Okay. I’ll get right to the point. It’s hot. Darn hot. And expensive. If you’re a slightly detail-oriented (i.e. anal) frugalite like me, you already know from tracking your monthly electricity expenditures that the seasonal peaks typically come in January/February and July/August. [ ... ]
Today’s topic is what might be an unfamiliar word “freeganism.” It’s pronounced like the word “veganism” (VEE-gan-ism) in English, and is similar in origin. Simply put, freeganism is a brand of anticonsumerist culture where by practitioners strive to “minimi [ ... ]
Frugality is really about the basics: living below our means every day. And what better way to do that than through saving money at Japanese supermarkets? Today, I’ll introduce six little-known shopping secrets that are guaranteed to slash your bills! Did you know that: 1) Large-scale supermar [ ... ]
So, it’s now almost April, which in Japan means: time for the new school year and fiscal year to start. Before our son was born, I had little appreciation for just how expensive this time of year can be for families, but now I know – school fees and supplies can really take a whack [...] [ ... ]
So, the new Japanese phrase for the day is: ‘dantou,’ the kanji for which literally mean ‘warm winter.’ That, according to the weather experts, is apparently what we are enjoying in 2007. You’ve probably seen the shocking pictures on the evening news: cherry blossom bud [ ... ]
I’ve had some major life changes in the last two-and-a-half years: quitting a job, starting a company, major cross-country move, and a new baby (now toddler!). I’ve also made a few steps in my own frugal journey: surviving the lean months with little income during my maternity leave, des [ ... ]
We mustn’t forget to tell you about our own mailing list — and the reason the Frugal Japan website exists! The Frugal Japan mailing list allows members to discuss savings and low-cost lifestyle hints unique to Japan. Members are encouraged to offer their own tips, and discuss other issu [ ... ]
http://www.stretcher.com [ ... ]
Looking to travel within Japan, or hosting guests from overseas? Why not experience a night at a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) or guest house? However, finding and reserving these accommodations can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you don’t speak Japanese. Well, Jeff Aasgaard in Kawan [ ... ]
Insurance has to be one of the most confusing topics for long-term foreign residents in Japan, but is a necessary one to understand. The Life Insurance Association of Japan website gives an English language overview of the Japanese life insurance industry, which might be helpful for those looking in [ ... ]