Frugalwoods

I’m ruthless about how I use my time and money. They’re both limited resources and how I deploy them dictates the type of life I lead.

Elizabeth Willard Thames, better known as Mrs. Frugalwoods, is the creator of the award-winning personal finance blog, Frugalwoods.com.

At age 32 she reached financial independence and left a successful career in the city to create a more meaningful, purpose-driven life on a 66-acre homestead in the woods of Vermont with her husband and their two young daughters.

Thames is the author of “Meet The Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living” (HarperCollins; March 6, 2018). Prior to following her calling as a writer and homesteader, she worked for 10 years in the non-profit sector as a fundraiser and communications manager.

Thames received a BA from the University of Kansas and an MA from American University.

You can follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

watch playing with fire

A documentary about the FIRE movement and one family's quest to achieve financial independence and retire early. Available on the following:

Get your copy of the

book

A perfect follow up on the film to dive deeper into the philosophies and "how-tos of the FIRE movement"
Playing the FIRE book image

Reading material

We have assembled the foundational information to get your start on the right foot down the FIRE path to financial independence.

The Role of Frugality in FIRE

Dive into the transformative world of financial independence with a refreshing take on frugality versus being cheap. Embrace the art of living well without living beyond your means, and find out how being frugal, not cheap, can unlock the door to your financial liberation.

Understanding the 4% Rule

Retirement withdrawal strategies are anything but one-size-fits-all. For many FIRE fans, determining how much to withdraw each year requires a balance between ensuring your savings last and meeting your current financial needs.

The Importance of Savings Rate in FIRE

Explore the essential role of savings rate in the FIRE movement for achieving financial independence and early retirement. Learn how to balance frugality, investment strategies, and lifestyle to accelerate your journey towards financial freedom.