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How to Find the Secret of Contentment

Do you struggle to find contentment in your life? We’ve all heard about the age old line about the grass being greener elsewhere. But sadly people often find out after they’ve tried it, after they’ve broken up a marriage or moved house or changed job or whatever it might be that is causing their discontent, that this is not the case. A simpler solution rather than chasing new experiences is to learn to be content in the situation we are in, which often appears easier said than done. So how can you find contentment? Is it even possible? The apostle … Continue reading →

The Difference Between Being Frugal and Being Cheap

Do you know the difference between being frugal and being cheap? They are not the same thing. Here are some ways to tell, or at least explain, the difference. In the past, many people used the words cheap and frugal interchangeably. Someone who saved money was automatically cheap, a tightwad, a skinflint. Today, frugal is actually coming into style. As the economy and the environment changes, people are embracing the idea of saving money. But sometimes people are motivated to save money at the expense of the good of others. This in my opinion is being cheap. There is a … Continue reading →

Frugal At Home: Lancaster Trip

I have to say that I am enjoying a frugal day today after last week’s shopping spree. Yes, we do spend money just like everyone else, even though we try to be careful. Last weekend, we headed to Lancaster County, which is just a short drive from our home. We had dinner at our favorite family style Amish all-you-can eat restaurant (expensive) and balanced that with bringing lunch with us. We also played some miniature golf, a favorite of my eldest son. Normally, it might have cost us $25, but we got away with only spending $5. That is because … Continue reading →

Frugal Living Week in Review: May 12th Through May 18th

I sometimes get asked the question, where do you come up with your frugal ideas?!? I love this question, because it really humbles me. I am by no means someone who comes to frugality with a natural talent for it. Instead, I try to work hard to come up with new ways to save money and resources and help us all be the best stewards of our stuff. Some of the ideas come from research, some from readers and friends, most of the ideas come from a practical need or experience and some just pop into my head at inopportune … Continue reading →

Frugal Contentment Thieves 2

When we last left off, we were talking about how a comfortable neighbor can rob you of your frugal contentment. Now, let’s see what to do about it, as well as how to face two other potential thieves. The best way around this is to realize that your frugal living is a choice that you have made. You might be able to have some of the things that your neighbor does, but you might also have the debt, the second or third job or the stress that goes with it. And isn’t it better to enjoy a simple life free … Continue reading →

Frugal Contentment Thieves

Did you know that there are thieves lurking about and ready to steal your frugality happiness? These sneaks can come in to your home and rob away your frugal hard work. How? They can rob your contentment of your frugal lifestyle and tempt you into spending, spending and spending. Here are the most common frugal thieve and what they are all about. Keep them out of your home, if you can! Mail order catalogs These glossy catalogs are filled with beautiful stuff in beautiful home occupied by beautiful people. Or, the people are having them best time walking along a … Continue reading →

Are Flat Screen Televisions Green?

Unless you are ready to give up television altogether (perhaps not a bad idea) you will impact the environment in different ways, depending on the type of television you choose. Here is a breakdown of what is in your television and how it may be impacting the environment. The best choice for a television is the plain old CRT. This was the original standard for television technology before the gorgeous flat screens came along. CRTs use less energy when they are running, and they don’t have anything to do with nitrogen trifluoride, a chemical that is used in the making … Continue reading →

Printable Father’s Day Cards and Gifts

Are you having a Happy Father’s Day? I hope you day is a great one for you and your family. We are having a very low key day here today, but it will include a shopping trip to Sears at the request of my husband. Hmm, to celebrate our special day (Mother’s Day for me) I think spa, and he thinks Sears. I guess that is what makes us different. Just in case you are running a little bit behind on the gifts, you can check out one of several websites that allow you to print Father’s Day cards and … Continue reading →

An Attitude of Gratitude 2

I’ve been talking about how an attitude of gratitude is important when living frugally. if you missed the first part of this topic, please click here: An Attitude of Gratitude. I really appreciate all of the great comments on that post! Here are two instances in the same day just this week that illustrate how good things may happen when you are grateful. The first was on a trip to the library to pick up some books and a movie. The person ahead of me had a large stack of books to check out, so I decided to browse around. … Continue reading →

An Attitude of Gratitude

So many times when we practice frugal living, we concentrate on saving money and making things stretch farther because we have a sense of not having enough otherwise. I think we need to get away from the attitude of not having enough. Instead, we should change it to one of gratitude for what we do have, as well as the opportunity to have enough knowledge and drive to be good stewards of our resources. Have you ever been to a store and saw something you wanted only to think: I can’t afford that! This is the wrong attitude to have. … Continue reading →