Frugaling

Save more, live well, give generously

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Popular
    • Archives
  • Recommended
  • Contact
  • Save Money
    • Lifestyle Downgrade
    • Save Money with Mindfulness
    • Save at Starbucks
    • Psychological Trick To Reduce Your Online Shopping
    • Best Freebies
  • Minimalism
    • 8 TED Talks To Become A Minimalist
    • We Rent This Life
    • Everything Must Go
    • Lifestyle Downgrade
    • The Purchase Paradox: Wanting, Until You Own It
    • Nothing In My Pockets
  • Social Justice
    • Destroy The 40-Hour Workweek
    • Too Poor To Protest: Income Inequality
    • The New Rich: How $250k A Year Became Middle Class
    • Hunter Gatherers vs. 21st Century Desk-sitters
  • Make Money
    • Make $10k in 10 Months
    • Monetize Your Blog
    • Side Hustle for Serious Cash
  • Loans
    • 5 Rules To Follow Before Accepting Student Loans
    • Would You Marry Me?
    • Should I Have a Credit Card If I’m In Debt?
    • $50k in Scholarships in 70 Minutes

Archives for January 2015

In Search Of Robin Hood

By Frugaling 1 Comment

Share This:

Robin Hood Tax Flickr Photo
Photo: Robin Hood/Flickr

Only 80 people

Today, we stand at a dangerous precipice. About 80 people have the same amount of wealth as the bottom 3.5 billion people combined — $1.9 trillion.

That’s a staggering gap in equity.

Unlike the myth of “job creators” and “hard work,” these 80 people can never match the productivity and ingenuity of 3.5 billion. Unfortunately, the system of global income and wealth inequality doesn’t allow for more social distribution.

We need a Robin Hood

There’s a legendary hero who attempted to change these economic circumstances: Robin Hood. Whether man or myth, he was a rebel. The character is famous for taking from the rich to give to the poor.

He forcefully redistributed wealth through illegal, anarchic action in a folklore landscape that was divided and unequal. Simply put, he noticed injustices and took individual action to change the system of wealth inequality.

Levying a global wealth tax? Nearly impossible.

In Thomas Piketty’s 700-page tome, Capital in the Twenty-First Century, he acknowledges deep economic patterns of global wealth inequality. In no uncertain terms, Piketty suggests we are approaching another Gilded Age.

His major proposal is a global net worth tax to reassert some amount of economic equality (among other suggestions). In a way, this could be a heroic Robin Hood-like effort to help the planet’s people — not just a select few.

A global net worth tax might not be possible. Too many countries, wealthy people, and corrupt states would prevent it from happening. But there’s something else that’s growing in popular support: the Robin Hood tax.

The Robin Hood Tax could work

This cleverly named tax is supported by around over 350 economists and 50 charities including Greenpeace, Christian Aid, Comic Relief, Oxfam, One, Save the Children, The Salvation Army, and Unicef. Ultimately, this tax would be levied on banking and financial transactions that are traditionally made by the wealthiest 1%: those in the financial industry.

Potentially, taxes on financial instruments and industry in general could raise billions of dollars in revenue. The “Financial Transaction Tax (FFT)” at the heart of the Robin Hood tax could raise about 380 billion dollars per year.

These taxes would be sorely received by the wealthiest classes, but it would create a base and middle class for the majority. This could change lives.

Now, we just need to find a politician that’ll put on some green tights.

Filed Under: Social Justice Tagged With: Charities, Economics, Finances, Financial Industry, Income Inequality, Robin Hood, Robin Hood Tax

Social Justice Before Personal Finance

By Frugaling 6 Comments

Share This:

Martin Luther King Jr Memorial MLK Day
Photo: Ron Cogswell/Flickr

Today feels different.

Perhaps it’s because today we honor a fallen hero of the civil rights movement.

Perhaps it’s because today I watched a new film — Selma — chronicling Martin Luther King’s work in Alabama.

Perhaps it’s because last year we lost so many black and brown minorities to police brutality.

Perhaps it’s because, presently, black and brown minorities represent about 58% of all prisoners, while only being about 25% of the total population.

Rather than writing another article about saving on laundry, coffee, or toilet paper, today I wanted to recognize and remember those who we’ve lost or are currently struggling.

Financial concerns are closely tied to these issues of social justice and multiculturalism. The closer we come to equal opportunities, the more democratic society we’ll have.

That’s worth fighting for, isn’t it?

Filed Under: Social Justice Tagged With: Martin Luther King, Minorities, MLK, Multiculturalism, Personal Finance, Prison, Social Justice

Frugal Articles of the Week

By Frugaling Leave a Comment

Share This:

Reading Nook Photo

Today I wanted to feature a few frugal articles that caught my eye this week. Curl up in your favorite reading nook and enjoy. Hopefully these encourage you to live frugal lives!

