"I am very taken by Ariane's concept and the philosophy of the website. In any case, I just loved the idea and am glad to chance upon it while reading Oprah." -Marion
Read More Testimonials»

Our Frugal Living Experts

Joanne Heim

Joanne Heim

Author of Living Simply: Choosing Less in a World of More

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Gary Foreman

Gary Foreman

Editor and publisher of The Dollar Stretcher Newsletter

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Melissa Tosetti

Melissa Tosetti

Editor and publisher of Budget Savvy magazine

Shared by First30Days View Profile»

Meet all of our Finances Experts»

News

The latest news on this change — carefully culled from the world wide web by our change agents. They do the surfing, so you don't have to!

Tips From a Recessionista

Tips From a Recessionista

Unless you’re living in a cave somewhere in, I don’t know, rural Alaska, far, far from civilization, you’ve probably noticed that our economy is in the tank. And despite last week’s presidential election of Barack Obama and his message of change and hope, it will take some time before things stabilize and we’re back on track.

In the meantime, many of us are choosing to embrace our inner recessionistas, shunning the big-budget shopping sprees and pricey meals out that we may have enjoyed in the past in favor of clothing swaps and cozy dinner parties in. But quaint as all that sounds, it isn’t always easy to go from spendista to recessionista, to save for a rainy day instead of splurging on a cute, new pair of Wellies the second we spot anything less than clear blue skies. Luckily, our dear friend Wendy at The Frisky has some awesome tips for getting over the hump, like writing a budget, editing your wardrobe and beauty routine and how to get the most you can, secondhand.  Who knows? You might actually use these tips even after the tide turns. After all, it pays to live frugally always.

How are you becoming more of a recessionista? Share your own tips!

Posted: 11/13/08
carlabeau

Maybe we can start a group swap? I know my daughter likes designer bags, uses them for 6 months then is done with them. We even have a Versace top that when we were really DUMB, paid entirely too much for. I wear it once a year.

runnindownadream

I'm kind of sad about this whole Recessionista thing. I've been shopping at thrift stores my whole life because I like to find cheap, unique stuff. Now it seems like everyone is shopping there :( Oh well. The more, the merrier, right?

LauraLee311

We do lots of movie nights and game nights at friends' houses now.