Kentin Waits's blog

Clutter-Free: The Zero-Accumulation Household

Examine the best ways to embrace a zero-accumulation lifestyle and live clutter-free!

Disguise Your Stuff to Prevent Car Break-ins

What one thief might consider trash can be your treasure. Create this simple container for your car, and safely hide your valuables in (almost) plain site.

Dilutions of Grandeur: Stretch Your Food at Every Meal

Learn how the power of creative diluting can make your meals taste better and extend your food budget.

Adventures in Retail Tedium

I battled my way through a popular chain clothing store, and all I got was this stupid shirt: One consumer's tongue-in-cheek look at shopping retail.

McMansion to McCottage: Why Smaller Houses Are Smarter

When it comes to our homes, is bigger always better? From saving money to cutting clutter and more, explore the benefits of buying or building small.

6 Things to Keep You Sane on a Plane

Air travel is no picnic (unless you count bad coffee and tiny bags of pretzels as perfect picnic foods). Here are must-haves to remain comfortable on any flight.

Beyond Debt-Free: Getting By in the New Economy

Living debt-free is a great goal — but as the economy remains shaky, is that enough? Discover more ways to make sure you're on solid financial ground.

Reselling Antiques: The Five Principles of Power Picking

It's a part-time job, a hobby, and a passion — learn the art of successful antique picking.

The Garden as Classroom

Our family garden produced more than just vegetables; it was a classroom for my brother and me, where we learned about everything from hard work to finances.

5 Ways to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Make those New Year's resolutions last all year with these techniques to help new habits stick.

Cheat Sheet: Retail Markup on Common Items

Stores make money by price markups. Learn the rationale behind retail pricing and what the product you're buying actually costs.

How to Avoid Getting Fleeced at Hotels

Maximize the comfort and value of your next hotel stay by avoiding these hidden charges, surprise fees, and other value-sucking vampires.

Keeping Santa Sane: Budget Holiday Decorating

This year, keep your holiday decorating and gift-wrapping low-cost and fun.

Why This Isn't Your Grandparents' Economy

Why can't we save money like our parents and grandparents? Learn how modern economic realities make financial independence more challenging.

Deconstructing the Deal

What are the best methods for scoring a good deal every time? Explore the seven ways to get a great bargain.

The ABC’s of DIY Moving

You can tame the high cost of relocation and still keep your sanity. Learn the eight tips for a successful low-budget move.

Simply Good Coffee: The Chemex Coffeemaker

Tired of your expensive coffeemakers breaking after a few years? Try the classic solution. Chemex coffeemakers brew the perfect cup year after year — with no moving parts.

30 Uses for the Humble Cardboard Box

Explore 30 creative tips to reinterpret, reuse, and recycle the humble cardboard box.

Guerrilla Thrift Shopping: The 9 Laws of Profit

Is it still possible to make money thrift shopping? Has eBay killed thrifting? Learn the 9 secret strategies for pulling a profit in the a tight market.

6 Tips for Choosing The Right Home Safe

6 tips for selecting the right safe for your home based upon safety ratings, size and price.