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Welcome Frugalistas!

What exactly does frugal lifestyle mean?  I believe it’s being smart and savvy in your choices. Prioritize and take control of what’s important to you and you will come out ahead.

This blog and website offers frugal tips and money saving ideas to help you live a richer life. Save money on everyday living. Start living the "Frugal Lifestyle" today.

Spend Less  • Earn More • Live Better

Understanding the Process for Generating Health Insurance Premiums

1/19/2018

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It seems like the U.S.’s healthcare crisis will continue throughout 2018, as Congress and the current administration have yet to decide whether to repeal or replace the Affordable Care Act. Recently, the Trump administration had threatened to withhold payments to health insurance companies. Reuters noted that health insurance premium fees may increase by 20 percent in 2018 if this plan follows through. If payments are terminated, it is expected that 5 percent of Americans will be living in places that have no insurer in the individual market.
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As it is, people are already dealing with expensive premiums. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services detailed the rising premium costs, citing that the average individual market premiums have more than doubled since 2013. From $2,784 per year in 2013, it soared to $5,712 in 2017, which is a 105 percent increase.
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With these alarming costs, it can be helpful to examine how health premiums are typically calculated. The Balance summarized how the costs are determined, stating that it boils down to five essential factors: age, income, family size, location, and the type of health plan. 
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Health insurance plans under Obamacare fall into four categories: Bronze plan, which offers the lowest premiums but covers the least percentage of health care costs (60 percent; Silver plan, which covers 70 percent but has higher premiums; Gold plan, which pays 80 percent and has premiums higher than Silver, and; Platinum plan, which has the most expensive premiums but accounts for 90 percent of health care expenses. These provide a skeleton on the price range of your premiums. 
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Age is then considered, and insurance companies charge higher initial premiums for older people. A person’s initial pricing will be based on the time the plan is issued. The premiums may decrease as you age.
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Health insurers also take note of where the person lives because they have to take the cost of living into consideration. Healthcare costs may be higher in some cities than in others because of the average wealth.
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The fourth factor insurers analyze is the person’s household or family size, since this helps them determine how much subsidies he or she should receive. Furthermore, some companies offer deals for couples to take plans from the same provider. Others meanwhile, give discounts if the person lives with other people over the age of 18.
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Then of course, there’s income. If a person earns significantly less than the federal poverty level, he or she is qualified for expanded healthcare, meaning he or she won’t pay for any health costs. 
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Aside from these factors, other external factors come into play. The soaring prices of prescription drugs and medical treatment for example, may force insurers to increase their premiums. The provider network is also worth evaluating. When doctors, nurses, clinicians and other practitioners charge lower rates, the premiums may also follow suit. Interestingly, the mode of payment also influences the pricing of premiums. Some companies prefer electronic funds transfer, and will provide discounts to those who use this method.
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There are some health insurers that take unconventional routes in determining premiums. Their approach may be considered rewards-based, as the patient benefits from the policies. For instance, innovative startup Health IQ veer away from the traditional, and often outdated route of assessing family history before deciding on insurance premium rates. They believe in a more data-driven approach that focuses on the lifestyle the applicant leads as they feel this ultimately impacts their life. This also enables people who live a healthy lifestyle the chance of getting lower insurance rates because they eat clean, have lower health risks and can therefore reduce the chances of incurring medical expenses. On the other hand, insurance companies may also charge higher premiums for those who smoke regularly or have chronic conditions.

As the aforementioned indicators go to show, you can save a lot of money in the long run if you invest in a healthy lifestyle. It may be intimidating at first, because people perceive eating healthily to be quite expensive. But that’s a myth, because there’s always a way to stay frugal while going making a lifestyle choice. In case you need tips, The Frugal Lifestyle previously discussed how to buy organic food while saving money.
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With so many aspects to consider, some people decide to remain uninsured. However, it’s still best to find a health plan that can offset the unbelievable costs of healthcare in case the unexpected happens. The important thing is to look for an insurer that suits your needs and preference.
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Buy Organic and Still Be Frugal

7/15/2017

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If you'd rather not consume chemical pesticides, mysterious food additives, antibiotics and GMOs — in short you'd like your food to be food and nothing else — organic is the way to go. The more frugal way (in the long run) is to grow your own food  if you have the space, whether it's an entire edible garden with fruit trees and vegetables, or a few potted herbs in your kitchen - most of us will buy vs. grow our own.

