I have $300. Do I buy a stand mixer, or dump it into my savings account? This is more about the principles of frugality/growing up than the specific item. [more inside]
posted by itesser on Nov 16, 2012 - 42 answers

Hey Mefites! Please help me become more financially responsible. I don't think I live particularly extravagantly but I don't even know how to start budgeting. I live pretty much paycheck to paycheck. I feel really bad about this, and could do with some ideas about how to build up a money-tracking and budgeting plan from scratch. [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 on Feb 29, 2012 - 26 answers

Personal Finance and budgeting 101 for the low income world traveler. [more inside]
posted by slartibartfast on Dec 28, 2011 - 15 answers

Friend is trying to cut costs in her budget. Does anyone know a website that's as comprehensive and easy-to-use as MyFoodDiary.com, but doesn't cost $9 a month? [more inside]
posted by ®@ on Apr 28, 2011 - 17 answers

Special snowflake budget filter: I tracked my spending in 2010, how can I improve my budget for 2011? [more inside]
posted by gillianr on Jan 4, 2011 - 14 answers

I like Mint.com and I want to use it. My wife, she disagrees. This has caused some consternation. Maybe you can help. [more inside]
posted by kbanas on Nov 10, 2010 - 45 answers

Self-employed types with variable monthly incomes: how do you set up and stick to a monthly spending budget? [more inside]
posted by El Curioso on Aug 30, 2010 - 7 answers

Looking for software or an app that will allow me to track expenses via SMS, but that will also allow me to track how much money is left in my account. [more inside]
posted by reenum on Aug 23, 2010 - 3 answers

Please help me find financial management software that both (1) keeps data in sync when used on multiple devices and, (2) works offline. [more inside]
posted by Vorteks on Apr 22, 2010 - 10 answers

Household-budgeting-filter: how can I determine how much "wiggle room" or safety margin will be needed to cover unexpected expenses? How much do you allow, and has it been sufficient? [more inside]
posted by yersinia on May 11, 2009 - 15 answers

I'm looking for thoughts on whether I should lock-in a heating oil rate of 3.79 for the season. [more inside]
posted by madamjujujive on Oct 1, 2008 - 11 answers

Asking for a friend: She will be going to Thailand to teach students mostly from Burma and needs some advice. [more inside]
posted by gauchodaspampas on Feb 22, 2007 - 3 answers