The Internet is full of money saving sites that can offer tips and tricks to help you start the path to a more frugal lifestyle. For example:
- Informational websites or e-zines that publish articles on a weekly, monthly, or bimonthly basis
- Informal blogs from people who are chronicling their efforts to reduce their debt and save money
- Chat rooms and message boards that offer a chance to talk with frugal people from around the world
Regardless of the website's format, however, most of the topics covered remain the same. Comparison shopping, clipping coupons, trimming your utility bills, and cooking inexpensive yet nutritious meals are among the most common areas of discussion for money saving sites.
Finding Money Saving Sites Online
The Dollar Stretcher, Better Budgeting, Living on a Dime, Frugal Village, and Frugal Mom are very popular online money saving resources.
The Dollar Stretcher
The Dollar Stretcher is devoted to helping visitors live better for less. This useful website features a collection of articles on topics such as reducing debt, slashing grocery bills, and cutting child care expenses. There are also a number of articles about living in a one-income family and finding ways to earn extra money from the comfort of your own home. New articles are added regularly and the site's archives are relatively easy to navigate.
Better Budgeting
Better Budgeting is a popular money saving e-zine that has been seen in Newsweek, Women's World, and Women's Day articles on frugal living. Better Budgeting's collection of articles debates topics such as using cloth diapers, finding bargains at yard sales, and planning thrifty family vacations. If you wish, you can choose to sign up for the site's monthly newsletter.
Living on a Dime
Living on a Dime is the brainchild of Tawra Jean Kellam and Jill Cooper, authors of the Dining on a Dime cookbook. Their site offers a collection of tips about budgeting, homemaking, and frugal living. You'll find ideas for economical meals as well as tips for inexpensive family activities and debt- free holidays. You can also listen to the authors' radio interviews, order frugal living e-books, or read their blog.
Frugal Village
Frugal Village is an online community for anyone interested in getting "back to basics" and living a more frugal lifestyle. This site features articles on economical cooking, beauty, crafts, dates, and games. Whether you're interested in learning more about scooping up bargains at garage sales or keeping your pantry stocked with affordable foods, this is the site for you. As an added bonus, Frugal Village has a number of blogs and forums that offer personal perspectives on reducing debt and saving money.
Frugal Mama
Frugal Mama bills itself as a place to find fun in saving money and living simply and frugally. You'll find tips for frugal cooking as well as how to save money on your tech needs, travel, entertainment and more. The site is neatly organized by topics and very easy to navigate.
A Word of Caution
While online money saving resources can be a great way to learn how to reduce everyday expenses and brush up on your bargain shopping skills, it's important to realize when a situation calls for professional advice.
For example, if you're in serious financial trouble and thinking of declaring bankruptcy, it's best to seek the assistance of a credit counselor or financial planner who can help you understand all of your available options. The information you find online can be useful, but it's no substitute for qualified expert opinion.
