Secrets of extreme savers

Super Savers: Julie and Ralph Arnheim, both 43, daughters Natalie, 14, Isabelle, 12 and Emelia, 9
Savings Rate: 40%
Home: Los Altos Hills, Ca.
Occupation: Julie is a stay-at-home mom and co-founder of RubbingNickels.com; Ralph is a lawyer

Thanks to her husband's successful law career, Julie Arnheim has been able to stay at home full time for the past 10 years with her daughters, ages 9, 12, and 14 (she previously worked in sales for a financial software firm). But living in the San Francisco suburbs is expensive, and Ralph hopes to retire by 55 or 60, so the Arnheims do all they can to keep a lid on spending. Julie describes their savings strategy as "eco-thrifty" -- they cook at home six nights a week, skip Starbucks, get most of their fruits and vegetables from their garden and keep chickens in the backyard for eggs.

Instead of socializing in restaurants, Julie organizes pot-luck dinners with friends. The Arnheims swap items with neighbors, everything from books and kids soccer equipment to party dresses for their daughters and jewelry and scarves for the adults. Julie says some of their eco-thrifty habits are inspiring the neighbors too: "Several neighbors and local friends have either already gotten the poultry raising itch or are curious about it," she says.

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