Top Frugal Articles Of The Week (7/6/13)

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!