My Money Story – The Twenties

True Confessions
I managed to extricate myself from the “foster family” at the age of 21.  Basically I went to work one morning, the day before Thanksgiving, and never returned. After living with my boss and his wife for a couple of months, I moved into a trailer park that was the least expensive I could find. I was very frugal. I spent hardly any money on extraneous items. I was very tight with my money. I donated to my church, I… Read the rest

How Often Do You Buy Clothes?

budget
Frugal Babe posted yesterday about buying clothing. She mentioned Well Heeled, who is on a mission to not buy clothing for six months. Luckily for me, that's never been much of a problem. I actually dislike clothes shopping. In 2000, when I started working in an office setting for the first time in seven years, of course I had nothing appropriate to wear. I went through a program sponsored by the state which helped me buy a new wardrobe. I… Read the rest

My Money Story – The Teen Years

True Confessions
When I was sixteen, I was sent to live with another family. Within 6 months they found a job for me and I was expected to give my entire paycheck. I wanted to help, so I did it with little resentment. One day I tried to keep back five dollars and was promptly punished – emotionally – which taught me to never try that again. The punishment was this: when the mother discovered I'd kept out a few dollars, she… Read the rest

How People Manage Credit

Balance Transfer Saga, credit cards
Paid Twice discusses the reasons why she keeps her credit cards on her. I do carry one credit card, but I never use it. I have a slew of credit cards in a drawer. Back in September, I ordered my credit scores. It was great to see all my open accounts in a list. I plan to get around to going through that list and closing a couple of accounts each month. Although I think I've heard that can hurt… Read the rest