The Perfect Wedding Doesn't Cost Much at Consumerism Commentary (by Financial Samurai's Sam)
Thank you for stopping by. Stay tuned next Monday for another Yakezie interview.
Yakezie Roundup and Thanks
Well it seems I wasn't the only one that took a long weekend. While I do love writing, it was nice to recharge my batteries and spend some time with friends and family. This week starts anew for me, but while I took the week off many of my fellow Yakezie members and challengers were hard at work. Here's a selection from the non-slackers:
Tightwad Turkey Classic
With Thanksgiving this week, I know many people have their set menus, so I thought I'd remind everyone of a post I wrote for Moolanomy called Turkey Recipes: Stretching Your Holiday Dollar with Turkey Leftovers.
Read more: http://www.moolanomy.com/2167/turkey-recipes-stretch-your-holiday-dollar-with-turkey-leftovers-ablack03/#ixzz16AbAGRvm
Andi B. Interview and Yakezie Roundup
Since I've been feeling awful, and had no desire to edit anything this week, I thought I'd answer our own questions for once. So this Monday we're interviewing Andi B. from Modern Tightwad. After reading our interview, be sure to check out some of our favorite posts from this week around the Yakezie network (at the bottom of the post).
1. What blog/website do you read most often?
I love reading Budgets are Sexy, Financially Poor, I Pick Up Pennies, just to name a few. When I'm feeling like a glutton for punishment I read a little bit of TMZ or People.
2. What made you start writing? Particularly in personal finance?
I've been writing since I was little. I remember when I was eight years old a family friend gave me a blank notebook to write poetry. My literary obsession reared its ugly head again writing for the school newsletter in middle school, and again in college when I wrote for, and eventually became editor of, our award-winning college paper.
Eventually I started reading a blog that has since been deleted due to the writer being "outed" at work. I looked at blogs as a way to be accountable, and then as a way to share my crazy lifestyle with other people...except after the recession, my lifestyle wasn't so "crazy" anymore.
3. What is your favorite post that you've written and why?
I like the ones about my great-grandparents in MT Tip: Live Like It's 1939, and it's corresponding oops edition. I had an immense amount of respect for my family and was please to discuss how they have influenced my life.
4. How do you feel about frugality in today's society?
I think it's a full-time job that most people just aren't willing to work at. I do believe that frugality offers a type of freedom because it trains you to live within your means. If you don't need to spend as much money, you don't need to make as much money. For some people, living on less can be a great stress reliever.
5. Do you have a favorite cheap eat to share?
Plan your bad days. I try to keep some pre-packaged or ready-to-eat meals in the freezer that I buy on sale. I also rotate a few restaurants that we know have inexpensive meals or happy hours into our meal plans. I get exhausted like everyone else, but by planning a bit in advance, I don't beat myself up when I look in the bank account.
6. Do you have a favorite money saving tip or practice that you use?
Don't give the IRS any money they don't need. I know a lot of people who have way too much pulled out of their taxes. I think it makes more sense to reduce your withholding, but have that same amount automatically transferred to a savings account. You still never see it to touch it, but you get the interest on your money.
7. Looking back on your financial life, if you had to do it all over again, is there any one thing you'd like to do over? Or one thing you believe was a pivotal moment?
I wouldn't do anything different, because I'm not sure that I wouldn't be here, in feetie pajamas, with my puppy at my feet and my husband next to me. Those two individuals are worth whatever stupidity I had in the past. Getting a student loan was most certainly my pivotal moment because I'd never carried a balance until that moment. After that, I felt like, "I'm already in debt so what does it matter?"
8. And just for fun, if you could be any superhero based on their alter ego, what would you be? (Because we all know Peter Parker and Clark Kent spent more time as themselves than walking around as superheroes.)
I would've been Jamie Summers, the Bionic Woman. Getting to teach kids all day, and then cavorting with Steve Austin at night? Sign me up!
For other good reading around the network, check out:
Still Sick
by Andi B.
While I was planning on doing many things blog related this week, I am still sick, and my head cold has turned into some sort of ear infection. Since rule #1 is rest, I'm taking myself out of commission for a bit. We will be back next week, germs willing.
Tightwad Video: Spend Less On a Vacation
by Andi B.
Hey Honey,
Now might be considered "off-season" in Hawaii....hint, hint.
From About.com:
Tightwad Meals: Potsticker Salad
by Andi B.