For those of us operating on a tight budget, organic foods can seem out of reach. With just a few tweaks to your shopping routine, however, high quality organic foods can appear on the menu more often. Here's some tips from Wise Bread about savvy and frugal ways to buy organic food.

Establish Organic Priority
Not all conventional produce is equally toxic. After 43,000 tests of pesticide levels in conventional produce, the Environmental Working Group concluded that consumers could reduce exposure by almost 90 percent just by shunning the 12 most contaminated foods (the "Dirty Dozen") and eating the least contaminated foods instead.

Plan Meals Using Sales Flyers
Meal planning is a great way to keep your grocery budget under control, and if you're going organic, doing so with the help of sales flyers is doubly helpful. Subscribe to email flyers from stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, and Earth Fare to plan meals that utilize the organic foods on sale that week.

Opt for Store Brands
Demand for organic foods has grown rapidly, and traditional grocery chains have taken notice. Many have launched their own brands of organic staples like milk, granola, canned goods, and spaghetti sauce, all for less than popular brands. Just be sure to always look for the USDA organic seal — otherwise it's not certified.

Warm Up to Frozen Foods
The frozen foods aisle is one of the best places to find bargains on organic fruits and vegetables. Use the freezer case to stock up on your favorite organic ingredients for baking, smoothies, soups, and side dishes, and never worry about spoilage.

Buy in Bulk and Use Buying Clubs
Specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods are no longer the only place to find organic foods. What many don't know is buying clubs like Sam's Club and Costco also carry a variety of organic produce and dry goods. They're an especially good place to by certain organic goods in bulk, which is always a cost-effective way to shop.

Practice Nose to Tail Cooking
When's the last time you roasted an entire chicken? Or bought a side of beef? Buying pre-butchered meat cuts is convenient, but costly. Buying less-processed meat, poultry, and fish can save you big time. It also provides ingredients for multiple meals with only one cooking and allows you to make your own sauces and stocks with the bones.

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21 Habits of Happy People

6/30/2017

 
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​What is true happiness? What does it mean to be "happy"? I read a great article about happiness from Spirit Science and Metaphysics. As Pharrell Williams sings.. just BE Happy!

Happiness is an aspiration that all of us share. We’ve all seen people who are always happy – even amidst agonizing life trials. I’m not saying happy people don’t feel grief, sorrow or sadness; they just don’t let it overtake their life. The following are 21 things happy people make a habit of doing:

1. Appreciate Life - Be thankful that you woke up alive each morning. Develop a childlike sense of wonder towards life. Focus on the beauty of every living thing. Make the most of each day. Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

2. Choose Friends Wisely - Surround yourself with happy, positive people who share your values and goals. Friends that have the same ethics as you will encourage you to achieve your dreams. They help you to feel good about yourself. They are there to lend a helping hand when needed.

3. Be Considerate - Accept others for who they are as well as where they are in life. Respect them for who they are. Touch them with a kind and generous spirit. Help when you are able, without trying to change the other person. Try to brighten the day of everyone you come into contact with.

4. Learn Continuously - Keep up to date with the latest news regarding your career and hobbies. Try new and daring things that has sparked your interest – such as dancing, skiing, surfing or sky-diving.

5. Creative Problem Solving - Don’t wallow in self-pity. As soon as you face a challenge get busy finding a solution. Don’t let the set backs affect your mood, instead see each new obstacle you face as an opportunity to make a positive change. Learn to trust your gut instincts – it’s almost always right.

6. Do What They Love - Some statistics show that 80% of people dislike their jobs! No wonder there’s so many unhappy people running around. We spend a great deal of our life working. Choose a career that you enjoy – the extra money of a job you detest isn’t worth it. Make time to enjoy your hobbies and pursue special interests.

7. Enjoy Life - Take the time to see the beauty around you. There’s more to life than work. Take time to smell the roses, watch a sunset or sunrise with a loved one, take a walk along the seashore, hike in the woods etc. Learn to live in the present moment and cherish it. Don’t live in the past or the future.

