TheFrugalNoodle is my personal blog focusing on do-it-yourself, saving money, travel, tech, and living simply.
About Me
Any time I discover a money-saving trick or cool how-to tip, I add it to this site.
After working for over twenty years as a cubicle-dweller, I decided to quit the corporate world and go it alone as a freelance contractor. I wanted to set my own hours, improve my quality of life, and determine my own fate.
When I was first starting out, I had to cut costs. Here are some things I did to save (or make) money:
- I canceled cable TV (saving $720/year)
- I changed my cell phone plan eventually discovering Mint Mobile, where I now pay only $15/month! I was paying over $50/month before with T-Mobile and Verizon.
- I downsized and sold some of my stuff on Craigslist (made about $1700)
- I try to ride my bike instead of driving if the distance is less than three miles
- I took on a roommate
- I only eat out on special occasions (saving hundreds per year)
- I enjoy free entertainment options like free outdoor concerts, hiking, and biking.
- I actually look at prices at the supermarket and buy the cheapest brands (I found they are pretty much the same).
- I re-financed my condo loan with my parents, saving me thousands of dollars and giving them a better return than any bank!
- I stopped buying so many clothes every month and just wore what was in my closet. It turned out that I didn’t even know what I had in there. I had clothes in there that I had never even worn before.
Yes, some of these things can be inconvenient, or a sacrifice. But, I wouldn’t go back for the world! I much prefer having more time rather than money with no time to spend it! I’m enjoying life more. I actually find it fun to do things myself and figure out tricks to save money!
For more ideas on saving money, check out this list of New Year’s resolutions that can save you thousands of dollars!
Here are some of my other sites, if you are interested:
disablemycable.com – How to get hi-def TV without paying for cable! You’ll like this one!
swingdance.la – Swing dance events in Los Angeles and Orange County.
ladateideas.com – Fun things to do in Los Angeles and Orange County.
brianshim.com/webtricks – Tips and tricks for folks who make websites, from very basic to advanced.
I got married to my wonderful wife in 2018. We live in Santa Monica, California and attend Pacific Crossroads Church.
Why “Frugal Noodle”?
fru·gal adjective
sparing or economical with regard to money or food.
noo·dle noun
slang for head or brain.
“to use (one’s) noodle”: To use one’s own intelligence and intellectual ability; to think logically and rationally
Please leave a comment below! Thanks! – Brian
Please Leave a Question or Comment
I try to answer each one! - Brian
I’m probably way out of line here but I really like your site and I wonder if you’d ever consider selling it?
I work for Flippa.com and I’m almost certain our buyers would be interested in this, you’d likely do quite well.
Please feel free to let me know if you’d like to discuss and I’ll send you through some info. If not, no problem and all the best.
Thanks,
Jordan
I don’t know if you would remember this, however, on Jul 17, 2014 you posted Top Twenty-One Date Ideas in Providence, RI. You had a walk on the East Bay bike path and added a photo of a wooden nature walk a little bit off the main path. Any chance you remember about where this was? You stated half way down, but I can not find it. Would love to take a walk with my husband, and this looks like a really nice area. Need new placed to check out.
Hi Prcfowler,
Thanks for your question! I had to look at a map and figure out where that was, but I found it! It’s the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, just south of Warren, RI. I’ve updated my article with a link to it
https://www.thefrugalnoodle.com/top-date-ideas-in-providence-ri/
I’ve since moved out of Providence, but I still have great memories of Rhode Island and want to visit again some time.
Let me know how it goes!
Best,
Brian
Hello
I would like to keep in touch, on the alesis qs6.2 keyboard.
I like the sounds of this keyboard, is there any vst of it?
Greetings, Brazil
Hi Guilherme,
Unfortunately, I don’t know of a VST plugin for the Alesis QS synths.
Best,
Brian
I am interested in your website, and I hope I can communicate with you about it, could you please send me email?
thx
Brian can you give me some tips on how to sell on Facebook marketplace. I made an attempt did not go so well. I really appreciate your help.
Regena
Hi Regena,
What type of items were you trying to sell? What happened when you tried to sell them? Can you send a link to the ad?
Best,
Brian
I am trying to replace my light timer. It has only two wires. Your site mentioned a replacement for a two wire timer of the Intermatic EJ351. This timer is now obsolete. What timer would you suggest that works like the Intermatic EJ351 without batteries? Your help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Holly
we are very interested on your website, about product reviews and some other buy the contact of you is 404 page, hoping to get in touch with you, thank you!
Brian I read your page on your Alesis Keyboard problem you had. I have a QS6 which did the same thing it powers up and lights up but no text on the screen or sounds coming out. There was a power shortage everything when dead even my keyboard when everything came back on so did my Alesis except blank screen and no sounds can you help with this problem.
Thanks,
Eloy
Hi Eloy,
That is a different problem than I had. My keyboard came up but all of the user bank sounds were messed up (the rest were fine).
I think you need to take it to an Alesis service center (contact Alesis).
Best,
Brian