Early this summer, I was able to go to L.A. and Disneyland in a sort of nanny situation. There's nothing particularly thrifty about a trip to Disneyland (aside from it being a working trip that covered flight and hotel), but there are some ways to bring the costs down. While doing research for the trip, I found this list of 100 "free" things to do ( Read more... )

The podcast I did on the 20th was New York based, and I can understand my host's amazement at someone living on a minimum wage income. New York City has a high cost of living and higher unemployment rates than much of the country. I made a brief mention of more free things going on than people realize, so I thought I'd share some specific examples ( Read more... )

Later this month at GMX (Geek Media Expo) I'll be hosting 5 panels, including "GMX on a Budget", so I made a little video specifically for GMX, and thought I'd do an accompanying blog posts with some tips on saving money at fan cons (short for conventions) in general.

1.) Register EarlyRegistering early when possible will allow you to take ( Read more... )

( Read more... )

Back from the road trip.  In the interest of reducing clutter, I'm not a big souvenir person.  The only thing I bought on the trip other than food, gas, and a couple of personal items was a new jumper cable.  I did pick up a free road map from the rest stops in Maryland, Virginia, and Tennessee.  And that got me thinking about other free souvenirs ( Read more... )

Travel is a great way to broaden the mind and break up the rut.  When budgets are tight, day trips are a nice option since they cut out hotel costs.  Another way to cut out the hotel is to stay with friends, which is what I'll be doing on this trip.

The Canada portion of the trip I was planning kept getting whittled out until it was gone, so no ( Read more... )

Finally got to touch base with the girl I'll be making my trip with.  We're scaling it back a bit for now.  There's a friend I want to visit on the way up that will be available in March, but maybe not May or later.  So we're plunging ahead to work him in.  Unfortunately, we won't be seeing that much of Canada this time around.  Just Niagra, but I' ( Read more... )

I think it's healthy for everyone to get our of their routine now and again and go some where different.

I want to get out of the country (which I've never done) and go to Canada this year.  Now, trips don't always need to be as dramatic as leaving the country.  Going to a part of town you've never been before or taking a day trip to something an ( Read more... )