Frugal Isn't Cheap by Levison, Clare K. -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Acknowledgements Contents Foreword Introduction 1 • Living Well on Less

A lesson in finance from my personal trainer Find your frugal side Make frequent use of the words “I’d rather” It’s about your mind, not your money Surround yourself with positive people

2 • Less Spending, More Balancing

A lesson in budgeting from a tyrannical toddler Create a balanced budget using “I have to” and “I’d rather” Trim your budget Use online banking to implement your budget Be assertive about your budget Staying on budget during the holidays A word about Christmas

3 • Getting Out of Debt

A lesson in debt from Sharon Lechter Use credit cards wisely Check and repair your credit report

4 • Save, Save, and Save Some More

A lesson in savings from my golf pro The savings challenge: 20 percent The three-phase savings plan Other savings opportunities

5 • Creating an Investment Plan That Works for You

A lesson in investing from my two alpacas The importance of financial education Put the “I” back in investing 401(k)s and IRAs Employee Stock Purchase Plans and stock trading accounts Real estate

6 • How to Make Those Large Purchases Work

A lesson in home buying from my days at the lake The key to a solid home investment: differentiation Being realistic when buying a home The 15-year mortgage Buying a vehicle Vacations Everything is negotiable

7 • What Is Net Worth, and Why Should You Care?

A lesson in net worth from Thomas Jefferson What Thomas Jefferson and MC Hammer have in common The nuts and bolts of net worth Your greatest asset, your greatest liability

8 • Income: a Crucial Part of the Financial Equation

A lesson in income from my chicken farming days Detrimental career profiles Network Your spouse’s income Alternative ways to increase your income

9 • Wanting to Be Rich Doesn’t Make You Evil

A lesson about the quest from corporate America Money: The root of all evil? Using money for charity Charity begins at home Volunteer: give your time instead of your money Donating small dollars Donating larger dollars

10 • What You Should Teach Your Children

A lesson about children from a Disney princess Should your children know how much you have? Plant the seed of frugality Allowances, budget money, and paying for grades Keeping up with the Joneses, college style Set a good example

11 • Achieving Financial Success

The simple formula Commit to the mental shift Incorporate change into your daily life Put it all together Live better

Notes Index About the Author