This powerful Reddit thread reveals how the poor get by in America by Max Ehrenfreund
What does poverty in America look like? It can be difficult to truly understand, but this Washington Post article aims to capture some of the harder parts. They found a Reddit thread of real-life examples of poverty, and what people sacrificed to get by. It’s a painful reminder that we have a lot of work to do to reduce poverty.

How to Spend $50 a Week on Groceries by Cat from Budget Blonde
One of the most difficult parts of my budget is food. I eat out too much, and have some weird reactions to certain foods. Cat explains three awesome methods for saving on your food budget and staying at $50 per week! Really impressive job.

Why Wages Won’t Rise by Robert Reich
From the Clinton White House to University of California, Berkeley, Robert Reich has been a leading economic thinker. In this article he explains how — despite greater employment rates — wages aren’t rising as we might expect. The culprit is complicated, but might be related to greater automation.

The Bling Dynasty by Devin Friedman
“Communist” China isn’t looking so equal. Over the last decade, hundreds of people have become billionaires. And in turn, corporate giants have flocked to China for a piece of their wealth. In this crazy ride of an article, Friedman catalogues the wacky world of China’s new rich — spending money wherever they can.

Filed Under: Save Money Tagged With: Articles of the week, China, Employment, Frugal, groceries, poverty, reddit, Wage

Free Will Isn’t Real, Until We Do This

By Frugaling 3 Comments

Share This:

Hammock Good Life Free Will
Photo: Angie Yates/Flickr

Free will: an American value

Free will is defined as, “the power of acting without the constraint of necessity or fate; the ability to act at one’s own discretion.” This concept — along with self-determination and willpower — are at the heart of America’s capitalism and democracy. Fundamentally, it’s the ability to choose actions without restrictions.

Americans tend to hold free will in high regard — whether you live here or not. When the system is working, people are working. When people are working, they should have increased free will. The mainstream message is that if you work hard, choose wisely, and are entrepreneurial, you will surely succeed.

How to envision another’s free will

Unfortunately, free will is a philosophically dense, nightmarish concept to swallow. The aforementioned dictionary definition doesn’t speak to the measurements of “one’s own discretion.”

For instance, what amount of free will does a…

  • North Korean have under a “supreme leader’s” rule have?
  • Child living in a physically and emotionally abusive household have?
  • Minority living in Ferguson, Missouri have?
  • Woman working on Wall Street have?

In each of these disparate examples, an individual has their free will impacted. The North Korean doesn’t have access to the Internet, controversial literature, and cannot speak in critique of their leader. The child living in an abusive household has no money, a small social network, and little experience (if any) experience escaping the oppressive household. The minority living in Ferguson, Missouri might feel coerced or pressured by the current police presence, and suffer from racial stereotypes in the workplace. The woman is in a world that’s eschewed the role of women, and frequently denigrates their intelligence and place in business.

Free will is not universal, but relative

Despite contrary evidence, America continues to trumpet free will as universal and absolute. You have it, and always have it no matter who or where you are — absolutely.

In reality, free will appears to be relative and on a spectrum. This means that the free will I experience day-to-day would differ based on location, if I was a different race, income class, etc. There is no absolute — only more or less.

At times, I’ve criticized the idea of free will because it’s frequently used to explain class and income differences. It can be used to blame people, instead of properly attributing individual and societal variables. The message goes something like this: “If they would just work harder, maybe they’d be more successful.”

Messages manipulate our free will, too

Recently, I wrote about refusing to be a “customer in training.” My argument was that IKEA’s powerful brand recognition and loyalty efforts affected my shopping decisions. Moreover, that being a child, exposed to IKEA’s lifestyle design affected my decisions as an adult.

One of the common complaints I heard from readers was that I was blaming the corporation for my own decisions — that I wasn’t taking responsibility for my actions. Essentially, the critical readers were suggesting that I had free will, and should know better — that I chose to purchase IKEA products (regardless of being exposed as a child). Rather than deny that claim, I hesitate to provide an answer to it, as I don’t have one.

Those in Western society are born with advertising everywhere. We never had the free will to say “no” to ads. We never had the free will to prevent magazines, TV shows, and billboards from advertising us at every waking moment. And now, many businesses (including this one) use advertising to supplement revenue that wouldn’t otherwise be there. I wouldn’t make a dime off my website and the time I spend would never be paid, if there weren’t ads.

Advertising works, too. People buy after seeing external messages. The industry is growing at epic proportions, and it’s hard to find an accurate number for the amount of money spent to advertise to consumers. What we do know is that research suggests people are tremendously affected by emotionally provocative marketing campaigns. Thus, companies will continue to advertise.

Financial free will isn’t real, until we do this…

Today, I urge you to question the concept of financial free will — that some have worked harder than others for wealth. If not for yourself, then for others who might not be as well off.

Recognize free will as relative and on a spectrum

We are born into a society with relative free will — on a spectrum of more or less — and we are targeted via advertisements to spend and/or “choose” one product over another. We are manipulated for dollars — in complete contrast to the ideals of free will.