8. Laugh - Don’t take yourself – or life to seriously. You can find humor in just about any situation. Laugh at yourself – no one’s perfect. When appropriate laugh and make light of the circumstances. (Naturally there are times that you should be serious as it would be improper to laugh.)

9. Forgive - Holding a grudge will hurt no one but you. Forgive others for your own peace of mind. When you make a mistake – own up to it – learn from it – and FORGIVE yourself.

10. Gratitude - Develop an attitude of gratitude. Count your blessings; All of them – even the things that seem trivial. Be grateful for your home, your work and most importantly your family and friends. Take the time to tell them that you are happy they are in your life.

11. Invest in Relationships - Always make sure your loved ones know you love them even in times of conflict. Nurture and grow your relationships with your family and friends by making the time to spend with them. Don’t break your promises to them. Be supportive.

12. Keep Their Word - Honesty is the best policy. Every action and decision you make should be based on honesty. Be honest with yourself and with your loved ones.

13. Meditate - Meditation gives your very active brain a rest. When it’s rested you will have more energy and function at a higher level. Types of meditation include yoga, hypnosis, relaxation tapes, affirmations, visualization or just sitting in complete silence. Find something you enjoy and make the time to practice daily.

14. Mind Their Own Business - Concentrate on creating your life the way you want it. Take care of you and your family. Don’t get overly concerned with what other people are doing or saying. Don’t get caught up with gossip or name calling. Don’t judge. Everyone has a right to live their own life the way they want to – including you.

15. Optimism - See the glass as half full. Find the positive side of any given situation. It’s there – even though it may be hard to find. Know that everything happens for a reason, even though you may never know what the reason is. Steer clear of negative thoughts. If a negative thought creeps in – replace it with a positive thought.

16. Love Unconditionally - Accept others for who they are. You don’t put limitations on your love. Even though you may not always like the actions of your loved ones – you continue to love them.

17. Persistence - Never give up. Face each new challenge with the attitude that it will bring you one step closer to your goal. You will never fail, as long as you never give up. Focus on what you want, learn the required skills, make a plan to succeed and take action. We are always happiest while pursuing something of value to us.

18. Be Proactive - Accept what can not be changed. Happy people don’t waste energy on circumstances beyond their control. Accept your limitations as a human being. Determine how you can take control by creating the outcome you desire – rather than waiting to respond.

19. Self Care - Take care of your mind, body and health. Get regular medical check ups. Eat healthy and work out. Get plenty of rest. Drink lots of water. Exercise your mind by continually energizing it with interesting and exciting challenges.

20. Self Confidence - Don’t try to be someone that you’re not. After all no one likes a phony. Determine who you are in the inside – your own personal likes and dislikes. Be confident in who you are. Do the best you can and don’t second guess yourself.

21. Take Responsibility - Happy people know and understand that they are 100% responsible for their life. They take responsibility for their moods, attitude, thoughts, feelings, actions and words. They are the first to admit when they’ve made a mistake.

Begin today by taking responsibility for your happiness. Work on developing these habits as you own. The more you incorporate the above habits into your daily lifestyle – the happier you will be. Most of all: BE TRUE TO YOURSELF.
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How to Create a Toxin Free Home for Your Family

4/27/2016

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​This article is from guest blogger Derek Lotts with SmoothDecorator.com on creating a toxin-free home!
​​Pollutants are all around us. Not just outside, but also in our homes. Whether we are aware of it or not, common household items contain toxic chemicals that are harmful for our health. They can trigger asthma, allergies, and even chronic disease. The only way to protect your family is to create a toxin-free home. Here are some tips on how to achieve that.
      
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Bring in Fresh Air

A five-year study found that 20 toxic compounds had significantly higher concentrations inside homes than outdoors. This is because the air in our homes is often stale.

​The cheapest and most efficient way to remedy the problem is to open your windows and circulate fresh air in your home. However, there are some rooms in the house that do not have windows, like bath or attic. Installing exhaust fans that ventilate outdoors will do the trick.

    
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Clean Out Your Cleaning Products

Check the labels on your house cleaning products for words like caution, danger, and warning. These indicate that the products you are using contain some elements that could be harmful to you and your children.

