Brenda W. Hargroves

This post is longer than my usual renderings but worth the read. We often consider frugality and saving synonymous. As a Frugalista, I’m all for hacks that promote less spending. However, I wish to suggest that these terms are not the same. Frugality is simply one step in the saving process. Frugal people: 🚗 Buy high-quality used cars and keep up the maintenance 🛍️ Purchase with intention and use forever 📝 Shop with a list and buy generic whenever possible 🎟️ Take adva

Everything is presented in lists these days. 😎 I was pleasantly surprised that the first three items on a list of lessons for kids before they turn 18 were related to financial literacy. The items? Read a pay stub without guessing Set up direct deposit and know FDIC basics Handle teen taxes However, boys and girls should learn financial literacy skills long before they get their first real jobs. Children have to handle money throughout their lives, so it benefits them

I recently spent three weeks with a woman I’ve been friends with for almost 50 years. She’s the friend you can drop in for an extended visit without feeling guilty because her home feels like your home. Although we are that close, we live distinctly different lives. She owns a huge home in an urban city dwelling. I live in a one-bedroom apartment in a small Florida town. She and her husband have been married for almost thirty years. I became a widow in my late 40s. She comes

I read an article by Aliza Kelly that described the personality of a Gemini. I’m not into zodiac characteristics, but I have to say, some of her listed traits hit home. These observances, in particular, are so me. “…constantly juggling a variety of passions, hobbies, careers, and friend groups.” “… have short attention spans and are most satisfied when they can move fluidly from one idea to the next.” “…must remember to be thoughtful with their words.” Maybe not the friend

Every source of financial advice suggests the critical need for an emergency fund. But let’s be real. It's hard to start an emergency fund when your earnings disappear as fast as they’re deposited. The income you receive today must immediately answer yesterday's bill. How can you save when everything is an emergency? This topic reminds me of a workshop I once attended called, “How To Save A Dollar When You Don’t Have A Dime To Spare.” Interesting, huh? Saving Starts Here I

Cheap and frugal: two traits that are often confused. Let’s use me as an example to demonstrate the difference. Embracing frugality allows you to live a wealthy life without being cheap . I am a frugal person. My mantra throughout adulthood and into retirement has been based on maintaining a budget and living within my means. I save when I can, which allows me to spend on my needs and wants . Practicing frugality doesn’t always mean sacrificing. I eat out, take vacations, i

I haven’t addressed my writer’s journey for several months, and lately I’ve been thinking about how this journey has progressed. So here we are. The accomplishments I’ve achieved during my six years as an author/coach include: the honor of having one of my short stories published on a literary journal’s website and an essay included in a published anthology won an expenses-paid scholarship to a writer’s retreat and an award for best first chapter published 87 posts on my #Lit