Earn, Save, and Live Joyfully.
I started blogging in 2005. Sixteen years ago, I opened my browser and began to tell my story. I often joke about starting a blog when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Sometimes, it feels that way. Revanche’s post reminded me that I missed another blogging anniversary. I’m pretty sure I’ve missed it every year. How has so much … Read more
A minimalist Christmas involves paring down extravagant, consumer-driven gift-giving, but it doesn’t mean forgoing presents altogether. The goal is to search for gifts that add value without adding unnecessary clutter. Here are forty-five minimalist Christmas gifts to consider. Experiences At the top of any minimalists’ wish list, you’ll find experiences. Experiences might include movie nights, wine … Read more
In two days, it will be December, and for me, a new month means new goals. I know that most people create New Year’s resolutions in January. They look at the rolling calendar as a chance for a fresh start, but I’m not waiting for the new year to change. Starting December 1st, I’m altering … Read more
Every so often, I resurrect my gratitude journal. When I’m feeling particularly irritated and curmudgeonly, I drag it out of hiding. Before opening the cover, I take a deep breath, reframe my thoughts, and choose to be grateful. When life is going well, it’s easy to count my blessings. It’s easy to feel grateful when … Read more
Stepping inside, I feel cramped and uncomfortable. The problem is obvious. There is too much stuff and not enough space. The room is full of oversized furniture and piles of unwanted objects. Large wooden shelves overflow with cookbooks, medical records, and toys. A stack of blankets and old pillows gathers dust in one corner, next to three … Read more
In my twenties and early thirties, I considered myself a model of frugality. My definition of frugal living included saving, reducing spending, and fiscal restraint. I checked off the boxes for each of these tasks then patted myself on the back for a job well done. I thought highly of my thrifty ways, but I was far … Read more
I often read about people who overindulge and get into debt but rarely see stories about individuals who struggle to buy things they need or want. For years I wrestled with an inability to part with money. No matter how much I earned, I never wanted to buy anything for myself. It took me forever … Read more
We begin forming beliefs about money as we take in the sights and sounds of our parents handling financial matters. If our parents fight about money, we hear the tension in their voices. If they cry, we feel the stress of their worries and fears. Over time we fill in the gaps between what we … Read more
Every day tens of thousands of women search for stay-at-home-mom job ideas on the internet. Do you know what they find? Listicles filled with impractical options and affiliate links. A typical list of stay-at-home mom jobs includes: blogger social media manager virtual assistant TikTok strategist photographer brand ambassador life coach web designer graphic designer videographer … Read more
They say money can’t buy happiness, but I disagree. When we spend money on things we love, we feel joyful. In the budgeting world, we call this fun money. Many of our expenses are mundane and boring. We don’t typically shout, “Yay, I paid the electric bill!” or “Hooray, I just wrote a check for trash pickup.” … Read more