Comments on: Parade Magazine: How America’s Thriftiest Families Save Money

By: Teresa

Teresa — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:40:04 +0000

I am trying to figure out why they only got $4000 back from income tax? They have 4 kids which are automatically $1000 each, then because of their household income they qualified for the child tax credit, they are married and of course their standard deductions. They also overly contribute to get the windfall. So why aren’t they getting more money. They should get about 6k to 8k back. I am married with 2 boys, dont contribute, do not get the child tax credit, married, standard deductions, no extra contributions and I get $4500 back. Something isnt right.

By: Rob in Madrid

Rob in Madrid — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:33:03 +0000

I read the article and the 8 pages of comments and comments on the comments (slow Sunday afternoon) one theme came out consistently. Sneaking food into a movie theater is stealing and I don’t understand that at all. I commented that it’s a very American (and Canadian) thing to do! Like most people I always buy the movie popcorn, usually a medium size (which is too big anyways) and the Wife and I share. Is that stealing too?

By: Jerry Dill

Jerry Dill — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:24:27 +0000

First of all I think that taking in some candy is a great idea. If you think this is robbing I say stick it to the man for robbing you with ticket prices (even though you really can’t beat popcorn from the movie theatres).

I think getting a Nintendo Wii is a great idea. I never thought of that. It is extremely cheap considering the savings you have on going out for some entertainment like bowling or chuck E Cheese.

By: Weekend Roundup-Family Reunion Edition «

Weekend Roundup-Family Reunion Edition « — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:54:54 +0000

[...] Parade Magazine-A great article, “America’s Thriftiest Families“. Read a story about how one family lives debt free on $32K per year. (A post about this same article can be found at Frugal Dad). [...]

By: The Simple Dollar » The Simple Dollar Weekly Roundup: Family Pictures Edition

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:01:31 +0000

[...] How America’s Thriftiest Families Save Money This was actually a pretty humorous article. I liked “barbecue noodle night” myself. (@ parade via frugal dad) [...]

By: Martha @ Better with Less

Martha @ Better with Less — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:08:42 +0000

I am glad you mentioned your decision to get the WII. Being smart about money doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life, it’s just about priorities and not wasting it on things that don’t matter.

I just struggled for a month about getting the new 3G iPhone and this post helped me get some peace with it. There are so many features that will increase my efficiency, and allow me to be paperless, and I will really enjoy it. And after going down to basic cable, clipping coupons, and carpooling, I can afford it.

Cutting out the waste allows you to have some things that you and your family can enjoy. I think it’s okay to splurge if you can afford it!

By: PFI Weekly Updates - July 15 (2008) | Passive Family Income

PFI Weekly Updates - July 15 (2008) | Passive Family Income — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:34:20 +0000

[...] – Frugal Dad wrote about an article featured in Parade Magazine this past Sunday about how thrifty families are [...]

By: Rob in Madrid

Rob in Madrid — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:03:25 +0000

there should be a better term than dumpster diving, I’ve known quite a few people who have managed to salvage loads of good building materials from the dump. Why buy new when you can get if for free???

By: Sara at On Simplicity

Sara at On Simplicity — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 05:35:03 +0000

I have the same hangup with dumpster diving (or rather, curb cruising). I really feel like I’m stealing someone else’s stuff and invading their property as long as it’s still in front of their house.

By: Frugal Dad

Frugal Dad — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:54:18 +0000

@Rebecca: Now that’s proof that it’s a small world! I loved the handwritten note in the lower corner.