Shawanda Greene | You Have More Than You Think

The Purpose of an Emergency Fund. Hint: It's Not What You Think

June 9, 2009 By Shawanda Greene 4 Comments

I was talking to a friend today about the difference between an emergency fund and a sinking fund. She heard the term “sinking fund” on The Dave Ramsey Show so she called me up to ask if I’ve ever heard of one. Well, I listen to The Dave Ramsey Show too, and if I remember [...]

Get Over Yourself. You're Overpaid.

June 5, 2009 By Shawanda Greene 3 Comments

I don’t know if it’s arrogance, ignorance, or entitlement, but I often hear my fellow citizens exclaim the value of their time. When faced with a task they find unpleasant, they opt to pay someone to do it for them. In many cases, this is perfectly acceptable. However, I find a lot of people’s estimation [...]

The Case for Frugality

May 28, 2009 By Shawanda Greene 25 Comments

I’ve been told by a few people to stop being cheap. It’s interesting that every person who has told me that has a lower net worth than me. They don’t seem to understand the purpose of being frugal. I think they believe I enjoy self deprivation and sacrifice. There are probably a few of you [...]

6 Simple Ways to Outsmart the Credit Card Companies

May 23, 2009 By Shawanda Greene 3 Comments

During my never ending quest for knowledge, I stumbled upon an audio book at my local library by Kevin Trudeau titled Debt Cures “They” Don’t Want You to Know About. The “they” Mr. Trudeau refers to is the consumer lending industry. I’m all for Americans gaining their financial independence and getting out of all kinds [...]

4 Ways to Save Money

May 23, 2009 By Shawanda Greene 2 Comments

There seem to be an infinite number of frugal living tricks to save money, but I want to share some basic principles I adopted to pay off $25,000 of debt and save up a 3 month emergency fund in 13 months. The best way to save money is to not spend it.

Special Post: No One Cares About Your Problems

May 23, 2009 By Shawanda Greene 1 Comment

This morning I cried. I cried because I was given the bad news that my precious corduroy jacket could not be found at the establishment I visited last night. Guilt overwhelmed me when I realized I should’ve just paid the $10 to reenter the parking garage so that I could retrieve my jacket before somebody [...]

How to Cut Cable Costs (Part 2)

May 23, 2009 By Shawanda Greene 1 Comment

My 27 inch tube television isn’t beckoning me to install cable. I only use it to watch DVDs. If I had a mega TV then maybe I’d get the urge to subscribe to cable so that I could enjoy all of its awesome high definition qualities. Since I’m saving up for a down payment on [...]

How to Cut Cable Costs (Part 1)

May 23, 2009 By Shawanda Greene 1 Comment

At the beginning of my career, I made a pact with myself that after two raises as a full-time, professional, I’d splurge on basic cable. I made the plunge a couple years into my professional career and signed up for a cable subscription. A year hadn’t passed before the relationship cable and I shared ended [...]