I’m reading about personal finance and frugality all the time on this journey to a debt-free life. Finding new content and approaches to frugal questions and budgeting issues is one of my favorite things to do. Every week, I want to share with you the top frugal articles. This is a collection and brief summary of what I found this week:

1. Can I go on summer vacation if I’m still in debt? by Dimespring/Frugal Rules
   Frugal Rules tackles a tough question for college students with debt: Can you afford a vacation? Running up credit cards is something that John experienced throughout college. In this short read, he looks to some key questions to save money, and perhaps, whether you should even take that vacation. Maybe you can take a staycation?
2. Are Americans saving enough? Heck no! by Student Debt Survivor
   The Student Debt Survivor featured this guest post on whether Americans are saving enough. The terrifying statistics suggest that 76% live paycheck to paycheck, while median income averages have declined. In an enlightening and wise line, the author asserts, “It’s hard to be happy and emotionally secure when you’re financially insecure.” Following a budget and beginning to save takes a serious gut-check, and this article is the perfect start.

3. The real normal by The Simple Dollar
   Sometimes there can be internal and external pressures based off of what’s “normal.” The normal life, car, and family all can add to a stressful and poorly budgeted life. Perhaps we should redefine normal for ourselves? Perhaps we can make a new normal. As Trent, from The Simple Dollar, says, nothing on TV or in advertising is normal. That’s an ideal that’s manufactured for spending.
4. 4 great ways to invest in yourself to achieve financial independence this independence day by PTMoney
   Don’t let the deceptively long title fool you! These are four terrific ways to become financially independent. This past week we celebrated July 4th. Independence day is foundational holiday for Americans, but it can also be a rebirth for the financially unfit. Perhaps it’s time to take back the reins and get out of debt? The key: invest in yourself.

Read last week’s top frugal articles.

If you’d like to see your article featured here, contact me. But, I’ll only be sharing the top frugal articles each week!

I’m reading about personal finance and frugality all the time on this journey to a debt-free life. Finding new content and approaches to frugal questions and budgeting issues is one of my favorite things to do. Periodically, I want to share with you the top frugal articles. This is a collection and brief summary of what I found this week:

1. Teriyaki Noodle Bowls by Budget Bytes
   Beth is the creator and inspiration behind Budget Bytes. Every couple days she publishes a new frugal food recipe with an exact cost associated. As I begin my own efforts to cut down on eating out, her website has been a terrific hub for great ideas. This weeks fabulous recipe is for Teriyaki Noodle Bowls. This dish is easy on the budget and tastes great! Head on over to her site to see how to make it for about $1.60 per person.
2. Did I Flush $80,000 Down The Drain By Renting? by Living Rich Cheaply
   

   Recently, I was interviewed by USA Today. The interviewer asked me what I thought about buying a house down the road. I let her know that I couldn’t imagine getting into mortgage debt after tens of thousands in student loans. I just didn’t want to owe anyone anything down the road. I was sick of the debt and struggle that resulted. Well, Living Rich Cheaply beautifully stated and focused in on this debate of renting versus buying. In the detailed, financial overview of their decisions, the author realized that renting actually worked out best for them. An important read, because many people assume you’re flushing money away by renting.

3. Cut Crap You Don’t Use and Sell Your Stuff by Moolanomy
   The title of this article says what you need to do, but the resources inside tell you how to get there. As a failing minimalist, I’m a firm believer that budgeting, personal finance, and frugality are all intertwined with minimalistic attitudes. It’s just stuff. Kevin Mulligan of Moolanomy Occam’s Razors the topic and gives the advice you need to hear. Don’t need it? Sell it.
4. The Philosophy of Frugality by The Simple Dollar
   Trent, of The Simple Dollar, is a frugal master. He’s been writing about frugality, saving money, and creating income for years. In this latest article he gets to the very core of frugality. What is it? How do we define it? What ideals does this term encapsulate? The largest takeaway is that this is a lifelong journey, and it takes constant practice to excel. In the end, this is for a greater freedom in life.
5. I’m Debt Free*! by Frugal Portland
   Since creating and writing this website, I’ve used the word “debt” hundreds of times – thousands more in casual conversation. Debt can be distracting and destructive to psychological health. It’s important to realize what this journey is really for. Becoming debt-free is a dream of mine. Reading about my journey and others’ can help. Kathleen, of Frugal Portland, recently wrote about paying off her credit debt in a jubilant new post. Amazing and motivational work she’s done. Be sure to congratulate her!