Research has found that there is a correlation between toxic cleaning products and certain types of cancer. Ironically, some of the most toxic products are air fresheners.

​There are many simple 
kitchen ingredients that can be used for cleaning and are at the same time harmless. Vinegar, for example, is an excellent all-purpose cleanser.

   
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Eat Organically

Did you know that 60 percent of herbicides, 90 percent of fungicides, and 30 percent of insecticides that are commonly used in farming and agriculture are considered carcinogenic? Pesticides are known to be damaging to the nervous system, cause cancer, and disrupt hormonal balance.

Luckily, today we have an alternative in the form of organically-grown vegetables and meat from grass-fed animals. If you have a piece of land, even a small garden, grow your own vegetables.

​This way you will be sure that the food you and your family eat is healthy. Also make sure not to store food in plastic containers. Plastics can increase your BPA levels by 1,000 percent in five days only.

    
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Avoid Non-Stick Cookware

While at the kitchen, check if you have any non-stick cookware. If you do, ditch it all. The non-stick coating contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). This is a toxic chemical which releases multiple harmful gases into the air when heated.

​There are alternatives to non-stick cookware such as enamelled cast iron cookware. If you still 
decide to use non-stick pans, do not overheat them, and discard them as soon as the non-stick coating is scratched.

   
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Use Toxin Free Paints and Finishes

Most paints and finishes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are major home pollutants that are known to cause irritations and health problems.

The problem is that they may continue to be released into the air for months or years after the paint or finish has been applied.

​To be on the safe side, remove the paint from your furniture, doors, and windows, and repaint them with non-toxic paints. Paints that contain low levels of VOC and VOC-free paints are now easily found at any paint store.

   
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Declutter Your House

Dust contains germs and bacteria, and just about any pollutant you can imagine. Having things lying around your home and gathering dust can lead to serious health repercussions. The easiest way to keep your house clean and your folks healthy is to get rid of all the clutter. Find a cheap rubbish removal service to help you with that.

How many toxic elements are there in your home?
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._____________________________

​About the author:

Derek is a hopeless romantic and awkward situation enthusiast from the land down under. He strives to find where his energy belongs. In his pursuit, he has gained the knowledge he is eager to share. Upcycling and making his home super cosy
 are his passion. Follow him @Twitter.

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Resolutions For The New Year

12/28/2015

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As we approach the end of 2015, most of us look ahead to the new year and make a handful of resolutions, goals, wishes, intentions, dreams, whatever you wish to call it - the slate is clean to start fresh and new!

Some of the most common new year's resolutions are...
  1. Lose weight/get fit
  2. Make more money
  3. Eat healthier 
  4. Get out of debt
  5. Spend more time with family/friends
  6. Quit smoking/drinking
  7. Get organized
  8. Reduce stress
  9. Improve career/job
  10. Travel to new places

I consider myself fortunate that I've either achieved or don't need to worry about some of the most common resolutions listed above. For instance, I am very organized, I have minimal debt, I don't have stress in my life, I get together with close friends on a regular basis and I try to make smart eating choices. However, there are still some goals or resolutions that I would like to check off my list by the end of 2016. 

Next year, I plan to continue to strive to achieve these on-going goals:
  • Continue to live the frugal lifestyle and save money wherever and whenever I can.
  • Automatically put away money towards the next dream vacation.
  • Eat healthy, whole, nutritious foods (vs. processed & fast foods) as often as possible.
  • Work on DIY home improvement projects.
  • Plan a trip to either Spain, Ecuador or Australia.
  • Discover additional sources of passive income.
  • Improve my finances and in order to have more financial freedom.
  • Volunteer at an animal shelter, foster or rescue an English or French Bulldog.
  • Go for longer walks and take yoga classes.
  • Donate to various charities, especially animal organizations.

The primary goal I would like to achieve in 2016, is to have more financial freedom! I'd like to think that I am wiser as I get older. But most importantly, my goal and purpose is to experience joy everyday, all year long. And to be grateful for the many blessings in my life.

Have a healthier, happier, wiser and wealthier year ahead! ​
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A Happy and Prosperous New Year

12/31/2014

 
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The end of 2014 is here, most of us look ahead to the new year and make a handful of resolutions, goals, wishes, intentions, dreams, whatever you wish to call it - the slate is clean to start fresh and new!

