Author Archive

• The Joneses Are Bankrupt
  barrieabalard, June 10th, 2010 at 12:01 am, Comments: 0

  Perhaps you've heard of the phrase, "keeping up with the Joneses." If you're not familiar with it (you've been under a rock or you are simply too young), it means making your conspicuous consumption equal to that of your neighbors—in other words, it's competitive consumerism. What does this mean, specifically? Well, if you have fewer [...]

• Happier Staycations (and a non-staycation idea)
  barrieabalard, June 3rd, 2010 at 11:37 am, Comments: 0

  Did you know the word "staycation" entered the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary in 2009? If you're ready to try one of these yourself, or have tried one in the past and been less than satisfied, here are some tips to make staying at home feel more like a real vacation. For a successful staycation, do everything [...]

• Outdoor Vacations on the Cheap
  barrieabalard, May 20th, 2010 at 12:01 am, Comments: 0

  If you're like me, camping means staying at a place without room service. At least, it used to mean that to me. I have since discovered you can camp out and not have to sleep on the ground, enjoying a wonderful, inexpensive vacation while getting back in touch with your wild side. All you need [...]

• Ways to Save Money Using Your Internet Connection
  barrieabalard, May 13th, 2010 at 12:01 am, Comments: 0

  If you have access to a computer and an internet connection, there are ways to save money using online resources that are relatively painless. If you don't have a computer or fast internet connection at home, check your public library. Libraries these days often have computers with a fast internet connection free to use if [...]

• Considering a CSA/Affordable Organic Produce
  barrieabalard, April 29th, 2010 at 12:01 am, Comments: 0

  Organic produce might seem a little upscale to some of you, but for those who prefer it, this column is for you. And for those who haven’t considered the issue, this column is for you, too. A CSA is not a new financial derivative, nor is it a government acronym. CSA stands for Community Supported [...]

• 31 Steps to a Financial Tuneup
  barrieabalard, April 22nd, 2010 at 12:01 am, Comments: 0

  I checked out this interactive article in The New York Times and found a lot of value in it. Performing each of the steps takes a variable amount of time, from five minutes to two hours. Still, after finishing your taxes, you have a lot of facts about your financial situation fresh in your mind, [...]

• Eleven Great Ways to Use Your Income Tax Refund—and Five Ways NOT to Spend It
  barrieabalard, April 15th, 2010 at 12:01 am, Comments: 0

  The average income tax refund in 2010 is estimated at approximately $3,000, an increase of 10% over 2009. That’s a lot of simoleons. So, in honor (?) of Tax Day, here are some ideas for using your income tax refund to increase your net worth. 1. Pay down debt. If you are carrying credit card [...]

• More Than a Great Charity
  barrieabalard, April 8th, 2010 at 9:50 am, Comments: 0

  Until recently, I never knew that Habitat for Humanity, one of my favorite charities, operates locations called ReStores where you can buy new and used building materials, furniture, and appliances. The materials come from HFH project leftovers, and donations from construction companies and private individuals. Forty-eight of the fifty US states have ReStores. These stores [...]

• Seven Daily Ways to Save
  barrieabalard, April 1st, 2010 at 12:01 am, Comments: 0

  Happy April Fools Day! I mulled over doing a parody column for today, but decided not to, so here are some no-foolin' ideas to try every day of the week. The savings each time you do them won’t be huge, but living frugally is usually about saving a little money on everything you do. Even [...]

• How Do You Get to Carnegie Hall?
  barrieabalard, March 25th, 2010 at 12:01 am, Comments: 0

  If you’re new to monitoring expenses and living on a budget, there’s a chance that at some point you’re going to despair that you will never get the hang of this “frugal stuff.” You scrimp all week, then feel like you’ve blown it when you can’t resist something not in your budget. Or perhaps you [...]