Author Archives for M. Beddingfield
Barrel of Monkeys or Barrel of Money?
We all remember fondly the games we played when we were children. There is a simple game that kept me entertained when I was young. It was called Barrel of Monkeys. My Barrel of Monkeys came in a bright yellow plastic barrel with twelve monkeys inside. The monkeys’ arms were sort of S curved and [...]
The Media, Recessions, History and Attitudes
The media would have us all believe that our beloved country has its foot to the floor in a race to heck. Everywhere you turn; there are reports of more business closings, higher unemployment and threats of losses in every quadrant of the nation. People are worried sick about what might happen. What might happen?
I [...]
Frugal Love – 10 Valentine’s Day Tips for Gals
Men dread Valentine’s Day. Women love it. It’s a gal’s holiday. I realize that this is a generalization, not all men dread Valentine’s Day and not all women love it. But in general, women are more geared towards all that romance and mushy love stuff.
So, how can a woman please her man on Valentine’s [...]
Dieting on a Dime
The number one New Year’s resolution is to lose weight. The first few weeks of January are past and a lot of people are sticking to that resolution. I’m on a double diet. I’m trying to lose weight and control spending. It’s turning into a real challenge.
For many, dieting is synonymous with eating healthier and [...]
Frugal Love – 10 Valentine’s Day Tips for Guys
Romance doesn’t come wrapped in red foil and stuffed in a heart – shaped box. Chocolate is nice but not the best idea for someone watching their weight. And while we’re on that subject; one size does not fit all, so be careful buying clothes for your loved one. When it comes to making [...]
Trash the Budget and Get Happy
In 2008 you worried and logged every cent you made. You made out a budget and tried to stick to it. Every month you failed. Something came up and you overspent. It caused a great deal of tension and maybe even some arguments between you and your beloved spouse. It even made the kids feel [...]
Thinking About a Second Job?
There are those who get up and get things done and those who sit and complain. If you’re a get-r-done type of person, then you’re probably considering a second job to help you through financial problems.
Sometimes things are not always as easy as they should be, such is the case with a second job. While [...]
High Cost of Childcare
The Washington Post recently ran an article that really hit home with me. The article detailed the high expense of day-care and cited cases of young children being left at home alone. It went on to explain that many middle and working class families are being forced to make some really tough decisions regarding childcare, [...]
I Want to be a Frugalista!
This past year has been all about changes, some good and a lot not so good. We’ve ridden the gas price roller coaster and held our breath to see the first African American President get elected. Some have cried over the bouncing stock market and some have jumped on board and bought cheap, hoping to [...]
Ways I Don’t Follow Common Financial Advice and Still Save Money
I’ve never been much of a follower. Even as a youngster, I had to find my own way to do things, even if they didn’t measure up to what everyone else was doing. As a single parent for many years, I learned a few things the hard way. I learned not to follow common financial [...]