About Us

Hello, I’m Amanda, and I’m so glad you’re here at Coping with Frugality. I created this space to share my journey of living life well on a budget. My goal is to help you do the same in your own life.

I’m a new mom, a wife, and a journalist, and I am learning every day how to balance all of those roles while navigating the current economy. Life today can feel overwhelming, especially when the cost of living keeps rising. What I’ve learned is that frugality doesn’t mean deprivation — it means making choices that let you live well without overspending. I want this blog to feel like a supportive friend who shows you simple, doable ideas for everyday life.

My Story

When our sweet daughter Lity was born on May 8, 2022, everything changed. Becoming a mom made me more aware of how fast time goes, how precious little moments are, and how important it is to build a life that feels rich in joy and meaning, not in how much money is spent. I wanted to be the kind of mom who doesn’t just provide, but also teaches smart money habits by example.

Over time, doing things like cloth-diapering Lity, learning to cook nourishing meals from scratch, growing an organic garden, and finding simple ways to save money became not just habits, but parts of our family’s story. I want to share those experiences with you honestly — the good, the messy, and the rewarding.

What You’ll Find Here?

This blog is a mix of practical tips, heartfelt stories, and real-life ideas that I use in my own family life. Some of the things I write about include:

  • Budget-Friendly Meals: I share recipes and meal ideas that help stretch your food budget without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. One post you might enjoy is Delicious One-Pot Meal Ideas on a Budget You’ll Want Every Night, where I show how one-pot dinners can save time, money, and cleanup—all at once.
  • Budget Living How-Tos: Whether it’s meal planning, decorating on a budget, or everyday frugal habits, I write with you in mind. For example, when I want to refresh the outdoor space without spending a fortune, I share ideas like Cheap Backyard Makeover Ideas on a Budget That Look Luxurious.
  • Home & Garden: I write about growing food, organizing your home on a budget, and other ways to make your space feel welcoming and intentional.

Every piece here comes from my real life — not from some perfect influencer lifestyle, but from a place of practical, intentional living.

How do I Approach Frugal Living?

I want to be clear about something: frugality isn’t about deprivation. It’s about choice and value. When I choose to cook dinner at home instead of grabbing takeout, it’s not because I have to — it’s because I value nourishing food and saving money for the things that matter most to our family. Frugality allows us to do more with less, and that brings peace instead of pressure.

Cooking & Mealtime Inspiration

Cooking is one of my favorite ways to practice frugality without sacrifice. I love creating meals that are hearty, simple, and family-friendly. My husband has a big appetite for beef and potatoes, which pushes me to find creative ways to use affordable ingredients while keeping meals tasty.

I also try to cook in ways that maximize value—using ingredients in multiple dishes throughout the week, making hearty soups, stews, and casseroles, and using one-pot methods whenever possible.

Beyond the Kitchen

Frugality touches every part of life, not just food. I share ideas for your home, backyard, cleaning routines, and decor, all with a focus on affordable solutions. I love showing how thoughtful choices can turn an ordinary space into something special.

What Frugality Means to Me

For me, frugality means the following:

  • Living intentionally
  • Valuing experiences over expenses
  • Making smart choices that support family life and goals
  • Finding joy in simple moments

It’s not about being cheap — it’s about being resourceful, mindful, and grateful. I don’t expect perfection; I expect progress. And I believe that every step toward intentional budgeting brings a sense of freedom — not limitation.

Our Growing Garden & Simple Living

One of the biggest projects in our home life is our organic garden. I expanded it much larger than anything I’ve done before because I want to grow as much of our food as possible—not just to save money but to connect with the way food grows and with the natural rhythm of the seasons. Watching seeds grow into food for my family is one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

This blog is a reflection of that lifestyle — a mix of cooking, growing, creating, and learning to enjoy life with less emphasis on money spent. I want to help you see that your home, your kitchen, your yard, and your everyday choices can all be places where intention makes a difference.

Honest Product Reviews

If you have a product, tool, or service that helps families live well on a budget, I’d love to hear from you. I enjoy exploring things that make life easier, better, or more intentional—and sharing honest thoughts with my readers. Whether it’s something that helps in the kitchen, around the home, or in family life, we love finding things that are both useful and affordable.

Let’s Connect

If you ever want to say hello, ask a question, or share a frugal idea, I’d love to hear from you. You can always reach out on the Contact page or connect with me through social media. Contact Me at Amanda@CopingWithFrugality.com

Thank you for stopping by CopingWithFrugality.com. Whether you’re here for meal ideas, frugal living strategies, gardening inspiration, or simply encouragement, I’m glad you’re here. I hope you leave feeling inspired—and empowered—to live your life with intention, joy, and frugal confidence.

Because when we choose wisely, live creatively, and care deeply for the people around us, frugality becomes freedom, not limitation.