Welcome everyone, to the 204th edition of the Festival of Frugality, here at Cheap Healthy Good!
Last time us CHG people hosted FoF, the theme revolved around mix tapes. Alas, times have changed, and kids these days are all about newfangled MP3 technology. (*Harrumph* Get off my lawn! *harrumph*) So, this time, we're going with playlists.
For best results, listen to each song as you’re reading the associated post. As a whole, they'll put you in the mood for money talk and make work slightly more tolerable. None of the tunes are repeats from last time, to boot. Sweet.
Without further ado...
EDITOR’S PICKS
The Digerati Life has some solid saving suggestions in How to Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rates.
Playlist Song: “I’m Goin’ Down"” by Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band
Hey, man. Turkey Day is coming. And in How to Roast a Butternut Squash, Kristia from Family Balance Sheet gives props to one of the cheapest, healthiest, good …est Thanksgiving-appropriate vegetables on the planet.
Playlist Song: “Food, Glorious Food” from Oliver!
From kitty litter to toothpaste, Get Rich Slowly presents some innovative stain removal ideas in Creative Cleaning with Everyday Products.
Playlist Song: “Whistle While You Work” by Snow White
My Dollar Plan breaks down insurance strategies with How to Save Money with High Deductible Health Plans.
Playlist Song: “Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine” by The White Stripes
As a Wife-Elect, I appreciate the bejeezus out of Six Questions You Must Ask Before Getting Engaged at Sound Money Matters.
Playlist Song: “Wouldn’t it Be Nice” by the Beach Boys
COLLEGE
The fine folks at Free Money Finance offer Eight Steps to Lower Your College Costs. This SUNY graduate gives it three thumbs up.
Playlist Song: “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” by the Ramones
Now a parent, PT Money needs to bank some dough for lil’ PT’s college tuition. Check his thoughts at Upromise Review: A Little Extra Savings for College.
Playlist Song: “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper
Studenomist rattles off a few Ways to Save Money in College. Sounds like they come from experience.
Playlist Song: “Going Away to College” by Blink-182
HOME and SHOPPING
Do you shop at Overstock.com? Excellent. Ask Mr. Credit Card has a solid rundown of Overstock Online Savings Without Promotional Coupons and Code.
Playlist Song: “Material Girl” by Madonna
Everyday Minimalist has some excellent financial reasons for scaling back with How Clutter Costs You Money.
Playlist Song: “Too Much” by Dave Matthews Band
It’s a solid rundown of the Best Coupon Sources Online at Fine-Tuned Finances.
Playlist Song: “Shopping” by Pet Shop Boys
If you’re having people to an open house, you’ll wanna check out Interior Design Info’s tips on Last Minute Preparations Before a Real Estate Showing.
Playlist Song: “Houses of the Holy” by Led Zeppelin
In A Lifestyle Dilemma, M is for Money poses a question about housing: urban and small, or … something else?
Playlist Song: “Little Boxes” by Malvina Reynolds
Yes! Home Roasted Peanuts! Thanks, Make it from Scratch!
Playlist Song: “Peanuts Theme Song” by Gilbert Hernandez
Winter, she is coming. Prepare yourself by reading Steam Radiators: Here’s How to Improve your Boiler’s Efficiency at Pragmatic Environmentalism.
Playlist Song: “Steam” by Peter Gabriel
Stop the Ride helps you stay unsick and unbroke with Frugally Healthy This Cold & Flu Season.
Playlist Song: “Doctor, Doctor” by Thompson Twins
VACATIONS
Leaving on a jet plane? Sweet. Then peruse 7 Tips To Save Money On A Vacation over at Associate Money.
Playlist Song: “Vacation” by The Go-Gos
Whoa. If you’re gettin’ hitched anytime soon, The One has some deals at How to: Save over $10,000 on Your Honeymoon.
Playlist Song: “Holiday” by Madonna
BANKING and PERSONAL FINANCE
There are less than 45 Days to Save Before Christmas and The Financial Blogger is counting down ways to bank some gift-giving dough.
Playlist Song: “Last Christmas” by Wham!
Whether you’re tempted to go crazy at Crate & Barrel or spend wisely at Williams Sonoma, Top Tips for Holiday Credit Card Spending at Good Financial Cents is a good read.
Playlist Song: “Christmas All Over Again” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Do you know 5 Ways to Protect Yourself Against the Declining Value of the Dollar? Money Help For Christians does, and he’s here to help.
Playlist Song: “C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu-Tang Clan
Manshu presents S&P 500 ETF List at OneMint.
Playlist Song: “Rock and Roll Lifestyle” by Cake
There are a lot of banking options out there, folks. But only The Smarter Wallet knows the Best High Yield Savings Accounts.
Playlist Song: “Money” by ABBA
How Much Can You Save with a 0% Balance Transfer for 12 Months? Good question. Credit Card Offers IQ, what’s your opinion?
Playlist Song: “Zero” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Here’s something I often wonder about: How Much Money is Your Checking Account Making For You? Maybe Deposit Accounts knows the answer.
Playlist Song: “Free Money” by Patti Smith
MISCELLANEOUS
One hopes Governor Schwarzenegger is reading California State Tax Shenanigans from Buck$ome Boomer’s Journey. (Perhaps in da choppa.)
Playlist Song: “Taxman ” by the Beatles
And rounding it all out, Provident Planning dares to ask the big questions, like What is Contentment?
Playlist Song: “Furry Happy Monsters” by R.E.M. and Sesame Street
And that’s it for this week’s Festival of Frugality! Thanks for stopping by, and don’t forget to check out #205 next week at The Financial Blogger. For more information on the festival itself, head to its homepage, aptly titled Festival of Frugality.
(Photos courtesy of Jeffrey Daniel Frey's Blog, Wifikraze, and iStyles.com.)
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