One of my favorite dishes I ever had at a potluck was "Potsticker Salad." It tasted delightful and was easily a full meal.
1 Package Potstickers
1 Large Bowl of Mixed Greens
1 Handful of Chopped Almonds
1 Bottle of Plum Sauce
Dash of Rice Wine Vinegar
Cook the potstickers according to the package, making sure to add a run in the skillet to crisp them nicely.
Mix a little bit of rice wine vinegar in with plum sauce to taste.
Toss the salad and the potstickers and serve.
The potstickers can be purchased in large bags at Costco for $10, but I like the ones at Trader Joe's. Plan on 2-4 potstickers per person depending on appetite, but be aware it's much more filling than you think.
The Kitchen Sink Interview and Yakezie Roundup
This Monday we're interviewing the Aloysa from The Kitchen Sink. Aloysa writes on a wide variety of topics at her blog, everything including "the kitchen sink." After reading our interview, why don't you head on over to The Kitchen Sink to check out our favorite post of the week, 9 Simple Tips to Cut Your Electric Bill.
1. What blog/website do you read most often?
There are so many great blogs out there that naming just one is impossible. Here is just a few that I try to read every day:
I can go on and on… I should stop here. J
2. What made you start writing? Particularly in personal finance?
I started writing a long time ago. I started three novels and never finished them. Later, I wrote a short story and attempted to publish it unsuccessfully in literary magazines. When writing novels and short stories did not work out for me, I turned to blogging. Blogging offers one of the best features - interaction with readers. That, in turn, provides an instant gratification. I am really impatient person, so I need that.
I blog about a lot of stuff including personal finance. Personal finance is a very interesting and intriguing topic because it lets you as a writer write your personal story from financial perspective.
3. What is your favorite post that you've written and why?
My favorite post is Investing Fiasco or Reminiscences On The Past. This post is about my grandfather who was quite an adventurer. He explored personal finance on his own terms and always had some advanced ideas that never worked out due to the historical settings. I am planning to write more about him. He was surrounded by quite a few mysteries that I am planning on exploring.
4. As an accountant that likes health and fitness, what correlation do you see between personal health and financial health?
You definitely can draw some correlations between these two subjects. However, I prefer not to because I personally know people who are extremely fit, but their finances require a lot of work. And vice versa. I do, however, agree that both personal health and financial health have the same common denominators such as discipline, determination and prioritization.
5. How do you feel about frugality in today's society?
I think that it is very difficult to be frugal in our consumerist culture. We all should evaluate needs vs. wants and spend wisely. It is easier said than done. I am an emotional shopper so being frugal is really hard for me. I try my best to have a balanced lifestyle and sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. You know what helps me? Reading personal finance blogs.
6. Do you have a favorite cheap eat to share?
I am not a cook in the family. My husband is an amazing cook. I probably should ask him for some recipes. Other than that what we like to do is to hit happy hour at our favorite sushi bar. Most of the rolls are half price and they are delicious. People, explore happy hours more!
7. Do you have a favorite money saving tip or practice that you use?
I am working really hard on two things: spend less than we make and pay ourselves first. What really helps is to have a direct deposit into an on-line account that is not easily accessible. It makes me think twice, do I really want to transfer money to checking account.
8. Looking back on your financial life, if you had to do it all over again, is there any one thing you'd like to do over? Or one thing you believe was a pivotal moment?
The most pivotal moment was when I got my first credit card and excitedly started charging it up to the limit. It took me about eight years to stop piling up debt and start paying it back. I wish I would not have used credit cards irresponsibly. I wish I would not get addicted to shopping. I wish I would realize my spending problems sooner.
9. And just for fun, if you could be any superhero based on their alter ego, what would you be? (Because we all know Peter Parker and Clark Kent spent more time as themselves than walking around as superheroes.)
That’s a huge question. My knowledge of American superheroes is not that broad. Most superheroes that I know are Superman, Batman, Spider Man and… that’s pretty much it. I am not indestructible, I am not a vigilante and I know nothing about being a photographer for a newspaper. And what’s up with those superheroes anyway? Why do they need their alter ego? Why can’t they be heroes all the time? J
For other good reading around the network, check out:
Staying Healthy With Little Means
by Andi B.
We interrupt this regularly scheduled blog to bring you the flu. I absolutely hate getting sick. I've always been one of those disgustingly lucky people who don't get sick often, but when I do, it's usually 102 degree fevers, mild delirium, and seeming zombieism. There are ways to take care of yourself when you're on a budget. (Some are even free!)
