Weekly Roundup – Back In Action Edition
It’s been a couple weeks now since my mom passed away, and I am trying to get back in the swing of things at work, at home, and here at the blog. Fortunately, I’m surrounded by many friends and loved ones at each place, and it has been a big help during this difficult time. I have not had much reading time these last few weeks, and my weekly roundups have suffered for it. My editorial comments in this edition probably won’t win any blogging awards, but hey, it’s a start.
The Frugal Roundup
101 Ways to Take a Bite Out of Your Food Budget. The title says it all – a monster list of money savers to help trim your food budget. (@The Wisdom Journal)
The Art of Letter Writing: The Sympathy Note. After recently losing my mom, we received a number of nice sympathy cards. I also appreciated the many comments here at the blog, emails, etc. It has made me more aware of the need to express sympathy for others when they are dealing with rough times. This post is an excellent how-to from someone who recently experienced a loss. (@ The Art of Manliness)
5 Ways Spending More is Actually Frugal. I liked this post because it focused on a popular topic surrounding frugality: does it make sense to spend more money up front in some cases to get a better value. (@My Dollar Plan)
The Best Times to Buy for Huge Savings on Major Purchases. An excellent run-down of the best time of year to make 14 major purchases, factoring seasonal discounts, inventory issues, etc. (@The Daily Crux)
Accidental Frugality – Can You Live on Half of Your Income? When we reach debt freedom soon, living on half my income is a big goal for our family. I think we can get pretty close, even with the mortgage, but will require a lot of discipline. (@Stop Buying Crap)
How Not To Suck At Blogging.If you are a blogger, aspire to be a blogger, or are interested in any entrepreneurial endeavor, this is a must-read post. One way “not to suck” is to follow Man vs. Debt’s lead – he’s done a phenomenal job in a short time with his blog. (@Man vs. Debt)
Best of the Rest
- Saving For Retirement? Best Move For Your Retirement Plan
- Question of the Day: Are You a Perfectionist?
- Fall Maintenance Tips for Your Home That Can Save You Money and Protect Your Family
- How To Be Married A Decade And Stay Madly In Love
- Teach Your Kids How to Manage Money in 7 Easy Lessons
- 22 Tools You Should Keep in Your Car
- how to poison attitudes towards work in young children
- Smart Living Rule 7 – Pursue Good Opportunities Fearlessly
- Is CreditKarma Useful?
- Car Leasing Tip – Increase Your Security Deposit
Hey thanks for the link! And remember, you’re surrounded by friends here in the blogosphere too.
Still have you and your family in my prayers.
Hey FD,
From the link “Teach Your Kids How to Manage Money in 7 Easy Lessons” down to the last link all the links are pointing to the Car Leasing one. Just wanted to give you a heads up that your links are a little off
How about the a note on the Final Big Purchase, funeral and death expenses. Most people don’t want to think about it but with the average cost being about $8K and decisions are made during a very emotional time, it is an area fraught with fiscal dangers. Personally I am donating my body to science (if it is in condition to be used) so no plot, casket purchase, etc. If not in condition to be used, I plan on a green funeral, no embalming, plain wood box or blanket and burial in unmarked field by my family. This is legal in Texas. From nature and back to nature.
@Matt: Thanks…and what a royal screw up! Funny thing is the links were fine when I prepped the article – something must have happened when it posted live. Thanks for the heads up!
Mark: that is a very interesting subject in itself. Several years ago I checked out some options: green funerals and burials, ecopods, trappist caskets and natural burials. These are all slightly different and is the next step after retirement planning. Thanks for reminding me to get back to this subject!
That’s a ton of information. Thanks so much for giving it.