Well, hello there, and welcome!  If you wish you could slow down and simplify things, connect more with friends and family, quiet the noise of modern life, raise creative and self-sufficient kids — and save some money — you’ve come to the right place. I am doing all of these things, and I love to share them with you.

The world has gotten way too complicated and frenetic. It’s a constant battle to keep our houses uncluttered, our schedules free, and our minds at ease. Living frugally can solve all of these problems, and more.

What Does Frugal Mean?

Frugal living does not mean depriving ourselves, only buying the cheapest products, or never spending money on European chocolate or that crystal chandelier. It means being careful with our money so we can afford what we really love.

You Won’t Find These Things Here

Even though this website is about saving money, I don’t write about coupons, deals, or freebies. Shopping and bargain-hunting might be fun (OK, they are fun), but they perpetuate the cycle of buying and tossing, and distract us from our true calling.

Slowing Down, Raising Curious Kids, and Saving Money

I cover all kinds of topics — from budget travel and simple recipes to saving strategies and happiness boosters — but something that is close to my heart is slow parenting.

I think that under-scheduling children and providing lots of screen-free time encourages kids to expand their imaginations. Home-grown enrichment, like reading and climbing trees, is free and gives my kids space to rest and dream.

I’m also teaching my children life skills — how to clean, cook, take care of each other and themselves — and I’m giving them baby steps of freedom so they can work up to navigating the world with confidence.

We Can Have it All

Life is a constant balancing act of enjoying the moment and thinking ahead. We want to be disciplined and do the right thing, but we also want to squeeze the dickens out of this gorgeous life.

The good news is we can do both. My mission at Frugal Mama is to help you find the fun in saving money, so that living frugally becomes one and the same as living well.

Come Along with Me

Are you with me?  Excellent!  Here are some places to explore next:

Read a little more about who I am, and poke around on the blog.  Check out my all-time most popular post, and sign up to get my once-a-month blog post in your inbox.

Hope to meet you in the comments!