November 3, 2017
How I Figured Out What I Want To Do With My Life (And How You Can Too!)
I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life for a long time. A very long time, in fact. I worked for a decade in a career that I thought was my calling, only to realize after about eight of those ten years that I’d made the wrong choice. Whoops. I didn’t dislike…
October 24, 2017
Frugal Pet Ownership Starts Before You Even Get A Pet
Our sweet Frugal Hound, who is now eight years old, had her annual veterinary visit last month–her first as a “senior canine”–which reminded me of all the ways in which we care for our girl frugally. It is, without a doubt, more expensive to have a pet than to not have a pet (same goes…
October 20, 2017
The Dirty Secret Behind How We Cook At Home
You know how I always talk about the fact that we cook at home every night? Well, I think it’s time for me to come clean: we actually don’t. But don’t panic, we’re not getting takeout or going out to eat. I promise! Not to mention the fact that exactly zero restaurants deliver to our rural home… Rather, we have…
October 16, 2017
Announcing My Book, “Meet The Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living”
I wrote a book! In keeping with my theme lately of not burying the lead, I figured I’d just go ahead and get it out there. I’m thrilled to finally share this news because my book has been a long time coming. I started this journey when I was pregnant with Babywoods 1 and the book will publish after…
October 13, 2017
Reader Suggestions On How To Have A Frugal Halloween
Welcome to my monthly Reader Suggestions feature! Every month I post a question to our Frugalwoods Facebook group and share the best responses here. The questions are topics I’ve received multiple queries on and my hope is that by leveraging the braintrust of Frugalwoods nation, you’ll find helpful advice and insight. Join the Frugalwoods Facebook group to participate in next month’s Reader…
October 11, 2017
Reader Case Study: Having A Quarter-Life Crisis in Nashville, TN!
Welcome to this month’s Reader Case Study in which we’ll address Steph’s questions on how to plan for her future in light of her recent quarter-life crisis. Case Studies are financial (and life!) dilemmas that a reader of Frugalwoods sends to me requesting that Frugalwoods nation weigh in. Then, Frugalwoods nation (that’s you!), reads through their situation and provides advice, encouragement,…
October 6, 2017
This Month On The Homestead: Splittin’ Wood, Orderin’ Fuel, Eatin’ Greens
If you’re just tuning in, this is a recurring series in which I document each month of our lives out here on our 66-acre Vermont homestead. After leaving urban Cambridge, MA in May 2016 to chart this wholly different life, we’re experiencing a constant learning curve of exploration (and plenty of stupid novice moments). Check out last…
October 4, 2017
A Wood Splitter And Other September 2017 Expenditures
September 2017 just might go down in Frugalwoods history as our most expensive month. Ever. As fate would have it, a ton of one-time and annual expenses all lined up this month and tallied to an astronomical total. But you know what? It doesn’t matter and we didn’t sweat it. Not for a moment. Here’s why:…
September 29, 2017
How To Be Frugal With Your Time, Not Just Your Money
What do you do with your time? The most common topic of conversation here on Frugalwoods is “what do you do with your money?” but I posit that how you use your time is directly correlated with how you use your money. In my opinion and experience, time and money are our two greatest resources…
September 25, 2017
Why I (Mostly) Disagree With Buy It For Life
There’s an expensive, pseudo-frugal trend floating around out there referred to as “Buy It For Life” (BIFL). The idea behind this proclamation is that you should buy expensive, high quality products for everything you need–from hair dryers to frying pans to bookshelves–and then never buy that item again. Ever. For the rest of your life. As a devoted…
September 18, 2017
How I Remain Frugal While Pregnant (!!!)
We’re expecting baby #2! I decided to buck my customary tendency and, for once in my life, not bury the lead. Due in mid-February, baby #2 will make Babywoods a big sister and poor Frugal Hound a big sister times two. In fine frugal fashion, Mr. Frugalwoods and I are both thrilled that we’re having another girl…
September 13, 2017
Reader Case Study: Should We Stay (In San Francisco) Or Should We Go Now?
Welcome to this month’s Reader Case Study in which we’ll address Melanie’s questions on whether or not she and her family should decamp from the San Francisco Bay Area. I am delighted to delve into Melanie’s story because it brings up a number of questions that many folks grapple with: how to save in a high cost of living…