Some of the most common new year's resolutions are... 1) lose weight, 2) make more money, 2) eat healthier, 3) get out of debt, 4) spend more time with family and friends, 5) help others 6) quit smoking/drinking, 7) get organized, 8) reduce stress, 9) improve career/job, 10) take a trip.

I consider myself fortunate that I've either achieved or don't need to worry about some of the most common resolutions listed above. For instance, I am pretty organized, I try to eat in moderation, my only big debt is my mortgage, I don't smoke or drink (too much), I hardly have any stress, I spend as much quality time with lifelong friends and I take a trip at least once a year.

At the end of 2013 I made a list of goals for 2014 that I either maintained or achieved. For example, I am (finally) going to Paris in August. I go for daily walks combined with additional income by starting my own dog walking business. This one achievement ticked off 3 of my "resolutions" for 2014... 1) go for walks, 2) improve my finances, 3) be around more dogs. However, there are still some wishes, dreams or resolutions that I have added to my list for 2015.

In 2015, I plan to continue to strive to achieve these on-going goals:
  • Live the frugal lifestyle and save money wherever and whenever I can.
  • Earn additional income in order to have more financial freedom.
  • Maintain a realistic weight for my body frame.
  • Eat healthy, whole, nutritious foods (vs. processed & fast foods) as often as possible.
  • Adopt an English Bulldog or French Bulldog.
  • Attend regular yoga classes.
  • Donate to various charities, especially animal organizations.
  • Plan next vacation to either Spain, Australia or anywhere in the Caribbean.
  • Acquire an affordable investment property.
  • Be healthier in mind and body.

The main goal I had in 2014, was to have financial freedom. I believe I have accomplished that. By having a simpler lifestyle and being aware of how I spend my money I feel "richer" in more ways than one. The most important insight I have learned this past year is that our true purpose is to have JOY in our lives. My main resolution for the new year is to be joyous and abundant in every way. 
       

Get Paid To Lose Weight

8/23/2013

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Happy Frugal and Fit Friday! This post is a follow up on a previous post I did on The Healthy and Wealthy Lifestyle. I'm proud to say that I accomplished my goal... I lost 25 pounds and I got paid $100. So, not only am I thinner and healthier, I'm now also a little bit wealthier!

I took part in EPX Body's 90-day weight loss challenge. Instead of paying a company to help me lose weight, I decided to go with company that pays me to lose weight! I want to share my experience and my testimonial about my journey. Check out my before and after photos!


How have I transformed through the EPX Body Challenge?
My eating habits have greatly improved. I no longer crave or want "sweets" as much as I used to. I eat mostly protein for breakfast and lunch and I have cut down on my carb intake dramatically, which tended to make me hungrier. For dinner, I eat a small salad, which doesn't weigh me down before bedtime. I am confident that I will continue to maintain these good eating habits. The 90-day weight loss challenge did not seem like a "diet" at all, it's taught me to make better choices in what I eat and I have never been hungry or felt like I was missing something. Plus, I saved a lot of money by eating in vs. going out to eat. Now that's frugal.

I believe the 90-day weight loss challenge has been a better and more successful journey for me because my boyfriend Jim Roguski and I did the challenge together. We have been each other's accountability coach. Since I have an aversion to exercise, the only form of exercise I've done is walking. Therefore, it is possible to achieve weight loss with this challenge without much exercise at all. 

The best result is how I feel about myself. It feels good to look better and be comfortable in my clothes. I've even had to buy new "skinny" clothes! I am now my own walking testimonial which proves that with determination along with effective EXP Body products anyone can lose the weight and be healthier. 

I'm very thankful that EPX Body developed the 90-day weight loss challenge, it was the motivating factor that made me finally achieve my goal to lose the pounds I've haven't been able to before. 

Who is EPX Body?
EPX Body is a company that offers excellent nutritional products as well as a 90-day challenge program. It helps people all over the world to lose weight, plus they can get paid up to $500, depending on how many pounds they lose! The challenge was created to motivate anyone to make a positive lifestyle change, while transforming their mind and body.