Notice that successes and/or failures are both individual and societal

Additionally, it doesn’t do us any good to blame one’s failures or successes on pure individual free will, hard work, and entrepreneurism. Instead, we need to properly attribute the societal, cultural, and communal attributes that helped that individual accomplish their goals.

Develop a skepticism towards advertisements and external pressures

This can be tricky to accomplish. Advertisements are everywhere. Fortunately, you can reduce advertising messages by turning off the TV and downloading Internet ad blockers. Those two steps alone will prevent most of the messages from getting through. Remember that nothing truly necessary should need to be advertised. If it’s being advertised, it likely isn’t a necessity like air or tap water.

Provide equal opportunity to others

To truly have a functioning democracy, meritocracy, and informed electorate, a society must have strong health care, education, and living wages for all. As these needs are restricted, so are the dreams for future generations and social/income mobility. By providing these basic living standards, more people will succeed.

Filed Under: Social Justice Tagged With: advertisements, advertising, America, Capitalism, democracy, equal opportunity, Free Will, Marketing, Social Justice

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • Next Page »

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Subscribe

Best Of

  • The New Rich: How $250k A Year Became Middle Class
    The New Rich: How $250k A Year Became Middle Class
  • 8 TED Talks That Will Inspire You To Become A Minimalist
    8 TED Talks That Will Inspire You To Become A Minimalist
  • Debt Is The Illusion Of Success
    Debt Is The Illusion Of Success
  • Who Are Your Financial Role Models?
    Who Are Your Financial Role Models?
  • This Statistic On Greed Will Shock You: Have Less? You'll Give More.
    This Statistic On Greed Will Shock You: Have Less? You'll Give More.
  • Is Frozen Juice Cheaper?
    Is Frozen Juice Cheaper?

Recent Posts

  • How to Pay Off Medical Debt
  • 5 Ways to Save Money Before a New Baby
  • 4 Ways to Save Money on Streaming Services
  • 5 Ways to Save Thousands in Mortgage Interest
  • Why Professional Maintenance on Your Vehicle Saves You Money in the Long Run

Search

Archives

  • January 2023 (1)
  • March 2022 (3)
  • February 2022 (2)
  • November 2021 (1)
  • October 2021 (2)
  • August 2021 (4)
  • July 2021 (5)
  • June 2021 (3)
  • May 2021 (2)
  • January 2021 (2)
  • December 2020 (2)
  • October 2020 (2)
  • September 2020 (1)
  • August 2020 (3)
  • June 2020 (1)
  • May 2020 (2)
  • April 2020 (1)
  • February 2020 (2)
  • January 2020 (1)
  • December 2019 (1)
  • November 2019 (5)
  • September 2019 (4)
  • August 2019 (1)
  • June 2019 (1)
  • May 2019 (1)
  • April 2019 (1)
  • March 2019 (3)
  • February 2019 (1)
  • January 2019 (3)
  • December 2018 (1)
  • September 2018 (2)
  • July 2018 (1)
  • June 2018 (2)
  • May 2018 (1)
  • April 2018 (5)
  • March 2018 (6)
  • February 2018 (4)
  • January 2018 (1)
  • December 2017 (10)
  • November 2017 (3)
  • July 2017 (2)
  • June 2017 (5)
  • May 2017 (2)
  • April 2017 (8)
  • March 2017 (4)
  • February 2017 (3)
  • January 2017 (2)
  • December 2016 (2)
  • November 2016 (4)
  • October 2016 (2)
  • September 2016 (1)
  • August 2016 (4)
  • July 2016 (1)
  • June 2016 (3)
  • May 2016 (3)
  • April 2016 (4)
  • March 2016 (5)
  • February 2016 (2)
  • January 2016 (2)
  • December 2015 (3)
  • November 2015 (5)
  • October 2015 (5)
  • September 2015 (4)
  • August 2015 (6)
  • July 2015 (8)
  • June 2015 (6)
  • May 2015 (14)
  • April 2015 (14)
  • March 2015 (13)
  • February 2015 (12)
  • January 2015 (15)
  • December 2014 (10)
  • November 2014 (5)
  • October 2014 (6)
  • September 2014 (7)
  • August 2014 (12)
  • July 2014 (11)
  • June 2014 (12)
  • May 2014 (16)
  • April 2014 (13)
  • March 2014 (13)
  • February 2014 (9)
  • January 2014 (20)
  • December 2013 (9)
  • November 2013 (18)
  • October 2013 (15)
  • September 2013 (11)
  • August 2013 (11)
  • July 2013 (27)
  • June 2013 (18)
  • May 2013 (16)

Best Of

  • The New Rich: How $250k A Year Became Middle Class
  • 8 TED Talks That Will Inspire You To Become A Minimalist
  • Debt Is The Illusion Of Success

Recent Posts

  • How to Pay Off Medical Debt
  • 5 Ways to Save Money Before a New Baby
  • 4 Ways to Save Money on Streaming Services

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2023 · Modern Studio Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in