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• The simple, frugal life offers freedom

  Posted Aug 14 2008, 04:40 AM by Karen Datko
  Filed under: Investing, Housing, Spending, Wise Bread
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  This post comes from Philip Brewer at partner blog Wise Bread.

  People might look at how I spend money and say I'm cheap or a tightwad. If they do, they're missing the point. The fact is, I'm much more interested in simplicity than I am in saving money.

  In many cases, it works out about the same: The simple choice is often frugal. The cheapest choice, though, is often not the simple one.   Read More...

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• Don't buy something just because you can afford it

  Posted Mar 20 2008, 05:32 AM by Karen Datko
  Filed under: Housing, Spending, Saving, Wise Bread
  Rating:

  This post comes from Xin Lu at partner blog Wise Bread.

  Since I got married, people have been constantly asking me two questions: "Are you pregnant yet?" and "Are you going to buy a house?"

  If you are a reader of my personal blog, you already know that I don't want to buy a house in the San Francisco Bay Area right now because the prices are still quite ridiculous. The hubby and I always tell people that we cannot afford a house, but that's not entirely true. We can afford to buy a house with a pretty nice margin of comfort, but we don't want to buy one just because we can afford it.

  One day I told someone that I do not want to afford a house right now and he asked me what I meant. Here is my explanation.

  We do not need to spend more. The cost to own a unit similar to what we live in is two to three times what we pay in rent. The only purpose of a house is to provide shelter, and I don't see a need to upgrade just because we can afford it.   Read More...

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• It pays to call and ask

  Posted Jan 24 2008, 06:28 AM by Karen Datko
  Filed under: Housing, Spending, Saving, Wise Bread

  This post comes from Carrie Kirby at partner blog Wise Bread.

  All you have to do is ask. Whether it's getting a fair shake from a business that treated you badly or getting a little extra, picking up the phone or sending an e-mail often pays off.

  But here's the thing to remember: Sometimes you have to ask more than once.

  If the answer is no the first or second time, try again. Ask for a manager. Hang up and try a different operator. Ask about the appeals process. Write a demand letter threatening legal action. If you are in the right, you should eventually get what you deserve.

  Here are five examples of how speaking up has saved me money in the last year.   Read More...

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