Frugal Archives - Page 14 of 18

Accidentally Frugal

When I think of my apartment, a number of things come to mind: gulag, cinderblock castle, bat cave, and my favorite, rectangular ode to communistic utilitarianism. Yes, my home is something special. One of the perks is insulation that never seems sufficient for either hot or cold extremes. In the winter, the bare linoleum floors chill bones — forcing occupants to wear sandals or shoes indoors. The summer brings a respite from the cold, and makes my apartment heat up like a sweat lodge — only, without the nice cedar wood smell.

The summer months bring some wacky weather through the Midwest. This being my third summer in the land of flat, I know that I’m in for hot, sticky days that border on 100 degrees — even overnight. Torrential rainfalls will produce floods and muddied areas, while you get baked throughout the other days. Pretty good if you’re a 4-year-old making mud pies; beyond that, not really quite sure who enjoys it.

I’ve lived in a few areas of the country that don’t really need air conditioning. People may have them attached to the home or in a window, but for the most part, these white boxes stand as decoration to a humble abode. But here in Iowa, air conditioning is a must have.

In August, I’m moving into an apartment complex that is supposed to have built-in, central air conditioning. To prepare for this, I decided to list my air conditioner on Craigslist two days ago. I hastily placed it online — without a picture or many details. It can take a little while to sell things in my city. There aren’t many people here; especially, over the summer.

I fully expected it to take a month to actually sell the unit. I was dead wrong.

Well, Frugaling fans, I’m in for one hellish summer. I just got back from selling my window air conditioning unit in one day. The family I sold it to were incredibly appreciative and kind — even paid me to drive to their place. The man who lifted the AC out from my trunk said, “Boy are we happy to have this right now. It’s only going to get worse and worse this summer.” All I could do was politely smile and nod. Inside, my stomach churned with the anticipatory anxiety of an entire season without it.

Naively, I didn’t think I’d spend an entire summer without air conditioning, but in a way this is all accidentally frugal. Letting go of the air conditioner this early in the summer season feels like trouble, but there are some tremendous benefits.

Reduced utility bill. The summer months can wreak havoc with my careful budget. Oftentimes, the budget is precariously balanced and if there are extended periods of heat, I can see my bill skyrocket. Most of those costs are associated with increased air conditioning use. Without this appliance, I’ll be struggling, but saving every minute that it’s not running.
A family in need is helped. AC units can be expensive and a family (with a pregnant mother) will enjoy the benefits of a cooler house. I’m really happy they were able to use this and save a pretty penny from buying new.
My wallet is padded. I didn’t just do it for purely altruistic reasons, though. I’ll be able to pay off another chunk of debt with this extra cash. Even more than paying off another portion of student loans is the psychological benefit of knowing I’m moving in the right direction — saving and earning. This has been my major goal since starting Frugaling.
Saving the environment. Air conditioners are a drain on energy resources, tax aging infrastructures, and push coal-fired power plants to go into overdrive. Removing the AC will reduce the amount of greenhouse gases I contribute. One of the most frugal things I can recommend is opening windows at night, and then closing them immediately in the morning. Also, put down your blinds. This small step will effectively insulate you from changing temperatures outside. Your apartment will be a nice ice box in comparison to the outside temperature.

A Debt Of Gratitude

By Frugaling 6 Comments

Happy Birthday Cake Frugaling One Year Later — *Birthday Cake! Photo: flickr/Mark Skipper*

Today marks the first anniversary of Frugaling.org! It’s incredible to think that just a year ago I was in nearly $40,000 of debt. I was resigned to a future that included atmospheric debt payments and endless student loans. Then, I got a wakeup call that changed my financial future.

I’m thankful that on this occasion, I’m writing about a different debt — a debt of gratitude. It’s time for me to pay up and take some time to thank people behind the scenes. The following individuals make this website work, inspired me, and/or pushed me to think differently about my financial future. Without them, this site wouldn’t be here. There are many that I’ve forgotten or can’t be included, but trust me, you’ve helped!

Mom

For years you provided difficult grammar and writing critiques. You constantly pushed me to improve. I hated the process of completely restarting drafts, as you frequently said. Over time, that training and advice helped. While I still make plenty of mistakes, your expertise helped me grow. Thank you, Mom!

Dad

You’ve been a terrific support in this process. From sending me new articles to providing important feedback on the quality of my work, your involvement encouraged my growth. I’m lucky to have the support. Thanks, Dad!

Noah

I know you’re just starting out with creative writing. But your passion for it inspired and encouraged my own work. I’m really happy you’ve found pleasure in writing. Thank you, Noah!

Lisa

You were the greatest catalyst for this site. You questioned my simple assumption that there was nothing I could do to reduce my debt. Moreover, your questions changed my beliefs regarding money and student loans. Thanks, Lisa!

Danny

Frankly, I was embarrassed by all the people you shared Frugaling with, but I’m honored that you did. There’s a reason so many people mention “Frugaling.org” in casual jokes and conversation. You’re a major reason for this. Thanks for following along from the very beginning, Danny!

Evans

I shared this little idea with you, and it was the laughing stock of the staff. Every now and then you’d check-in and I’d have another great month. You were excited, and you helped right my financial course. I’m really lucky to call you “boss!” Thanks, Evans!

Guest Writers

Over this year, various people contributed new articles and material for the site. You were all incredibly grateful for the work and created top-notch articles. Thank you all!

Interviewees

A few months ago, I started an interview series with the founders of personal finance websites. I was deeply curious what motivated them to start and continue to write about financial issues. Their openness and vulnerability made the series a hit! Thank you all for participating!

