliff–it wouldn’t take much to send you over the edge.  @the simple dollar

25 Acts of Body Language to Avoid.  It’s true that the large majority of communication is non-verbal.  This is a great list of messages to avoid sending through your body language. @marc and angel

You Can Get One Thing.   We could all benefit from getting “whatever you want, but just one thing.” I take this same approach to monthly expenses. If I add a subscription I have to drop another one.  @blunt money

Indian Beggar Saves 200 Pounds of Coins, Opens Bank Account.  An inspiring, yet sad, story about a beggar (Das) living on the streets of Calcutta who was stricken with polio as a teenager and unable to work.  She managed to save roughly the equivalent of $692 dollars from begging, and recently deposited it in a bank account.   I was moved by her story.  @get rich slowly

How to Menu Plan:  A Guide.  A great system for planning meals, which helps budget associated food costs.  @simple mom

How to Avoid Buying Things Your Do Not Need.  This is something I struggle with, but I’ve found that it is acceptable to buy a few things that I want, but don’t necessarily need.  I just have to pay for them with cash, and save up for items I cannot comfortably cash flow out of my regular earnings. @my super-charged life

10 Important Tasks for Your Mid-Year Checkup.  It’s a great time to perform a mid-year checkup, and this is an excellent list of items to evaluate! @my dollar plan

Make it Do.  The WWII slogan quoted in the article sums it up quite well: “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” @mrs micah

Commitments to Financial Success.  Powerful commitments that will make an impact in your financial life. @the wisdom journal

20 Simple Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget.  It’s hard to eat healthy and not blow your food budget. These ideas will improve both your bottom line, and your waist line! @strong lifts

Carnival Participation:

• Festival of Frugality (Made Editor’s Pick)
• Carnival of Debt Reduction #147
• Money Hacks Carnival #14