The Good Life for Less: Launch Issue (Collector's Edition)

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Working Stiffs: Putting the Free in Freelance

Perhaps we're still riding high on the optimism of a newly elected President, but this week, everything seems rosier--even the prospect of the holidays during this economy.

We took a hard look at our fears of austere frugality and found that there are mainstream brands promising to be easy on the wallet while at the same time doing good globally, U.S. retailers working with consumers to avoid an all-out shopping freeze as we get closer to Black Friday, and simple ways we can work together in our communities to keep kids safe and sound (and moms sane) even on a Shoestring budget.

When resourcefulness reigns, it's easy to buckle down without being down and out. And if all else fails, at least we can be thankful for the friends who remind us to laugh.

~ Melissa
Stealfinder-in-Chief

PS: Check back next week for the best online coupon sites, tips for hosting Thanksgiving dinner under $100, and cheap, crafty gifts with a serious sense of sentiment and style.

Cheap & Chic

Business Week takes us Behind the Brand for a look at Zara, the company that created the "look for less" and still manages to pay its workers a living wage.

Budgets & Banking

Worried about affording gifts this year? Check out new perks from restless retailers in the Holiday Shopping Notebook from the Associated Press.

Little Ones

Families everywhere are feeling the pinch this season, but Sheila Lirio Marcelo of Care.com shows us how you can save on childcare without sacrificing service or safety.

Can't see this email? Click here to view it online

Working Stiffs: Putting the Free in Freelance Perhaps we're still riding high on the optimism of a newly elected President, but this week, everything seems rosier--even the prospect of the holidays during this economy. We took a hard look at our fears of austere frugality and found that there are mainstream brands promising to be easy on the wallet while at the same time doing good globally, U.S. retailers working with consumers to avoid an all-out shopping freeze as we get closer to Black Friday, and simple ways we can work together in our communities to keep kids safe and sound (and moms sane) even on a Shoestring budget. When resourcefulness reigns, it's easy to buckle down without being down and out. And if all else fails, at least we can be thankful for the friends who remind us to laugh. ~ Melissa Stealfinder-in-Chief PS: Check back next week for the best online coupon sites, tips for hosting Thanksgiving dinner under $100, and cheap, crafty gifts with a serious sense of sentiment and style.	Cheap & Chic Business Week takes us Behind the Brand for a look at Zara, the company that created the "look for less" and still manages to pay its workers a living wage. Budgets & Banking Worried about affording gifts this year? Check out new perks from restless retailers in the Holiday Shopping Notebook from the Associated Press. Little Ones Families everywhere are feeling the pinch this season, but Sheila Lirio Marcelo of Care.com shows us how you can save on childcare without sacrificing service or safety.