Step 1: Know the signs to catch it early on. I really should've known better when I've woken up with a sore throat for the past three days, and my joints were aching yesterday. I dismissed it as part of the weather change.
Step 2: Build your defenses. My Dad always advised the "ACE" program. At the first tickle of the throat, the first sign of illness, he would start taking recommended doses of vitamins "A," "C," and "E." He would also start drinking orange juice like it was going out of style.
Step 3: Stay warm. You don't have to blast your heater (and I'm sure your family doesn't want to live in a sweatlodge) but putting on extra layers is wise.
Step 4: Know when to call in the experts. The last time I got a really major flu, I moved back in with my mom for a week. I vaguely remember writing down my Kaiser Insurance # and handing it to her, telling her if my fever didn't break by nightfall to please take me to the hospital. Recently, my grandmother's flu creeped into her lungs and became pneumonia. While I don't personally believe in bothering the doctor with each new sniffle, sometimes you need to go to the professionals.
Step 5: Make your health a daily priority. Eating more nutritious food is often more important than eating "more food." Keeping any amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet is essential.
Step 6: A tribute to my mom and her "Jewish Penicillin." I don't just mean my mom's hugs; my mom makes great chicken soup when we're sick. She makes her own chicken stock, throws in fresh veggies, some egg noodles or matzo balls, and everything's better. Scientist's even agree.
Step 7: Get more rest. 'nuff said.
And with that I leave you. I'm going to take my chills away from the computer and back to bed. Stay healthy.
Tightwad Meal: Chicken Scampi
This week's tightwad meal can easily feed 4-6. It's my cheap, fast version of shrimp scampi.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast - $2.99/lb.
Red, Yellow, Green Pepper - All three for $3.99
Onion - $1
Pasta - $0.99
Butter - Negligible/Pantry
Garlic Powder - Negligible/Pantry
Salt & Pepper - Negligible/Pantry
White Wine - Optional
Parmesan - Optional
Dice 1/2 onion, red, yellow, and green peppers.
Slice Chicken into 1/2 inch strips.
Start water boiling for pasta.
Sautee the onion and peppers until golden brown.
Add butter and garlic.
Add chicken and continue to sautee.
Add more butter, garlic, and optional white wine to create sauce.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Drain pasta and serve.
Enjoy!
Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Interview and Yakezie Roundup
This Monday we're interviewing the Barbara Friedberg from BarbaraFriedbergPersonalFinance.com. Ms. Friedberg is a highly trained, accredited, and experienced adviser who's goal is to help people handle their money efficiently and effectively. After reading our interview, why don't you head on over to BarbaraFriedbergPersonalFinance.com to check out her story and our favorite BFPF post of the week, Good Debt.
1. What blog/website do you read most often?
Definitely, Yakezie.com. That network has done more for my blogging presence than anything else. I am in debt to the network and want to contribute as much as possible.
2. What made you start writing? Particularly in personal finance?
I have a lot to say about personal finance. In addition to investing for many years, working as a portfolio manager, and MBA professor, I am passionate about financial literacy. I thought writing a blog was a good way to offer reputable financial information in a fun and informative fashion. My hope is to distribute this information to help those without access to strong financial models.
3. What is your favorite post that you've written and why?
Ten Steps You Must Take Before You Begin an Investing Program. It's a synopsis of basic smart money behaviors.
4. What was the most savvy financial habit your family instilled in you?
Delay gratification. Realize that buying everything you want immediately leads to disharmony and lack of wealth.
5. How do you feel about frugality in today's society?
I hope it continues past the recession. I believe moderation and "smart spending" leads to contentment and self satisfaction.
6. What is the most important personal finance education for young students?
Pay yourself first. With any money you earn or receive, dedicate a portion to saving.
Spend on things and experiences that YOU value, not on what your friends think is important.
7. Do you have a favorite money saving tip or practice that you use?
Eat out infrequently, and when we do, really appreciate and enjoy the experience! Make it an OCCASION, not something to take for granted.
8. Looking back on your financial life, if you had to do it all over again, is there any one thing you'd like to do over? Or one thing you believe was a pivotal moment?
NO, because even my mistakes and missteps make me who I am today.
9. And just for fun, if you could be any superhero based on their alter ego, what would you be? (Because we all know Peter Parker and Clark Kent spent more time as themselves than walking around as superheroes.)
BATGIRL- Helping others!!!
