Elizabeth Willard Thames Books

This deeply personal narrative follows Elizabeth Willard Thames, an award-winning personal finance blogger, as she transitions from a successful urban career to a life of frugality and purpose. At thirty-two, she and her husband, Nate, left their conventional 9-5 jobs in 2014, driven by a dream to become modern-day homesteaders in rural Vermont. To achieve financial independence and retire early, they saved over seventy percent of their income, embracing a lifestyle of minimalism and intentional living. Elizabeth chronicled their journey on her blog, the Frugalwoods, showcasing their dramatic lifestyle transformation. Within three years, they achieved their goal, now living on a sixty-six-acre homestead with their daughter. Their frugal lifestyle not only made their dream possible but also brought them peace and genuine happiness, freeing them from societal pressures to accumulate material possessions. Elizabeth discovered the empowerment that comes from rejecting consumer culture's promise of happiness through consumption. This story illustrates how the couple forged a sustainable, independent life, demonstrating that while not everyone may desire a rural existence, many seek greater control over their time and finances. Their journey offers insights for anyone wishing to lead a more meaningful, simplified life.

"In 2014, Liz Thames and her husband, Nate, were conventional young urban professionals working nine-to-five jobs. But the rat race had worn them down, and they dreamed of becoming modern-day homesteaders in rural Vermont. Determined to retire as early as possible in order to start living each day--as opposed to wishing time away working for the weekends--they enacted a plan to save as much money as they could. In less than three years, Liz and Nate reached their goal. Today they are financially independent and living out their dream with their young daughters on a sixty-six acre homestead in the woods of Vermont. In this rural setting, they've discovered the deep joy of pursuing their passions, the fulfillment of a vibrant community, and a sense of peace they never expected. Their frugal methods, as described by Liz Thames in this book, aren't born of deprivation and hardship, but rather of a conscious decision to joyfully live below one's means. Thames believes frugality isn't about what you're giving up, but about what you stand to gain through the freedom of a financially secure lifestyle. Through embracing wholesale frugality, Thames discovered the self-confidence and liberation that stem from disavowing our culture's promise that we can buy our way to 'the good life.' She unlocked the freedom of a life no longer beholden to the clarion call to consume ever more. 'Meet the Frugalwoods' is the inspiring story of how Liz and Nate realized that the mainstream path wasn't for them, crafted a lifestyle of sustainable frugality, and reached financial independence. While not everyone wants to live in the woods or quit their jobs, many of us want to have more control over our time and our money, and to lead more meaningful, fulfilling lives. By following Thames' advice, you too can live your best life."-- Dust jacket