One of the thoughts I keep bouncing around is whether I can get by without a car. Cars can be expensive to keep, even if they are already paid off. We can’t ever get away from maintenance, repairs, insurance, and registration, at a minimum. Last week I read How to Live [...]

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R on November 5th, 2008

I took my car into the dealer for maintenance this morning, and it reminded me of an important cost-savings tactic I use: question expenses twice. By this I mean when you are getting ready to undertake a fairly major expense (such as a medical procedure, car repair, or home improvement), be sure you [...]

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Last week I wrote about a major defining moment in my life - making the decision to retire early. Today I want to write about a more subtle defining moment, but something that has had a positive impact on my finances - breaking the pattern of impulse buying.
I wish I could remember where I [...]

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R on October 16th, 2008

I read this book, How to Survive Without a Salary: Learning How to Live the Conserver Lifestyle, years ago and just last week read it again. I was once again impressed with its ability to really open my eyes and rethink old habits. It isn’t just another personal finance book, with suggestions about [...]

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R on October 6th, 2008

It is October and, if it hasn’t already, the holiday season will soon start creeping up on us. We will see merchandise in the stores, ads on TV, decorations around town. I love the festivity of the season - the music, the scents (cinnamon, pine, cookies baking), the lights and even sometimes the [...]

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