Smart Spending

How To Make Donations to the Relief Efforts in Japan

March 23, 2011

As everyone knows by now, Japan is suffering greatly in the aftermath of the 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck the northeast coast of the country.  An estimated 350,000 people are homeless and at least 10,000 people are dead due to the epic disaster.  Now there are fears of a nuclear crisis as Japan [...]

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Becoming a US Citizen Isn’t Cheap!

March 19, 2011

At one time or another, we all take our American citizenship for granted.  Sometimes it’s easy to forget that many people are struggling right now to become a part of the United States.  Aside from the travel costs associated with reaching the US, the process of becoming an American citizen can be quite expensive.  From [...]

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Benefits of Taking Over a Car Lease

March 14, 2011

I mentioned in a previous post that I had to say farewell to my beloved car after an unfortunate car accident.  I need a car to commute to work, and I’ve been drawn towards leasing a car for several reasons.  For starters, I don’t care a great deal about having ownership in my vehicle.  I [...]

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5 of the Most Ridiculously Expensive Board Games

March 5, 2011

Board games are a great way to have frugal fun with friends and family.  Our children particularly like Monopoly and Hand-n-Foot (a card game). While board games can provide countless hours of thrifty enjoyment, if you have the cash and desire, you can likely find a much more expensive version of your favorite cheap cardboard [...]

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Are Pawn Shops a Good Place To Buy and Sell Stuff?

February 28, 2011

You may have passed by one every day on your way to work or walking your dog and never really noticed it: the local pawn shop. Not only can you probably find many things you need and things you will never need, the local pawn shop can also serve as a great lesson in economics.  [...]

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The DoughRoller Weekly RoundUp (Blockbuster $0.40 Rentals Edition)

February 20, 2011

It’s no secret that Blockbuster is in serious trouble.  We’ve documented their actions well over the last year or so and even with some of the advantages they have over Netflix, Blockbuster was forced to file for bankruptcy a short time ago. Still trying to fight their way back, Blockbuster has teamed up with the [...]

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How To Make Free Phone Calls Online

February 12, 2011

When Skype emerged several years ago, it was all the rage.  The possibility of making free high quality phone calls excited our ultra-connected world.  Faster internet connections meant you could clearly and instantly transmit your voice from one computer to another.  Along with Skype, programs like iChat, Google Talk, and various other Messenger services emerged [...]

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5 Great Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

February 8, 2011

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.  Girlfriends and wives are eagerly awaiting their chocolates, flowers, and that romantic candlelight dinner.  Boyfriends and husbands are struggling to plan the perfect evening, waiting until the last minute to book a restaurant and cringing at the cost of it all.  We’re going to try to help you gentlemen out [...]

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The 10 Most Expensive iPhone Apps of 2010

February 5, 2011

I don’t think I’m alone when I say that I hate paying for iPhone apps.  I know it doesn’t make much sense, but I reflexively think all my digital content should be free.  I even struggled to pay $.99 for the Angry Birds app—which I admit now, was well worth the cost.  My illogical loathing [...]

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