Many Mississippians face season’s grievings
The “Holiday Stress Index” shows 90 percent of us experience some level of stress and/or anxiety about the holiday season. The poll did offer something of a bright spot: Only 38 percent of Americans say the economy will saddle them with more stress and anxiety this holiday season than last.

Read more on The Clarion-Ledger

Shopper’s quandary: which bag to choose
THE VILLAGES — Paper or plastic? Traditionally, that is the question shoppers are asked, but the question is becoming less and less common as more retailers, and shoppers, are looking to more Earth-friendly, reusable shopping bags.

Read more on The Villages Daily Sun

Accolades for Solanco’s athletic director
Since the fall of 1996, the challenges have grown and the athletic facilities have expanded at Solanco School District.And through it all, athletic director Dan Baughman has been instrumental as a guiding force to the direction of the high school sport’s programs.This fall, the Lancaster-Lebanon…

Read more on Lancaster Online

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Being frugal and happy isn’t something society usually puts together. Frugality seems to bring up images of great sacrifice. We think of the miser who lived in poverty only for others to find millions saved after the miser passes away. What was the use?

Frugal living isn’t necessarily what you may think it is. Frugal people live very happy lives. They find happiness in meeting goals, reducing their financial burdens and living stress free.

How happy can you be when you are drowing in debt and struggling to make ends meet? You aren’t living frugally, but you aren’t happy either.

The frugal person often sees each step towards being debt-free or early retirement as a great success. They don’t focus on that sweater they didn’t buy or that new car they aren’t driving. They focus on having spending money left over at the end of the month. They focus on the things that really matter.

Frugality is also a great challenge. You get to be very creative with your money and the way you live. Many people love moving from one thing to another, looking at the way to cut costs for each category. For example, you’ve cut your utilties, now what about your groceries or gasoline consumption?

The goal is what keeps the frugal person going. The daily victories and challenges keep them interested. The penny saved keeps them adding it all up. And the debt free life keeps them stress free.

Imagine a life where you have no debts to pay. All you have are your living expenses. Think about having two thousand extra dollars a month. Dollars that aren’t already spent before you make them. Think about retiring early to do something you enjoy instead of something you have to do. Think about following your dreams. Think about having money left over each month.

Frugality will get you there. Now wouldn’t that make you happy?

Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier and Healthier for

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To act like the rich, be frugal
Most millionaires drive Toyotas and live in homes valued under $300,000.

Read more on Bankrate.com via Yahoo! Finance

Gift Guide 2009: Presents for Every Personality
The Beacon staff goes shopping … CREATIVE Old Wood Signs – You’ve probably seen these faux-vintage signs somewhere in the Flathead, and wondered how they remained so well preserved before realizing they aren’t really that old. The signs are, however, a great way to add some “Mad Men”-style flair to your mountain home, with something for every interest, be it water skiing Flathead Lake ($105 …

Read more on Flathead Beacon

Electronics soar; clothing, luxury stumble in Nov.
Electronics sellers and online merchants thrived in November, particularly on Black Friday, but clothing and luxury merchants struggled, according to estimates released Wednesday.

Read more on AP via Yahoo! News

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I think I am too cheap about spending money. When do you considered crazy cheap and what is acceptable in terms of spending your money, like what to put away for retirement for stuff?

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