Fundamentally Frugal

by Sara Conklin

172 pages

My Mother got me this book for Christmas this year, and it immediately jumped to the top of my TBR. I had quit my job for health reasons, and was quickly running out of cushion, and would be needing to return to the work force far sooner than I was hoping. I've never thought of myself as a money spender, but I didn't exactly pinch pennies either. For the most part, I lived within my means. Occasionally there'd be a purchase that made the bank account whimper a little, but nothing crazy. Then, we bought a house. Home ownership is amazing, but it can be costly, and it seemed like for a good six month stretch, we were just hemorrhaging money. So, I was doing everything in my power to cut expenses, build side hustles, and just live as inexpensively as possible.

Enter Frozen Pennies, and Fundamentally Frugal, by Sara Conklin. I found her YouTube channel first, and started watching. Three videos in, I had her book on my Wishlist. Sara focuses mostly on women over 50, and the transition through retirement, and while I'm not quite there yet, this is still all good information. I haven't exactly led a "planning for my future" kind of life.

Having grown up with not a lot of money, some of the stuff Sara talks about, I already knew. Shopping sales, thrifting, using leftovers to make creative new meals, making coffee at home, brown bagging, etc, but then there was stuff I didn't know either, or stuff that no one had ever explained to me before. First, Sara does an amazing job of talking through the difference between being frugal, being thrifty, and being cheap. Let me just say... don't be cheap. There's also an entire chapter discussing the types of investments you can make with your retirement. I had no idea there were options... I thought I just had the retirement I got through my job, and since I was vested, I had it till I retired. She absolutely stresses the importance of meeting with a licensed financial advisor, which, The Hubs and I clearly need to do, but gives a good overview and starter information on what some of your options might be. She talks over insurance, and also stresses the importance of insurance, and making sure you've got the right type for you and yours. There's an entire chapter on kids, and bringing them up to be frugally minded and financially secure. This particular chapter didn't pertain to me, but I now have knowledge for my friends' kids.

All-in-all, I highly recommend this book as a starting place for anyone looking to take control of their finances. It's the perfect combination on personal anecdotes, and advice based on real life experience and education. Don't wait for your golden years. It's never too early to start.