Over the past few months I've noticed a proliferation of Websites that focus on "frugality" and "geek savings," or on how to reduce debt and expenses through tips, tricks, and do-it-yourself guides. These sites are owned by individuals, small groups, or broadcasting networks, and they're all focused more on what you can DO rather what you can BUY to make your life more interesting and less expensive.

The following list of sites will replace our usual summer reading suggestions, as Cora is working this summer and we've had to forgo our usual bookstore foray. A change to an online venue makes sense, as you'll save gas when you avoid a trip to the bookstore, and you'll save money since you won't purchase any books or magazines. Definitely a frugal idea!

The list below is in alphabetical order, and I've included a short paragraph to tell you a bit about what you'll find when you follow each link:

1. Blogging Away Debt: This isn't the only blog that focuses on personal credit card debt. But, I like this blog because the blogger has some sense about how to decrease her (now) $21,000 debt and save at the same time. Written by a woman, wife and mother in her early 30's, this blog might appeal to your inner wanna-be-out-of-debtor.
   
   
2. Blueprint for Financial Prosperity: A 20-something guy writes about personal finance. While he may not be the most authoritative financial writer around, his blog entries are interesting, intelligent, and thought provoking. Don't let his age turn you off, because he's curious about anything financial, an attitude that makes his perspective refreshing.
   
   
3. Do It Yourself: This site is filled with home improvement projects that will keep you busy all summer long. If you combine this site with the DIY Network, you'll become so skilled at odd jobs that you could open your own DIY business!
   
   
4. e-How: This site contains tons of tips on how to do anything. Some of the tips save money, but most of the tips are for those individuals who enjoy piddling around the house/apartment. This site provides numerous activities for entire families, especially when the kids get bored. Combine this site with How Stuff Works to make home projects educational as well as productive.
   
   
5. Free Geekery: You might not consider yourself a geek, but the articles on this site are both interesting and somewhat amusing. My favorite is the "Top 20 (Inexpensive) Nerd Getaways." Although some of the ideas in that story might not appeal to you, the article might generate some thoughts about how you can enjoy your summer without spending an arm and a leg. They also carry a solid gas-saving article along with other money-saving materials.
   
   
6. Frugal Fashionita: This site is a huge hit for women who want to dress like their favorite celebrities, but who don't want to spend their life savings to do so. The site owner picks a star and then hunts for the clothing that the diva is wearing - but at discount prices. I like to see if I can beat her prices.
   
   
7. Lifehacker: This site focuses on productivity and software. If you're not a geek, then just forget the software part; but don't bypass the productivity guides, because they're fun, interesting, and intelligent. How can you and the kids pass up the build your own air horn in five minutes video? Tons of tidbits here on how to save money on practical projects as well.
   
   
8. Lighter Footstep: Yes, this is an environmental site, but it also contains all sorts of tips about how to save money as well as how to reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, a site like this often gives investors ideas about new investment possibilities. This is a great way to learn about companies that are creating new products and services for a cleaner environment.
   
   
9. Mom Advice: If you remembered last night that you haven't showered for four days, this site will help you sort out your life. You'll learn how to save time, money, and sanity through Amy Clark's neat tips.
   
   
10. OEDb: This Online Education Database is interesting because it lists only accredited schools, their courses, and how you can achieve a quality education without leaving home. While you might not be ready to take on summer classes, your teens might be interested in some of the articles listed in their library. They have articles about how to study, how to choose a degree, and how to increase productivity through mostly free software applications (Open Source). Great summertime reading for future scholars, especially if you use the How to Study site for support.
    
    
11. The $39 Experiment: This is a great site to share with preteens/teens. This guy decided to send 100 letters out to various companies to see what he would receive in return (with $39 in stamps). Interesting reading, great experiment. Put the kids to work!
    
    
12. Treehugger: This is an interesting site, especially if you take the time to peruse readers' comments on various posts. The readers are much more discriminating about the goods that Treehugger introduces on this site, and you can learn much from the average person's experience. Like Lighter Footstep above, you'll find some interesting investment ideas, money-saving ideas, and projects that are great for you or for the entire family to create like these Newspaper Jiffy Pots.

If gas prices have you down, and if you feel you need to stay close to home rather than travel this summer because you want to save money, get the family together and create some summer fun with the ideas offered through the sites listed above.

While these sites may not fit the bill for great financial reading (or great site design - remember, these sites are often produced by folks like you and me), they provide some super ideas on how to save money. And, if you save money, you know where to put those savings, right? Yep - right into that portfolio or retirement plan so that it earns interest for future goals.

Until Next Week,
Linda Goin