Once I became involved with EPX Body, not only did I transform my body (and mindset)  by losing weight with the aid of their supplements, I also transformed my financial situation by earning residual income from promoting my EPX Body business.
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Giving Forward Pays You Back

8/13/2013

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Happy Tuesday! I've always looked for ways to save a buck or two. But, I've also donated to various charities, from Goodwill to the Humane Society to Disabled Veterans to Habitat For Humanity among others. But it never felt like I made that much of a difference. There's always been a purpose I've been seeking that's beyond my frugal lifestyle. I believe I've found something that is fulfilling on a deeper level. 

The new company I'm a part of, New Earth has a GIVE program that facilitates their associates to purchase nourishing products and donate them on our behalf to impoverished and undernourished children in the United States through organizations such as Feeding America. 

Not only are their superfoods healthy and nutritious, but we can earn commissions by donating them. As the saying goes, it's better to give than to receive, but with this business you are both the giver and the receiver. It's my opportunity to be both an entrepreneur and a philanthropist in my own small way. While giving selflessly to hungry children compensates me monetarily, the payback is much more rewarding spiritually. I believe it can make a profound difference in peoples lives, both to the children we help and ourselves.

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Please watch the GIVE program video below to learn about New Earth's vision and mission. 
If you want to help nourish hungry children + earn an additional income, click here to join.
TeamNewEarth.com/MarissaWinfrey
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Free Prelaunch Business Opportunity

8/6/2013

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Happy Thrifty Tuesday! Today's topic is about making a difference in your life and the lives of others. Are you ready for a change? Would you like to have time freedom and financial freedom?

I would like to invite anyone who is interested in earning a sustainable long-term income stream to take a look at a new company, New Earth - before their official launch in September. 

For those who want to take advantage of this limited time opportunity, you can join for free, spread the word and build your organization for the entire month of August. 


To learn more about the New Earth and their products, please watch the video below. And visit this website for complete details http://www.TeamNewEarth.com/MarissaWinfrey.  If you have any questions, call 310-619-3055, use the Comments form below or fill in the form on the Contact page.

Now is the time to take a look at this opportunity for free to see if it's a good fit for you. If you’ve been looking for a way to be part of a community of passionate, innovative people, to have a powerful impact on the world around you, and create financial freedom and long-term security, then this company is worth looking at.

     
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The Healthy and Wealthy Lifestyle

7/9/2013

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Happy Thrifty (and Thin) Tuesday! Besides having "the frugal lifestyle" I also strive to have a healthy and wealthy lifestyle! I believe anyone can achieve all three with some effort and dedication, one must make it a priority and take action towards achieving whatever goal or lifestyle they desire.

I believe I've achieved this goal with my 90-day weight loss challenge. Instead of paying a company to help me lose weight, I found a company that pays me to lose weight!


What does healthy mean to me?
I've always been relatively healthy. I've been very fortunate and haven't had any serious ailments ever since adopting an alternative means of taking care of myself. I have not been to a medical doctor in over 10 years and have not taken any prescription pills since then either. I'm healthier now than I was in my 20's.

However, since my 40's, I needed to lose at least 13 or more pounds. I'm barely 5 feet tall, so any extra weight makes me look bigger than I really am. I've attempted to lose weight at the beginning of each new year, but never continued past February! I wanted to feel comfortable in my clothes and not have that bloated feeling. For me, being healthy is feeling good about my entire being... emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.

Can I really get paid to lose weight?
What finally made me decide that losing weight needed to be my priority was finding out about a company that offered healthy nutritional supplements that helped people lose weight. It also happens to be a network marketing company which I could promote as part of my business. And the icing on the cake (which I don't eat anymore) is that they paid people to lose weight. This was reason enough for me to do their 90-day challenge. I'm proud to say that I've accomplished my goal... I lost 25 pounds and I'm getting paid $100. So, not only am I thinner and healthier, I'm now also a little bit wealthier!

EPXBody is a company that offers excellent nutritional products as well as a 90-day challenge program, which I participated in. It helps people all over the world to lose weight, plus they can get paid up to $500, depending on how many pounds they lose! The challenge was created to motivate anyone to make a positive lifestyle change, while transforming their mind and body. Once I became involved with EPXBody, not only did I transform my body (and mindset)  by losing weight with the aid of their products, I also transformed my financial situation by earning residual income from promoting my EPXBody business.

