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Ok, let's be honest. The economy is not going to get better anytime soon. The pressure on our budgets is being wracked by rising costs and lowered incomes. The traditional virtue of New England thrift is essential. All of us, will be required to design a financial regimen. One that protects our families and our homes. This isn't new. It has been done in the not too distant past. We can and will do it.

Of course, the Frugal Yankee has a few pointers to help you. It is the ABCs of Frugality. The first step is relatively easy, but in its simplicity lies the core of smart planning. Here then, are 8 simple rules to spending less and enjoying life.


A. GET THE DATA  Read more »

Have you reached that age when you're considering a will or even have one? Did you consider your digital world? Many people don't and when it comes time for their heirs to poke around your files, they may never be able to access all the info they'll need to process the estate.

Naturally there are services out there that can help. All you have to do is google "digital account help" and a bunch will pop up.

Yet essentially it gets down to something simple. Make sure all your assets have a clear and easy to find road map. Sometimes drawing up that map may be difficult, so the frugal Yankee suggests you start keeping track of everything in a small notebook. Then transfer all that information into a document. Another trick is to have a special place on your computer for all passwords and accounts. As you change their particulars, change it in your 'special place' as well.

Perhaps you have some tips you'd like to share on this topic? Please do.

Thanks for stopping by.

Credit card companies are not my favorite capitalistic entities. They promote a better life style, charge outrageous rates, take advantage of the disadvantaged, corrupt the political process and hurt far too many people. They are bottom feeders who are no better than a thuggish street corner loan shark. If credit card companies could break your leads for non-payment, they would. What makes credit card companies indistinguishable from many other avaricious companies is when things go wrong, they use words to pave over their short comings. They attempt to make it sound innocuous.

This past week Visa and MasterCard revealed that data has recently experienced 'unauthorized access'.'Less than 1.5 million' credit card holders information had been misappropriated by illegal means. And, glory be, the 'incident had been contained'. Read more »