Many people choose to live frugally and simply. There are many reasons why one would embrace a frugal and simple lifestyle. Maybe one parent wants to quit working away from home and stay home with the kids. Perhaps you have experienced a job loss and need to save money and declutter your life. Another good reason for cutting expenses would be to save money where possible while you start your own company.
Down Home Mom will cover a wide range of topics dealing with frugal living, savings, coupons and deals. This will include information on personal finance, debt-free living and bargains for your health care needs, automobile expenses, home and garden products and services, groceries, clothing, utilities, communications, entertainment desires and more. You will find a range of resources and blog posts on these topics.
Down Home Mom is also known as the “Research Queen”, thus she provides lists of valuable resources. I see no reason to reinvent the wheel nor repeat what you can read on tons of other high quality blogs and sites. I will offer books, courses, dvds and more to purchase on our shopping page and free referrals to valuable sites where you can learn more about how to save money, live simply and be frugal. I will be adding to this list regularly so make sure you check back often.
Frugal Living & Voluntary Simplicity
The Dollar Stretcher- The Dollar Stretcher has been around since 1996. I have availed myself to the information on this site since I first got on the Internet back in 1998. I have watched their site grow and grow and grow. You probably cannot think of a topic related to dollar stretching that you cannot find on The Dollar Stretcher website! Features tax and investment tips, fitness and wellness savings, advice for consumers on a wide range of purchasing decisions and ways to celebrate holidays and birthdays frugally or even free.
America’s Cheapest Family – My all time favorite frugal family. The Economides are amazing. Isn’t that a cool name for a family who puts their focus on being economical? They have been featured on just about every show you can imagine and for good reason. They offer wise advice, methods and tips for saving a ton of money on everything from groceries to large purchases such as homes and automobiles. Here is an amazing quote from their “about us” page: ”We shop once a month and spend an average of $350, which includes all food items, paper goods and cleaning supplies.” Folks… that is for a family of SEVEN! Get yourself a cup of coffee or tea and get comfortable because you can spend a lot of time learning on their website and it is time that could be worth thousands to you in the long run!
Choosing Voluntary Simplicity- This blog provides information about what voluntary simplicity is and what it is not. Provides information about frugal living, gardening, nature, gardening, plants, birds, recipes and the philosophy of the simple life.
Bargains & Deals
Money Saving Queen – Sarah Roe, the Queen of savings, offers information about how to save with coupons and price matching, hot bargains and freebies. Sarah also features amazing daily deals, menu planning and savings for families with members who need to be on special allergy free or gluten free diets. Her site features a blog and forums and she has a great group of money saving contributors who tell about the great bargains they are finding as well. The women on the forums at Money Saving Queen are very helpful, personable and compassionate to those who are going through financial or personal crisis.
Groupon – Go to Groupon, enter your town, receive great deals for local restaurants, salons, mechanics and every other type of business you can imagine. Most of the Groupon deals I receive are for a minimum of 50% off of goods and services in my local area. There is a limit as to how many people can claim the deal each day so be on the look out early in the day for your local deal!
Woot! – Similar to Groupon except their daily item is for an online deal! Sign up, you never know what item may be offered and you can find a really great deal!
Personal Finance
Living a Better Life – This site has existed since 2001. Michelle Jones provides information about dealing with debt, family budgeting, making more money, spending less money, credit reports and more.
ChristianPF: Christian Personal Finance – Bob offers thousands of articles on the Bible and money, investing, saving, ways to make more money, credit, debt free living, financial freedom, banking and budgeting. When I read one of Bob’s articles on getting out of the rat race, he gave me the inspiration I needed to take the plunge and start my own companies.
Dave Ramsey – America’s #1 Debt Free Living Guru! Dave will help you become debt free and stay debt free and he will provide all the information you need as to why this is important and leads to a life of financial freedom. He even offers a course for kids so they can learn about how to manage money, never get into debt and stay out of debt their entire lives!
