How to Lead a Frugal Lifestyle
20 Easy Tips on How to be Frugal and Save Money
1. Do not go to the mall just because you are bored. You will invariably spend money on things that you do not really need. You will likely save $15 to $30 per month by avoiding malls.
2. Try to shop during the sales season and avoid paying retail prices.
3. Do not give into the temptations of advertising. It’s engineered to make you feel like you’re incomplete, that you have an unfulfilled need, that you’re not good enough.”
4. Find a better deal for your services, such as cell phone, internet access, phone companies, and SAVE the difference rather than spend it.
5. Stay healthy and fit since medical problems and expensive health care bills will drain your bank account. Of all the risk factors for dying, the one that is most predictive is fitness level. In addition, an older person with high cardiovascular fitness is healthier than a younger person who is physically inactive. By increasing your fitness level, you can actually roll back your biological clock. Investing in preventative health and fitness is the ultimate WEALTH.
6. Stay in and relax save up for something you really want or need. Question your decision on the purpose of going out next time you have the urge.
7. Always save and have an emergency fund for a rainy day. Even when things are going great, you must always be prepared for a change. If you take the time and patience to set yourself up properly, then when things do take a turn for the worse, you will be prepared to handle it. If you live above your means, then when the slightest change occurs, you will not be prepared to adapt. Financial flexibility is more important then keeping up with your friends and neighbors.
8. Do not compete with the Jones’. Do not do anything to impress others, always try to impress yourself. “If getting rich makes us happy, then why don’t countries as a whole get happier as they grow wealthier? It has been discovered that as a country gets wealthier there’s no overall increase in happiness. Why? Do not continually compare your wealth against that of others. Being overly competitive and envious is not healthy and a sure formula that spins many into depression.
9. Avoid impulse buying and only buy things that you truly need. New things lose their novelty and excitement and you are ready for the next purchase.
10. Do not get addicted to shopping. It may provide a temporary healing effect if shopping comforts you when you are down about something, but it is certainly not a long-term cure for your problems.
11. Keep you gifts simple and personal. Consider sending someone a personal handwritten letter. In today’s internet culture that can be very effective in showing a personal touch and thought without spending much money other than the cost of a postage stamp.
12. Whenever possible, buy store brands. Nearly half the cost for name brands goes to advertising. Usually their quality isn't any better than store brands, which frequently carry a money back guarantee. This is true not only with food, but also cleaning supplies and paper products. Even if the savings are small on an individual item, using this strategy every time you shop makes a big difference. Remember, this is a long-term plan.
13. Avoid prepared foods. We're all pressed for time, but buying prepared foods can be expensive. You pay extra for the convenience and get a meal full of chemicals and preservatives too. Instead, put your main course in a Crock Pot before you leave for work, or put frozen meat in the refrigerator to thaw before you go to bed. Once you learn to plan ahead, you'll be surprised how much you'll save.
14. Shop at "you-bag-it" supermarkets without frills. Such stores can help to cut your grocery bill substantially. When you're not subsidizing a store's deli section, flower shop, or bakery, you'll find the rest of the food cheaper. No-frills supermarkets cut overhead by having fewer employees, smaller buildings to heat and cool, and primarily store brands. You'll quickly notice the savings.
15. Brown bag your lunch. This will save you thousands over the years. Brown bagging has three benefits: You'll avoid greasy, high-calorie fast food; you'll save money; and you'll be more satisfied on your job, since lunch with coworkers often turns into gripe sessions.
16. Don't buy clothes or shoes with designer labels. Who do you want to make rich, some fashion designer, or you? That trendy label will cost you at least 50% extra. Instead of impressing your friends, impress yourself by adding that savings to your bank account. If you must buy designer labels, then go to stores or outlets that offer name-brands at a discount.
17. Use coupons, but be smart about it. When a name brand product still costs more than a store brand, even after the deduction for a coupon, it's no bargain. Most coupons are for new products that companies want you to try, so be selective. You can get coupons online at sites like Coupons.com or Couponcabin.com, or search under "coupons."
18. Buy used books instead of new. You should visit used book sales put on by local charities and get an armload of reading for very little money. You can also choose used books on Amazon.com. Even better? Check out books for free at your local public library. Most libraries have DVDs and CDs, too.
19. Keep your car as long as you can. A shiny new car may impress your family and friends, but it simply costs too much. Today's cars, with electronic ignition, fuel injectors and superb rust protection, can last well past 150,000 miles if taken care of.
20. Severely restrict your credit card spending. Credit cards make money unreal. They take the thought process and discipline out of your buying. Before you know it, you're deep in debt and getting further behind because you can't make your monthly payment. When you pay in cash and watch those bills disappear from your wallet, you become more careful. You relearn the value of money. You question every purchase, and that's when you become smart.
Reward yourself for your efforts
Your goal is to be frugal, not a miser. Small rewards--within your budget--are a wise way to keep fun in your life. Living beneath your means takes self-control, but the emotional and financial benefits are tremendous. An occasional treat energizes you to keep up the good work.