Readers

Obviously, you make this site work. Without you, I wouldn’t have the motivation to write. Thank you for visiting, commenting, and returning! Don’t hesitate to subscribe, too!

How Is Your Relationship With Money?

By Frugaling 8 Comments

Balance Money — *Photo: flickr/pink sherbet*

I hate you. I love you.

The other day a friend asked, “Do you ever consider that you think about money too much?”

It’s a tough question that I used to hear a lot in high school. Back then I was gambling online and between classes – itching to throw down money. I had a problematic relationship with money.

I was surprised to hear it again. I’ve worked hard to change my relationship with money. How far have I really come if I’m hearing it again?

Denial didn’t work

In a way, the onslaught of student loans a few years ago was a consequence of not placing importance in my total bank value. I took out loans, and let them artificially fill my bank account. I stopped budgeting and tracking. Money was evil, and I would deny it’s presence and consequences — as long as the federal government was filling my coffers.

My hope was to talk about it less and never focus on it with others. The loans piled up. With nearly $40,000 of student loan debt after two years of graduate school, I was on track to graduate with $100,000+. Then, I was hit with the debt question: “how much do you owe?” The gravity of that changed my relationship with money. Essentially, I may lose opportunities in life because of excessive debt.

This prompted me to take action, reduce my debt, and start Frugaling. I accepted and embraced the effect money had on my ability to have a family and future. Not having it was at the root of much discontent and stress.

Balance is necessary but hard to find

Recently, over a more expensive meal, I remark aloud that the prices are exorbitant. The food is local, fresh, and natural, but after two small plates and a drink, I’m staring at a $30 bill. I feel guilty — I’m not following my budget tonight and it’s hurting my ability to pay off debt.

As the night rolls on, others mention financial concerns and questions. We’re on the subject because I started it. The topic stays on money for a while, and then the question that inspired this article gets asked of me.

“Do you ever consider that you think about money too much?”

Suddenly, I’m confronted with this scary feeling again. I wonder, “Am I doing it wrong? Is money too important again?”

The short answer is that I’m not sure. A lot has changed, but there’s more work to do. Focusing on money can metastasize its importance. What I know is that staying within my budget requires vigilance, but it can’t be my sole effort.

It’s hard not to reflect on this time and think, “Damn, I’m imperfect at this.”

Stick To Your Budget And Go Gluten-Free

By Frugaling 4 Comments

Bread Wheat Gluten-free Frugal Budget — *I definitely miss fresh loaves of bread! Photo: flickr/surlygirl*

Switching to gluten-free foods was surprisingly easy!

One of the best things I did for my delicate, dyspeptic stomach was to go gluten-free. While I still have some indigestion and problems every now and then, I’m a couple weeks into a [mostly] gluten-free diet. I do not exhibit symptoms of celiac disease, but I fear I’ve long had a sensitivity to gluten products.

I make mistakes and/or cheat a little bit here and there (why is it that every office on campus offered free donuts when I started going gluten-free!), but I’ve been trying to eliminate it all. Surprisingly, transitioning to this diet was easy — all I needed to do was buy some food at the supermarket.

What do others ask about going gluten-free?

Every now and then I mention my new dietary regimen and people provide entertaining commentary. The biggest question is: “Why go gluten-free?” If I’m honest — and I try to be — I tell them that I had pretty awful stomach problems (and occasionally still do), but after reducing/removing gluten from my diet, I feel better. My energy levels are bit more normal and I’m not endlessly sitting on a toilet.

But the financial questions are the funniest and most intriguing: “Sam, how do you afford that diet? Isn’t that expensive? Aren’t you trying to be frugal?” Somehow, someway, there’s a scary myth that’s propagated society, which says that going gluten-free is for wealthy, privileged individuals. In fact, merely mentioning the diet can get sarcastic scoff out of some. Comically, the diet and those following it seem to be highly miscategorized.

The reality is far more basic and frugal! When you remove most all bread products, wheat-based pastas, etc., the store shelves appear less busy. Snacks and carbs no longer beckon your attention with a gluten-free diet. You may still yearn for some nostalgic food like mac & cheese in its original, wheat form. But largely, the grocery store is simpler — that’s where the savings begin.

Financial consequences of going gluten-free

Nowadays, I pack more lunches than ever and tend to cook at home. This way I know the exact ingredients of the meals I’m making and preparing for a long day out of the apartment. I’m on the go most of the day — 10-13 hour days are sort of normal. Going gluten-free resulted in terrific benefits — both directly and indirectly. Here are some of my favorite reasons:

Packed more lunches than ever ($7-10 savings per day)
Made healthier food choices — solid, unprocessed foods (i.e., apples, veggies, nuts, etc.; removed pizzas; $—– Unknown future medical bills)
Removed gluten-based snack foods when out and about ($1-3 per snack)
Learned to cook more dishes and vary seasonings (my happiness = priceless)
Lastly, friends supported and egged me on, which is fun and entertaining (a nice social surprise and bonus to being open and talking about it)

Switching to a gluten-free diet is not synonymous with wealth. Instead, its one of the cheapest diets I know. Think about it: Most of the world eats rice. The most disenfranchised and displaced and burdened still eat rice. It’s a gluten-free food source and it has nothing to do with privilege. Rice is a staple food for the world and it’s just become one of the highlights of my diet — yum!

Accidentally Frugal

A Debt Of Gratitude

Mom

Dad

Noah