Why I Switched to Consumer Cellular

I think my first mobile phone was a Sprint, and I later switch to Alltel with my wife because she had to travel in Michigan’s upper peninsula, and it was the only carrier with good coverage on those long stretches of road between towns. I was there when Verizon acquired Alltel in 2008, and I […]

Consumer Cellular: A Low End Mobile Solution

Most of us in the US are familiar with the Big 4 traditional mobile carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Many are also familiar with their prepaid services – Cricket, Boost, Virgin, and MetroPCS – although you may not know that they are owned by the Big 4. There are other alternatives, one which I […]

Make a Better Pot of Coffee

I love coffee. It smells wonderful, good coffee tastes smooth (as opposed to bitter), and the caffeine has significant pick-me-up benefits. But there are several factors your need to look at when choosing a coffee maker and keeping it clean.

Moving Forward

Friends, it’s been quite a year so far, and I’m ready to make some big changes. My divorce will be finalized soon, and I’m looking for a position as a technical writer or editor in either the US or Canada. I am willing to relocate.

Low End Laundry

I’ve been living on my own for three months – and doing my own laundry a lot longer than that. I’ve made several changes in recent months after getting feedback from others on Facebook. Today I’m going to look at the world’s cheapest fabric softener, an inexpensive pretreat for stains that you can make yourself, […]

LED Lighting Saves Even More than CFL and Lasts Longer

Working at the local Meijer store earlier this week, I noticed that they now have a pack of 8 store branded LED light bulbs for $11.99 – just $1.50 each. (Black Friday pricing: $8.00!) I’d say we have now hit the tipping point where it makes little sense to buy CFL or traditional incandescent bulbs […]

I Love a Good Deal

I love a good burger, a good pizza, a good beer, a good computer, a good TV show, and writing. One thing I find almost irresistible is a good bargain – which raises the question, What is a good bargain?

Benefits of a Beer or Two

October 2016 – Yes, in moderation, beer is good for you. It can help you sleep better, increase bone density, help prevent kidney stones, and help you avoid diabetes and dementia, among other health benefits.

The True Cost of Waterbeds

February 2006 – A good mattress isn’t cheap, most cheap mattresses aren’t very good, and waterbeds remain a popular choice for people who loathe spring mattresses or can’t afford a good conventional mattress.

Ode to Greb Kodiak Boots

2006 – I broke in my fifth pair of Kodiak boots last winter. Kodiaks are not the cheapest work boots on the market by a long shot, but they offer superior comfort and last a long time, which in my books equates to true low end living value. A good analogy is Apple computers. They […]

Protect Your PC

January 2006 – Welcome to the inaugural issue of Low End Living and my inaugural column. While the primary focus here is living smart, be it in terms of money, health, or relationships, all three of those things can be improved by taking other stress out of your life.