Evolving Personal Finance » frugality
Moto X from Republic Wireless Review
I received my Moto X over a month ago so I thought it was high time to tell you what I think of the hardware and to review Republic Wireless’s new service options. I signed up with Republic Wireless almost two years ago and got my first phone with them over a year ago, so I am very familiar with the service. Until last month, I used the Motorola Defy XT, but in January I upgraded … Read entire article »
Filed under: frugality
Would You Fly with Spirit Airlines?
Spirit Airlines is a discount airline that keeps its base prices low by providing only a ride from A to B and charging a la carte for every other service provided. Most of what I hear about Sprit Airlines in the media or in the blogosphere is that they are pulling a terrible bait-and-switch on their customers by luring them in with low base prices and then charging for all the services most airlines include … Read entire article »
My Inappropriate Reaction to Being Asked, “Do You Coupon?”
Last week I was standing around with a group of friends and one of them brought up my blog and asked some critical questions about my having PF as such a huge hobby, so we were chatting about those concepts. (It’s so fun to have my IRL friends know about this blog. I love connecting with them over this unusual but revealing topic.) An acquaintance that didn’t know about EPF walked up to us and … Read entire article »
Our Best (Pain-Free) Money-Saving Moves
In this post I will detail how much money we have saved (that is, not-spent) by making simple, painless changes in our life. We really haven’t given up anything by making these choices, although sometimes the workarounds can get a bit creative! I’ve ranked our choices from most money saved per year to least. Moving Closer to Work While Reducing Our Rent Two years ago, Kyle and I were living in a luxury apartment and we really … Read entire article »
Filed under: choices, credit cards, frugality, housing, luxuries, spending
Republic Wireless Graduates from Beta and Offers the Moto X
Over a year ago when I was looking for a new cell phone I heard about Republic Wireless, a company trying to offer something new in the cellular market. The main premise of Republic Wireless’s business model is that there are wireless networks all around us (especially at home and work) and we should be taking advantage of them. Most businesses these days use voice over IP (VoIP) for their telephone needs. When cell phones … Read entire article »
Making the Non-Frugal Choice: Renting a Washer and Dryer
Confession time: Kyle and I recently made a decision that is antithetical to our usual frugal lifestyle. We are moving next week to another townhouse that has a washer and dryer hookup and the rental company gives us the option to rent a washer and dryer from them or provide our own (or go without, I guess). For an extra $20/month, we decided to rent the washer and dryer. There is, naturally, a backstory – as … Read entire article »
How to Cancel Your Cable When You’re Addicted to a Show
I have observed two kinds of cable subscribers. Some cable subscribers love TV and watch many channels many hours of the day and feel they are getting great value out of their packages. Other cable subscribers hate their high bills and don’t think that they are getting a good value on the programming they consume, but they refuse to cut the cord because they are addicted to one or more individual shows. It may be … Read entire article »
Financially Surviving Your First Month as a PhD Student
First month’s rent up front plus a security deposit. A parking permit. Textbooks. Furnishing your new place. In the first few weeks of grad school you’re hit by one expense after another. On top of that, your department expects you to start orientation (followed by classes and research) five to six weeks before getting your first paycheck! How are you supposed to swing this? The best position to be in at the time you enter grad … Read entire article »
Filed under: budgeting, credit cards, food, frugality, grad school, housing, income, spending, taxes
Married with Roommates?
Here are the parameters we’re working with: 1) Kyle will graduate as early as June or as late as September, but we’re not sure where he’ll be doing his postdoc or when he’ll start. 2) I’ll need a roommate for after Kyle moves out. 3) If Kyle has a significant period of non-employment in between graduating and starting his postdoc, my pay isn’t quite enough to cover our expenses and basic percentage-based budgeting. Since roommates are easiest to find … Read entire article »
Republic Wireless Review
Last August I told you that I signed up to get a smartphone through Republic Wireless, a new company with a different business model for providing cell services. I received my new phone in December and I thought it was high time to write a review! Go back to our previous post for more detail, but briefly: Republic Wireless utilizes available wireless internet to cut cell expenses for its customers. Customers are required to register at … Read entire article »
Filed under: frugality
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