Google has launched a new price-comparison service called Froogle.com. Just type in the name of the item you want (the more specific the better) in the query box, and Froogle will find sites selling the item on the Internet and list the prices, usually with a picture included. The “Advanced Fr [ ... ]
Mary Hunt’s Debt-Proof Living by Mary Hunt (obviously) Mary Hunt is a reformed credit card shopping addict that has discovered a simple and effective way to both pay off debts, and live life debt-free. Her books (the “Debt-Proof” series) and magazine, The Cheapskate Gazette, have b [ ... ]
The Complete Tightwad Gazette: Promoting Thrift As a Viable Alternative Lifestyle by Amy Dacyczyn At about $15, its an investment, but this huge, 700-page reference manual is filled with Amy Dacyczyn’s hand-drawn illustration and newsletters filled with frugal tips. Amy published the Tightwad [ ... ]
FreeStuff Japan (formerly Freecycle Japan) is a mailing list for people who live in Japan, or who will be moving here soon. The list can be used to post about items of any sort that members are seeking, or wish to give away, barter, or exchange for free. [ ... ]
Solveig (boergen AT ecatv.home.ne.jp), a long time resident of Niigata, Japan, and university instructor, contacted me a few months ago regarding her new business as a professional photographer. In addition to professional, Western-style portraiture, Solveig offers beautiful coffeetable photo books, [ ... ]
Smart Couples Finish Rich – 9 Steps to Creating a Rich Future for You and Your Partner by David Bach Also available in Japanese: Kashikoi Kappuru wa Saigo ni Warau A simple, though US-focused, book devoted to helping couples determine their financial personalities and plan for their future. Fo [ ... ]
All Things Frugal is a US-based web site that is a sort-of clearinghouse of “Do-it-Yourself” frugality. They offer the Pennypincher E-zine, a weekly free e-zine, and the Tightwad Tidbits, a daily free e-zine filled with tightwad tips. Some of the tips are pretty straightforward, or ̶ [ ... ]
Longtime Frugal Japan/Frugal Watch supporter Shaney Crawford recommends this hidden jewel of a hair salon in Tsukuba, a university town in Ibaraki with a large number of foreign residents. Shaney swears by Kubota-san’s excellent service and reasonable prices, and told us a bit more about J-Coo [ ... ]
Cookpad.com is a community-based, Japanese cooking website featuring tens of thousands of recipes in easy to understand Japanese, with pictures. Rate your favorite recipes or add your own to the mix – its all free. (Note that cooking from recipes is a great way to study Japanese!) [ ... ]
At certain times in one’s life or career, it becomes necessary to take an inventory of your personal strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, sometimes the encouragement or help of a professional coach can be a true motivator in achieving a personal, career, or even family goal. To help meet these [ ... ]