Surviving (and thriving) on $12,000 a year

Props! Seems slightly unnecessary as having to work so hard at saving money is energy expending; precious energy that could be better spent studying or having fun (also known as stress reduction for those who need a good excuse). After all that's what loans are for. However, definitely points for trying.

Some of the spin seems unecessary (are you really thriving, and if you are why are you planning to do this just temporarily, i.e. until you finish college), but it is good to explore the possibility of living life differently. I like the general idea, but it's not quite my thing. I do enjoy the finer things in life. And you have to be on a mission in order to force yourself not to be able to. Or just poor I guess; where choice is close enough to smell, but usually just out of reach.

If you were a poor father/mother would you sacrifice the time with your children in order to provide them a better future?

Can money buy happiness?

Interesting article. To comment later on...