1. Do not go to the mall just because you are bored. You will invariably spend money on things that you do not really need. You will likely save $15 to $30 per month by avoiding malls.
2. Try to shop during the sales season and avoid paying retail prices.
3. Do not give into the temptations of advertising. It’s engineered to make you feel like you’re incomplete, that you have an unfulfilled need, that you’re not good enough.”
4. Find a better deal for your services, such as cell phone, internet access, phone companies, and SAVE the difference rather than spend it.
5. Stay healthy and fit since medical problems and expensive health care bills will drain your bank account. Of all the risk factors for dying, the one that is most predictive is fitness level. In addition, an older person with high cardiovascular fitness is healthier than a younger person who is physically inactive. By increasing your fitness level, you can actually roll back your biological clock. Investing in preventative health and fitness is the ultimate WEALTH.
6. Stay in and relax save up for something you really want or need. Question your decision on the purpose of going out next time you have the urge.
7. Always save and have an emergency fund for a rainy day. Even when things are going great, you must always be prepared for a change. If you take the time and patience to set yourself up properly, then when things do take a turn for the worse, you will be prepared to handle it. If you live above your means, then when the slightest change occurs, you will not be prepared to adapt. Financial flexibility is more important then keeping up with your friends and neighbors.
8. Do not compete with the Jones’. Do not do anything to impress others, always try to impress yourself. “If getting rich makes us happy, then why don’t countries as a whole get happier as they grow wealthier? It has been discovered that as a country gets wealthier there’s no overall increase in happiness. Why? Do not continually compare your wealth against that of others. Being overly competitive and envious is not healthy and a sure formula that spins many into depression.
9. Avoid impulse buying and only buy things that you truly need. New things lose their novelty and excitement and you are ready for the next purchase.
10. Do not get addicted to shopping. It may provide a temporary healing effect if shopping comforts you when you are down about something, but it is certainly not a long-term cure for your problems.
11. Keep you gifts simple and personal. Consider sending someone a personal handwritten letter. In today’s internet culture that can be very effective in showing a personal touch and thought without spending much money other than the cost of a postage stamp.
12. Whenever possible, buy store brands. Nearly half the cost for name brands goes to advertising. Usually their quality isn't any better than store brands, which frequently carry a money back guarantee. This is true not only with food, but also cleaning supplies and paper products. Even if the savings are small on an individual item, using this strategy every time you shop makes a big difference. Remember, this is a long-term plan.
13. Avoid prepared foods. We're all pressed for time, but buying prepared foods can be expensive. You pay extra for the convenience and get a meal full of chemicals and preservatives too. Instead, put your main course in a Crock Pot before you leave for work, or put frozen meat in the refrigerator to thaw before you go to bed. Once you learn to plan ahead, you'll be surprised how much you'll save.
14. Shop at "you-bag-it" supermarkets without frills. Such stores can help to cut your grocery bill substantially. When you're not subsidizing a store's deli section, flower shop, or bakery, you'll find the rest of the food cheaper. No-frills supermarkets cut overhead by having fewer employees, smaller buildings to heat and cool, and primarily store brands. You'll quickly notice the savings.
15. Brown bag your lunch. This will save you thousands over the years. Brown bagging has three benefits: You'll avoid greasy, high-calorie fast food; you'll save money; and you'll be more satisfied on your job, since lunch with coworkers often turns into gripe sessions.
16. Don't buy clothes or shoes with designer labels. Who do you want to make rich, some fashion designer, or you? That trendy label will cost you at least 50% extra. Instead of impressing your friends, impress yourself by adding that savings to your bank account. If you must buy designer labels, then go to stores or outlets that offer name-brands at a discount.
17. Use coupons, but be smart about it. When a name brand product still costs more than a store brand, even after the deduction for a coupon, it's no bargain. Most coupons are for new products that companies want you to try, so be selective. You can get coupons online at sites like Coupons.com or Couponcabin.com, or search under "coupons."
18. Buy used books instead of new. You should visit used book sales put on by local charities and get an armload of reading for very little money. You can also choose used books on Amazon.com. Even better? Check out books for free at your local public library. Most libraries have DVDs and CDs, too.
19. Keep your car as long as you can. A shiny new car may impress your family and friends, but it simply costs too much. Today's cars, with electronic ignition, fuel injectors and superb rust protection, can last well past 150,000 miles if taken care of.
20. Severely restrict your credit card spending. Credit cards make money unreal. They take the thought process and discipline out of your buying. Before you know it, you're deep in debt and getting further behind because you can't make your monthly payment. When you pay in cash and watch those bills disappear from your wallet, you become more careful. You relearn the value of money. You question every purchase, and that's when you become smart.
Reward yourself for your efforts
Your goal is to be frugal, not a miser. Small rewards--within your budget--are a wise way to keep fun in your life. Living beneath your means takes self-control, but the emotional and financial benefits are tremendous. An occasional treat energizes you to keep up the good work.
Also, if you buy used books on the cheap you might also be able to sell them online and make a pretty penny.
ReplyDelete-Adam
sellyourbooksonline.com