What does wealthy mean to me?
I have worked from home ever since I got laid off from my corporate job. Although there's challenges being an independent business owner, it's been very rewarding. I now have time freedom to work for myself, such as on my EPXBody business as well as pursue various interests. I now experience a much richer lifestyle that goes beyond monetarily means. When most of your day is spent doing what you want to do, you tend to be happier and healthier.

Find Your Purpose
The key to living well for me is finding your bliss, your purpose. It's very important to take stock and make sure your life is balanced. If you are doing what you love, everything else will fall into place... the right home, the right relationship, the right business or career. As a result of being on the right path, your body will respond by being healthier naturally.


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    What does living frugally mean to me? Well, it does NOT mean being cheap, quite the contrary, I believe it’s being smart in your choices, such as how you spend your money everyday. Prioritize and take control of what’s important to you. I always strive to spend less on almost everything.

    In this challenging economy, some of us have had to cut back on our expenses. Wouldn't it be nice to still have the things or services you want and need but not have to pay full price or even better, get them for free? 

    Choose value and quality over quantity or fads and you will come out ahead. The great benefit of being frugal is that it eliminates waste and clutter which in turn helps our environment.  By doing simple changes towards more “green” and frugal ways, together we can make an impact on our planet. 
        

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     Hi, my name is Marissa Winfrey and I have been living the frugal life ever since I can remember. I have always looked for great bargains and getting the best value for my money without compromising style and quality.

    My background is in visual display and interior decorating. It’s always been my objective to recommend cost effective solutions to my clients. I, of course, practice what I preach! I have furnished my own homes mostly with furnishings and decor items from my own little vintage boutique, estate sales, discount stores, flea markets, yard sales, thrift stores and even curbside discarded furniture!

    My frugal practice goes beyond the home. I offer money saving tips on just about everything, from shopping to travel and everything in between. I hope my blog and website will inspire everyone to be their own Frugalista.
        
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Read and learn about useful tips and tricks from experts on how to live "the frugal lifestyle" everyday!  Check out the books below, to see more of my top picks of frugal and financial savvy books, please visit The Frugal Book Store.
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Living The Savvy Life:
The Savvy Woman's Guide to Smart Spending and Rich Living
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It's Not About Being Cheap.  Living the Savvy Life isn't about being a cheapskate, a miser or a tightwad.  It's about having security and peace of mind by spending less than you make.  It's about knowing where you stand financially on a daily basis so you can make intelligent fiscal decisions. 

​It's about being penny-wise on the things that are less important to you so you can spend money on the things that are important to you. It's about choosing to purchase only the things that you love and make you happy.  
It's about finding, attaining and maintaining balance.  Are you ready to start Living the Savvy Life?

   
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​Thrifty: 
Living the Frugal Life with Style


Best-selling author Marjorie Harris offers a timely and entertaining guide to living the richly frugal life. From tips on how to haggle to becoming a frugal fashionista, maintaining your home on a budget, and thrifty gardening, travel, and entertainment, Harris provides essential guidelines to living a quality life on less. Written in her trademark witty, engaging, and accessible style, Thrifty is packed with simple and savvy tips drawn from Harris' own fulfilled, thrifty experience. Bonus tips come from renowned experts such as best-selling author Margaret Atwood, chef Jamie Kennedy, actor R. H. Thomson, travel writer Sylvia Fraser, and The Globe and Mail's style columnists.
  
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How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: 
Retirement Wisdom That You Won't Get from Your Financial Advisor
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How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free offers inspirational advice on how to enjoy life to its fullest. The key to achieving an active and satisfying retirement involves a great deal more than having adequate financial resources; it also encompasses all other aspects of life -- interesting leisure activities, creative pursuits, physical well-being, mental well-being, and solid social support. 

What sets this retirement book apart from all the others is its holistic approach to the fears, hopes, and dreams that people have about retirement. This international bestseller (over 110,000 copies sold in its first edition) goes way beyond the numbers that is often the main focus of retirement planning in most retirement books.
   
To see more of my top picks of frugal and financial savvy books, please visit The Frugal Book Store.

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