Frugal Month in Review: November 2008

November to be is the beginning of two things. The holiday season starts with Thanksgiving, and then there is winter. Despite the fact that winter doesn’t officially start until next month, the fall seems to give way to the winter in November anyway. We had a day of snow already. Here is looking ahead to December and the end of the year! November 1st Frugal Month in Review: October 2008 “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot. November 2 … Continue reading

Frugal Living Month in Review: July 2008

July went by so quickly for us! There were so many fun and frugal activities and events for us to explore, from a science camp to free movies and sand sculpting. I hope your July was equally fun and frugal. Summer is a busy time, I know. Did you miss any frugal articles last month? If so, here is an opportunity to catch up on what you missed. There are new ways to save money on food, clothing, kids, gas and more. Feel free to leave a comment on any frugal post. I read all of the comments myself, no … Continue reading

Summer Travel: It’s Cheaper Than a Hotel

I love sharing hotel deals with readers almost as much as I enjoy taking advantage of them myself. However, no matter how good a lodging’s deep discount it doesn’t compare to the money you can save by staying at a friend or relative’s house while on the road. The rising cost of gas and airfare, and a lackluster economy has some families ditching their vacation plans all together. However, July is not over and August hasn’t even started so there is still a lot of time to get out there and explore this great country. If you are cash strapped … Continue reading

Travel Tales: How Not to Cut Down on Your Gas Bill

Desperate times call for desperate measures. And in some cases illegal action. With the price of gas skyrocketing to record levels it’s no surprise that some people are resorting to some unconventional means to gas up. Just ask police in Hermitage, Pennsylvania who say they may have finally figured out how mass quantities of diesel fuel have been lifted from local gas stations. According to authorities, the perpetrators allegedly employed a specially equipped pickup truck trailer with a trap door and a vacuum hose. Police say no one has been charged for the crime yet, but the truck and trailer … Continue reading

Rare European Travel Deals

With the weak state of the dollar and skyrocketing fuel prices, finding a deal to Europe is practically impossible these days. That’s why the following bargains to popular European capitals are so unbelievable. The only catch: You must travel between September and December. Take a look: IRELAND Save some green on a trip to the Emerald Isle by taking advantage of this deal from Virgin Vacations. The package includes roundtrip airfare from New York and a four-night stay at the three-star Mont Clare on Merrion Square, once frequented by James Joyce. The price for the package is $951 for travel … Continue reading

Summer Travel Surprises in Europe

Cash strapped travelers who have been dreaming of taking a summer holiday to Europe have reason to celebrate today. Never mind that it’s not your birthday or anniversary you’re still eligible to receive the gift that Best Western is passing out to its guests. The hotel chain is commemorating its 30th year in Great Britain by offering rates of 30 pounds a room (that’s about $60 at today’s exchange rates). More than 90 Best Western locations in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands are offering the reduced rates. To be eligible for the discount you must stay for two … Continue reading

Sunday Travel Funnies: Gas and Giggles

Yesterday my best friend called from Hawaii to inform me that a gallon of regular unleaded gas has now reached $4.50 in our hometown (that, and her son broke his arm at a local playground). The record breaking price of fuel is no laughing matter for families who live on a fixed income, but what might get a few giggles is the way some folks have been dealing with the financial burden. For example, in Arlington, Washington, staff members at a local dental office are switching from four wheels to four legs to save money on gas. According to reports, … Continue reading

Travel Tales: Kids Rebel Against High Gas Prices

My daughter is far too young to understand that skyrocketing gas prices are just one of the reasons we can’t afford to drive to Chicago everyday to see her finned friends at the aquarium. And even if she did comprehend what gas prices have done to our household budget I’m still not convinced she would take on the project two sisters in Salt Lake City did recently. Nine-year-old Sadie and 7-year-old Pyper Vance are rebelling against record high gas prices. The sisters aren’t even old enough to have their learner’s permit, yet they say they are as sick of the … Continue reading

Travel Tidbits: One More Faux European Hot Spot and Swinging Golf Savings

In a previous blog I provided tips on how you could save on your summer jaunt abroad (F.Y.I.–one British pound currently costs $2) by getting your Euro-fix in the States. From Wisconsin to Texas, New York to Michigan the good ol’ US of A is chock full of destinations that are overflowing with European flair. One city that I failed to mention in my previous blog is Tarpon Springs, Florida. The sunny locale is oozing with Mediterranean charm. More than a century ago Greek immigrants traveled to Tarpon Springs and turned it into one of the leading areas for sponge … Continue reading

Travel Tips: Instead of Europe Consider… Part 2

It’s no secret that traveling to Europe right now can cause a serious dent in your family’s budget. Which is why most Americans are staying close to home instead of crossing the pond to get their Euro fix. However, as I mentioned in my previous blog vacationing in the United States doesn’t mean you are limited to a trip filled with hot dogs, apple pie and baseball stadiums. If you know where to go you can experience European luxury without having to flash your passport or go bankrupt in the process. Take a look: TEXAS Why fly to Germany when … Continue reading