For other good reading around the network, check out:
The Most Expensive Bottle of Wine Ever Sold. Would You Drink It? at Smart On Money (Hell's yeah I would.)
Don't Even Think About Making Money On the Side. Your Friends and Family Will Resent You at The Extra Money Blog
Video: Cheap Holiday Air Fare
by Andi B.
As it gets closer to the holiday season, travel becomes more prolific, and far more costly. CBSNewsOnline posted a video featuring Travel Editor Peter Greenberg sharing how to get some better holiday deals. It is from last year, but the principles haven't changed; airlines are still trying to gouge every fee they can, and when you fly still matters.
Other ways to keep your holiday costs down:
1. Have a virtual family dinner. Setting up skype is far more cost efficient than flying your entire family around the country. It also guarantees one-on-one time with family members that doesn't always happen in large groups.
2. Make sure driving isn't cheaper. Even weighing traffic, when your travel distance is within 8 hours driving distance, driving a family of four may cost less than flying, and may not really add extra time to your trip due to airport wait times. You also don't have to worry about your flight being canceled.
Vegas Piggybank Giveaway
Don't forget, our first ever Modern Tightwad giveaway (for the very adorable Las Vegas Piggybank) ends on Friday. To enter please follow the directions at the end of the original posting. While you do get an entry for being a subscriber, you must let us know you subscribe by commenting.
Thank you for participating; we're very excited to share this with you.
Frugal Zeitgeist Interview and Yakezie Roundup
First, we want to send our condolences to Elle at Couple Money. Her grandmother passed away, and she'll be taking a week off to spend time with her family. Next week she plans on featuring lessons her grandparents taught her, something dear to my heart. Please stop by her blog and send her love and happy thoughts.
This Monday we're interviewing the Frugal Zeitgeist himself, Forest. Forest is a Yakezie member who has written wonderful posts about traveling the world and frugality with a day-to-day edge. After reading our interview, why don't you head on over to Frugal Zeitgeist to check out our favorite post FZ post of the week, Are Rich People Really Happy?
1. What blog/website do you read most often?
My reading is now mostly within the Yakezie Personal Finance Network but of the bunch I would say I mostly read Red's awesome Girl With the Red Balloon and Kevin's Invest it Wisely.
2. What made you start writing? Particularly in personal finance?
I started with a more frugal approach as I was living very frugally and I noticed it was very popular on the day time news. Over the last few years I got more interested in personal finance and it kind of naturally happened.
3. What is your favorite post that you've written and why?
Oh that is tough! I don't think it's a magnificent piece of writing but I liked my post on my visit to Garbage City in Cairo because it chronicled a personal and touching experience.
4. How has simple living and minimalism influenced your day-to-day lifestyle?
Well I think and live frugal for the most part now and this in turn has led to a minimalist outlook that basically makes my life pretty simple. I find simple living reduces stress a lot and means I can keep calm and rarely get wound up anymore.
5. How do you feel about frugality in today's society?
Frugality is kind of popular but I don't feel people are really embracing it. In fact if they could spend $100's on a product that helped them feel more frugal then they probably would. It completely misses the point! With so many gadgets and distractions and ways to throw or money away it's hard to leave that mind set away but myself and many other awesome bloggers are a testament that it can be done.
6. Do you have a favorite cheap eat to share?
At home it has to be homemade pasta sauce. I spread this on homemade flat bread with some cheese and have an awesome quick pizza.
Eating out I love a dish called Koshari here in Egypt. Koshari costs about $0.40 for a nice sized portion and is a carb fest of pasta, rice, lentils and tomato sauce with fried onions chick peas and spicy chilli sauce. It's awesome!
7. Do you have a favorite money saving tip or practice that you use?
Learn to cook and cut out drinking. Simple really!
8. Looking back on your financial life, if you had to do it all over again, is there any one thing you'd like to do over? Or one thing you believe was a pivotal moment?
I screwed up badly when I signed up to loans for close relatives. I am still paying for that debt and if I could I would reverse that. But my good money habits came from the payments making me live frugal and now I have these skills for life. When that debt is completely squashed I can only see a life of prosperity and no money worries ahead.
9. And just for fun, if you could be any superhero based on their alter ego, what would you be? (Because we all know Peter Parker and Clark Kent spent more time as themselves than walking around as superheroes.)
I'd like to be Bicycle Repair Man as he is Superman in his normal day to day life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U01xasUtlvw&feature=related .
For other good reading around the network, check out:
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