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!

The Cheapest Generation by Derek Thompson and Jordan Weissmann
While this article was actually published a couple years ago in The Atlantic, I just recently read it. It catalogues the many challenges that major companies are facing from Millennials. Companies like Ford are getting desperate, as the latest generation refuses to buy cars at the rate of their parents. While a clever title — “The Cheapest Generation” — I found it to be inherently pessimistic. Instead of being the cheapest, Millennials could be considered the most “green,” “eco-friendly,” “budget-conscious,” and more.

Flowchart: Should I buy this? by Callie Enlow
Good Magazine has been a leader in publishing articles about environmental, political, and socioeconomic issues. In this latest feature, Callie Enlow created a flowchart to show readers what they should and shouldn’t buy — to provide a roadmap. It’s worth your time, especially during the holiday season.

A Big Safety Net and Strong Job Market Can Coexist. Just Ask Scandinavia. by Neil Irwin
Here’s a politically controversial topic that looks at the high-tax Scandinavian countries. In America, we tend to assume that the more capitalist our economy is, the better we all perform. In reality, the evidence regarding these “free market” principles can be somewhat dubious. Neil Irwin masterfully presents a basic thesis: high-tax countries actually have lower unemployment rates.

The Opportunity Cost of Parents Leaving Their Village by Femme Frugality
Femme Frugality is an inspiring author and parent, who talks honestly about family dynamics and home life in her latest article. Femme provides insight into the pressures put on families — financially and psychologically. Despite these pressures, she emphasizes the powerful opportunity for collective action and shared help. It’s worth a read!