While not everyone is suffering severely from the weakened economy, most of us are experiencing worries about finances that we didn’t seem to have a decade ago. That makes this an excellent time to devise a plan for living a more frugal life. It doesn’t mean denying yourself, it means being smarter about how you live your life. Think of frugality as a game or puzzle to solve, make it fun as you watch your savings build!
Learn How to Do It Yourself
Everything from redecorating to fixing a toilet is something you can do yourself with a little knowledge. To gain the confidence needed to approach these tasks, read helpful do-it-yourself guides and ask for advice at home supply stores.
Study Your Tax Laws
Don’t miss out on all the great deductions and credits you are entitled to. Tax laws change on a yearly basis, so use the most recent resources to learn about this year’s tax credits.
Pay with Cash
It is much harder to hand over your hard-earned cash when paying for items compared to the ease of using credit or debit cards. Put yourself on a cash budget, and you’ll be amazed at the savings.
Have a Garage Sale
Don’t throw workable items in the trash- have a garage sale! Sell your unwanted clothing, books, collectibles and whatever you don’t need at a yard sale.
Monitor Your Energy Consumption
Turn off electronics and lights when you leave a room. Weatherproof your home using inexpensive caulk to seal cracks and gaps. Wash full loads using cold water. Every little bit helps!
Get Your News Online
Stop newspaper and magazine subscriptions, and get your information online for free.
Use the Library
Rather than buying expensive hardback books, check them out at the library. If they don’t have the book you want, just ask, they will be happy to get it through inter-library loan.
Grow Some of Your Own Food
Start a small garden this year. Don’t fall into the trap of buying expensive garden equipment and supplies, you really don’t need them. You just need healthy soil and some seeds or small plants to grow delicious vegetables and herbs.
Sign up for Discounts
There are an amazing number of discount programs on all kinds of items. Don’t pay for the discount service, find discount offers that just require signing up.
Take Advantage of Free Local Entertainment
Most towns have art festivals, free concerts, gallery exhibitions or free lectures on a routine basis. Rather than seeing a movie, go to a free art show or concert.
Shop According to Sales
Whether it is grocery shopping or buying a new major appliance, frugal people buy when it is on sale.
Buy Used Whenever Possible
Even better than sales, save enormous amounts of money by buying used. Everything from computers to the latest best sellers can be purchased used.
Limit Car Trips
Pick one or two days a week for all the errands that require the car. Walk, ride your bicycle or use public transportation on the other days. Carpool when possible.
Quit With Brand Loyalty
Many store brands are just as good as name brands, so give them a try.
Buy Bulk
Shop at your local natural foods store for delicious, quality pasta, herbs, spices, nuts, beans and many other items in the store’s bulk bins.
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