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I do most of my weekly food shopping at Lidl and then I go to a second grocery store each week. Lidl’s prices are great, but its limited selection means I can’t get everything on my list there.I try to split grocery shopping over two days so the chore doesn’t…
Norman Bour nearly lost everything during the 2008 recession when he was living in California.Bour, now 70, and his wife worried about affording retirement in the US and moved abroad in 2019.They choose cheaper countries, including Malaysia, for better healthcare and affordable housing. This as-told-to essay is based on a…
Karen Kissane left her job, started a coaching business, and moved her family to France.When her income surpassed her husband’s, he quit his job to care for their children at home.Kissane loves the French focus on family and that her husband has gotten closer to the children. This as-told-to essay…
My family recently visited Ireland to celebrate my son’s third birthday.It’s the perfect country to visit with a toddler.The public transportation system is wonderful, and it just feels magical. Many families dream of traveling around Europe because it’s a great continent for kids. I’ve been to every country in Europe…
I was dating my girlfriend for two years when an old flame came back in my life; I cheated.I didn’t understand why I cheated; it came down to the lack of communication in my relationship.I lost my girlfriend, but it helped me grow as a person. Ever since I grasped…
Disney’s dining plans are a great value for my family because we love food and sit-down dinners.The main plan costs $95 per person per day — we’d usually spend more than that on food at Disney.Considering the included meals and drinks, the plan is a good deal even if I…
I’ve been to over 40 countries and have had the best experiences traveling without an itinerary.By not having a detailed plan for each day, I’m able to wander around freely and people-watch.Instead of deciding where to go in advance, I like to rely on locals’ recommendations. I’ve been obsessed with…
I’ve always been curious about skydiving but had never given it a try.Recently, as part of a fundraiser, I decided to give it a shot.I was excited and nervous to do it, and it was exhilirating, but I won’t do it again. I knew some skydivers when I went to…
I’ve always been a bit of a pack rat and had a hard time decluttering. When my childhood home burned down, all my stuff went with it. I learned a hard lesson about letting go. As the quintessential pack rat, I perpetuated the cycle of accumulating without decluttering. It’s been…
28-year-old Megan Lieu worked at four companies in the last four years.Lieu increased her salary as she changed jobs and learned new skills.After being fired from her last job, she started her own business and is set to earn more than ever. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation…
