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The best advice for living below your means

Posted Oct 30 2008, 06:14 PM by Karen Datko
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Sara at On Simplicity simply states what she calls the "cold, hard truth": "Advertising sucks. ... It's engineered to make you feel like you're incomplete, that you have an unfulfilled need, that you're not good enough."

Eluding ubiquitous advertising is one of the "18 means for living below your means" at Marc and Angel Hack Life, a blog that features compilations of valuable tips to deal with life's vexing problems. This particular post draws on some of the blogging world's best thinking on the keystone of financial health.

Once again, Marc and Angel do not disappoint.

For all 18, read the post, which includes:

    • From Frugal Dad: Redefine "rich." "Frugal Dad" remembers keeping a photo of the SUV he wanted to buy in his cubicle at his first job. It was long ago replaced with pictures of his children. He says that "my definition of being rich is having enough money to meet my family's basic needs, a few of our wants, and to be able to give some away to others."

    • From Billionaire Woman: Maybe it's time to find our inner child -- the one who had more fun playing with an empty box than the fancy toy that came with the box. "How is it that children can enjoy themselves without a lot of stuff, but we as adults feel the need to reward ourselves by buying more stuff?"

    • From Simple Mom: Cash is best. "Many bank accounts provide overdraft protection, so even with a debit card, it's easier to go over your account balance than you think."

    Comments

     

    Really as Americans we do need to buy made in the U.S.A. My dad, may he rest in Peace always preached buy in the U.S.A.  He worked for Ford Motors in the Factory.  I know why he told us kids that growing up.  Look at the problems our Country is in!  We all need to support our own Country.  Because thats where we live and we need to keep America strong and Free.  

    Jud

    Are you aware that American companies do the same way in other countries ?

    are they not transferring the profit back to the US ?  Come on,  maybe you are the one from other planet with very outdated thinking.

    Are you saying that America should not welcome foreign investors who help creating jobs/employments in your country and pay corporate income tax to your government  ?  Do you wish other countires to treat American companies the same way ?      

    Keep a dollar box on your fridge.Everytime you have single one dollar bills on you,take them out and put them in the dollar box.The single's can be used mainly for perishable food that would be simple to get like milk,bread and cereal and it stops you from going to the store for the milk,bread or cereal and coming out with $300 worth of food that you didn't need.Also the box and be like a out of sight and out of mind type home back.Stash enough dollars and spare change in the jaw and then you have maybe get your self a "Wants" while still taking car of your needs...

    How did this crumby, wholly uninformative piece get on the front page???  I will take half of the pay that the author and editor (you both should be embarrassed) got and at least give some every day, real-life solutions to the readers!!!!!!

    I think a great idea would to be able to purchase all groceries online. I have two very small children and it is difficult to go shopping, wastes so much of my time, and I tend to spend more than I have. I'm usually flustered by all the crying and just hurry and grab things just to get out of the store. If there was online grocery shopping you could plan out meals, keep track of purchases and subtotal, save time and money and gas, and it would be wonderful for people that are disabled or stuck at home for one reason or another. You would be able to bargain shop and see all products the grocery stores offer. I know Albertson's offers this service but not were I live. What do you think? Could it be done?

    Solid advice for a time of financial disaster... now if only people would start living by these rules.

    Wow, I didn't think it was all that difficult to do. You spend less than you earn. End of story.

    I live in Korea and only have a scooter if and when I need it.  I also have a Harley Davidson I bought here 3 years ago.  It's in pristine condition and I don't regret buying it, but I hardly ride it.  I live very simple but that doesn't mean I have to deprive myself of some of the pleasures in life.  I'd only buy a Jap bike or other Asian bike for needs, just like my Korean scooter.  Besides, my HD doesn't depreciate as much as any other bike and it looks a helluva lot better than any Asian bike.  I'd only consider an English bike if I wanted to change bikes, or if I wanted to add another bike.

    Stay away from credit card debt.  Pay them to 0 every month.  Pay cash for a car.  Pay your home off.  As was said earlier interest never sleeps!  Put a split of cash, mutual funds and advance mortgage payments away every month.

    I don't know how Meijer's can afford me. They except all coupons and add prices from other stores; take their add with you. 15% off for using their charge card most mondays. 15% off for being a senior. $10.00 off grocery coupon whenever you fill a prescription using an add from another store. Find a similar store in your area.

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