Hi Mand D, Why the indictment of Americans?  I have not seen anything to indicate that lack of preparation for disaster is a domestic phenomenon....

Great post, Donna.  I went to a well known college, got my degree, and have been happy working in the field I studied.  But my wife did not go to college.  Six years after marriage, she quit the work she hated and went to nursing school, and has had a great, well-paid, solid career. So when our son got out of HS, he...more

May I gently and respectfully take you to task on the Eco-Friendly argument for re-gifting?  While I don't disagree with the frugal aspect, and I suppose giving gifts from your closet could save a trip to the store, putting the environment as a main reason for re-gifting takes away from the higher ways we can save the ...more

Great article, Donna. I became totally debt-free several years ago, by becoming "appropriately frugal."  By that I mean that every spend SWMBO and I made was discussed, planned, and deliberate. And now, as we are on the flat part of the frugal behavioral curve, I relate the actions you mention to my own habits---...more

Hi Donna, I think you are right when you say that the practicality of the car free life is situational.  MLW and I own cars (all paid for, thank you), and she works less than 3 miles from home.  Church and stores are less than 2 miles away.  We walk to the store when it is nice, but usually drive.  We know folks who...more

Hi Donna, I teach the Ramsey course, and have helped folks cut up many a credit card.  But this essay gives the most sensible rundown on the rationale for having access to a credit card that I have read.  I have the same philosophy, which comes from a lifetime of business travel.  A rarely used credit card is a hand...more

Another really good profile, Donna.  Reading the other comments, I sense the idea of having a budget and deciding where your money will go is something that many do not get.  Rather, they decide what they want to do and make the numbers work after the fact.   The math works better the first way.   And what to one per...more

I got to know my Dad really well before he died a few years ago.  He grew up the youngest child of a subsistence farming family in the depression.  I had a hard time with Dad because he never wanted to throw anything away, though he had tons of stuff.   Now I am older, have made myself debt-free, and will never tak...more

Hi Donna, Great article, as usual.  I am a bit overwhelmed by the thought of buying so much STUFF!  You do great work, sweat the details, and make a great article.  Somehow I think my habits are closer to yours---look at the deals, decide my life is sufficiently complete without most of them, then spend the money jud...more