After writing about materialism earlier this week, I’ve been thinking about money and possessions. I’ve also been considering these things because my husband and I are reworking our budget in preparation for our baby that is due in October. When I consider money and possessions, my thoughts often turn to simplicity. Simple living has … [Read more...] about Defining Simplicity
Managing Finances
Resisting Materialism
Having a baby is one experience that will open your eyes to how pervasive materialism is in our culture. My husband and I need things for the baby and I need new clothes to accommodate my growing belly. However, as we shop, I sometimes begin confusing my genuine needs with wants. Materialism is a way of thinking that emphasizes material … [Read more...] about Resisting Materialism
Talking About Money with Your Spouse
Whether you’ve been married 5 years or 50 years, the activities of daily life necessitate that you and your spouse make decisions about money. These decisions are often preceded (or followed, in some cases) by tense and unpleasant discussions. My husband and I have similar views on money and share common goals (this is one of the … [Read more...] about Talking About Money with Your Spouse
Fun and Frugal Double Date Ideas
Some time ago we looked at why it benefits couples to have friendships with other couples (read about the benefits of couple friendships here). There are lots of ways to spend time with couple friends, but it can be particularly fun to go on double dates. It’s not always easy to come up with enjoyable and affordable double date ideas. … [Read more...] about Fun and Frugal Double Date Ideas
Tips on Tipping
While I was traveling recently I realized that I’m confused about the finer aspects of tipping. In the U.S., it’s considered proper etiquette to tip a number of individuals, including wait staff, bellhops, and taxi drivers. Why do we tip these individuals and not others? We tip pizza delivery drivers, but not the guy who comes to install … [Read more...] about Tips on Tipping
How to Afford Healthy Eating
Last week I shared some price comparisons that debunked the myth that healthy foods cost more than unhealthy foods. Of course, if you shop carelessly then it is unlikely you’ll be able to purchase nutritious foods for the same price as junk foods. However, by judiciously enlisting some simple strategies, you can eat healthily and stay … [Read more...] about How to Afford Healthy Eating
Does Healthy Eating Really Cost More?
A common complaint about healthy eating is that it’s expensive. I tend to share the perception that it’s costly. After all, when I grocery shop, fresh fruits and vegetables certainly appear to cost more than processed junk foods. I have wondered, though, if it really costs more to eat healthily or if this is a myth we perpetuate because we … [Read more...] about Does Healthy Eating Really Cost More?
Maximize Lithium-Ion Battery Life
Do you have electronic devices in your home that run on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries? If you have a laptop computer, cell phone, digital camera, and/or power tools, then chances are that you do. These batteries can be costly and inconvenient to replace, so it's wise to maximize their longevity. What things can we do to help them run … [Read more...] about Maximize Lithium-Ion Battery Life
