With 11 % inflation in India and Stagflation in US ( Recession plus Inflation) many of us are looking for ways to cut down.

Frugality is no more a virtue. I realized I belong to an older generation when it comes to spending - A bit conservative

Besides, there is a huge difference between frugal and cheap. If we can get the same quality of resources with some common sense ideas, why spend double on them.

Here are some tips I came across. Please feel free...

Before the title turns out to be a misnomer, let me explain it. In the past few decades due to the numerous technological advances and good discipline among citizens, America and many other countries have benefited greatly.

The quality of life is high, given that people do what they are supposed to, systems are organized and daily living is so easy and convenient. I am talking in terms of shopping, general lifestyle, paying bills and services like telephone and high speed internet....

It's a country where every thing has a low fat substitute, healthy or unhealthy the food item is low in fat, tasty or unbearable it's "fat free" slogan sells it in a big way. Although these products appear as an obvious choice to weight watchers, sometimes they psych us out.
Back in India, I will start a protest for adulterated milk or watered milk. Here,I pay for it, knowing that it s 70% water.
Looking at the food label has become a norm. The first thing is the saturated...

Cometh new year, Christmas and thanks giving, US retailers and chain stores offer HUGE discounts. Unlike in India, these sale are something one can look forward to if they are planning to buy something.

And after new year there is a huge clearance sale on in all stores. Electronics is one thing one can and must buy during this season. Retailers like Best Buy offer 50 to 70% discounts on old year models. TVs, Laptops, Gadgets etc are available for drop dead prices.

Clothes...

A Houstonian was saved by an Indian doctor at Indraprastha hospital in Delhi.

Reason - Expensive Health Care. As people living here would testify, the health care is system is one of the worst in world, not in terms of technology and facilities but the cost which makes everything un-affordable. It could be an eye specialist or a dental surgeon or general physician or a dermatologist. You have to think twice or thrice before visiting a doctor. Even if one is medically insured, the copay...