Things Married Friends Do That Annoy Single Parents

Over the years many of my friends have been guilty of at least one of the annoying habits listed below. Although they’re famous for trying to make me feel better, help out, and be supportive, at times they can do the exact opposite. As a single parent, have you run across any of these situations? Friends Who Ask About Your Ex Whether you’ve been divorced for six months or six years, for some reason I always run into friends who want to know how my ex is doing. Since we didn’t part on the best of terms, I honestly don’t … Continue reading

Kids, Frugality and Being in Fashion

Accommodating trends in kids clothing without spending a fortune can be a little tricky but not impossible. Here is how to help your child still be cool without spending $1,000 on clothes every year. Proper Fit If you do nothing else with your child’s clothing to help him or her be in fashion, please at least ensure a proper fit. Nothing will get noticed more by other kids that clothes that are too small or in some cases too big, depending on what the current trend happens to be. Remember “high waters?” Whether you use hand me downs or buy … Continue reading

What You Can Find At Goodwill Series – Home Decor and Artwork

The frugal blog series of articles on the vast quantity of items found at Goodwill stores continues on. As we discover the department’s that most Goodwill stores have, keep an open mind about what you can find. If you are truly interested in living frugally or getting bargains or deals on items, you will be pleased with your shopping experience at Goodwill. So what else can you find at Goodwill stores? Home Décor I was actually surprised to find an entire section of home decorating items. From frames, to knick knacks, to vases and pots, to bowls and baskets, there … Continue reading

What You Can Find At Goodwill Series – Shoes, Toys and Electronics

We’ve been discussing the various departments that can be found in Goodwill stores across the United States. So many people have a negative connection with the purchasing of items at a Goodwill store, and I am off to prove that it is worth shopping there. Here are a few more departments and what we found. Shoes It wasn’t a large section, but there were definitely shoes to be found. Yes many were used, but there were more that were new. From summer sandals and flip flops to winter boots and slippers, and everything else in between, was right there sitting … Continue reading

What You Can Find At Goodwill Series – Kitchenware, Luggage and Accessories

Our exploration of three top Goodwill stores in our area was quite an event for our family. It had been many years since I had visited one, and it was in a different location. As a whole, we were both surprised and amazed at the variety of items and the condition of them. There were so many useful things and the price was so amazing, it was well worth the trips. Here are a few more departments that most Goodwill stores have. Accessories We found a huge amount of accessories to fit your every need. For men there were belts, … Continue reading

What You Can Find At Goodwill Series – Clothing and Furniture

Goodwill is an awesome place to shop if you don’t mind buying used items. Of course Goodwill also has many new items that were donated from people who didn’t need them or stores that were getting rid of overstock and donated the items instead. It is easy to see that Goodwill is like a used department store. When shopping at Goodwill stores you are going to find some stuff that you would never buy or that you would never use. But if you are patient or looking for anything in particular, you might be surprised at the great finds. Here … Continue reading

The Princess of Frugal Has Returned

Having always been known amongst my family and friends, neighbors and sometimes even strangers as the Queen of Frugal, what’s the deal with the sudden change in name? I’ve taken a step down in my title. I realized that while I can be frugal in many areas of my life, there are just some areas I am not compromising on. My friend commented that I was dethroned and now apparently I am the Princess of Frugal. I’m perfectly okay with that. Really. Anyway, the Princess of Frugal has returned. After a short hiatus, where I had another large project in … Continue reading

Frugal Burnout

Have you ever experienced frugal burnout? You know, when you just don’t feel like being frugal anymore? Maybe you are just tired to death of washing out baggies or hanging laundry. Maybe you have a little bit of envy because someone you know who isn’t frugal seems to have it all from fabulous vacations to an amazing home. It happens to the best of us. Frugal burnout may have us seriously questioning our frugal lifestyle. If you are a stay-at-home parent, you might consider going back to work. or maybe you start thinking that it wouldn’t be so bad after … Continue reading

Living Frugally Is The Latest Trend

Living more frugally seems to be the latest trend these days. Perhaps its just my own perception, but if you look around you, newspapers and magazines seem to be publishing more and more feature articles on ways to save and live a more frugal life. The more we expose people to these trends, the more they will take off and become the latest “thing to do” and perhaps the more retailers, shops and others will begin to listen. Saving money is finally cool. What I never understood before is that apparently it is an embarrassment to admit you’re a cheapskate. … Continue reading

Auction Sites Might Not Be a Frugal Choice

Online auction sites have become the latest rage over the past few years. I can remember when I first laid eyes on some of the top ones, and that was a long time ago. They are growing and leaps and bounds with thousands of visitors everyday bidding on all types of things. The problem with auction sites is that they are not always a frugal source. Many people think that listing their extra items to get rid of them and making a little extra cash in the long run seems pretty frugal. And it does at first glance. However, you … Continue reading