How to Retire the Cheapskate Way: The Ultimate Cheapskate's Guide to a Better, Earlier, Happier Retirement

For the biggest savings on funeral expenses, consider “direct cremation” (i.e., cremation without embalming or a casket, and with no formal viewing or ceremony with the body present—a memorial service can always be held later, with the ashes present).

In a way, we’ve come full circle from where this book began. We’re back to the same question Bob Johnson asked me in the park that day: What do you really, really want?

Letter of instructions This is an informal document you write yourself and can freely change at any time; no attorney or pay-as-you-go website is necessary. It isn’t meant to replace a will. In fact, your will supersedes this letter. You can make multiple copies of this document, but just make sure that your loved ones know where to find a copy onc

Now I not only jump at the chance to be bumped off a flight in exchange for a free ticket, but whenever possible I play the odds and actually try to get bumped.

many lines offer so-called “repositioning cruises” at dirt-cheap fares. In general, you need to be able to travel in the spring or fall to find these deals, depending on the destination/routing. Check with individual lines for any repositioning cruises they may offer, or websites like www.cruisedeals.com.

Save green with your green thumb, and get in shape at the same time. Lawn and garden care

You can search for volunteer opportunities at nearly four hundred national parks and find application materials and other information at www.​nps.​gov (click on “Get Involved”). Check with state parks directly concerning volunteer programs they may offer.

free online courses and videos like those offered at www.Epicurious.com, www.imcooked.com (kind of like a YouTube of cooking videos), www.allrecipes.com, and http://​video.​pbs.​org/​program/​julia-​child/.

One-way wheels. Many national rental car companies move much of their fleets south to Florida in the fall and then back north in late spring. If you’re willing to drive one of their cars on a one-way trip within these time frames, you could pay next to nothing for the privilege.