Living on Half a Dime a Day

Living on Half a Dime a Day is a memoir written by Sarah Elizabeth Harper Monmouth in the 1870s, detailing her experience of surviving on a meager budget after losing her income from government bonds. After her financial ruin, Monmouth devised a strict yearly budget of just $40, allocating funds for food, fuel, and reading. Her resourcefulness led her to create folk art from found materials, turning her home into an artistic attraction that generated income. This unique account offers insight into frugality, creativity, and resilience in the face of poverty.