Top ways to live frugally and save money
There are many reasons why people live frugally – they may want to settle their debts, save enough money for early retirement, or they just choose to live this way as a lifestyle choice. Whatever the reason may be, sometimes the common frugality practices are not enough to bring about significant results. Extreme measures must then be taken. Read on for some strange but effective ways on how to live frugally…and save money in the process.
1. Become a vegetarian
Meat (beef, chicken, pork) and meat products are actually more expensive than vegetables. If you’re serious in cutting down your food expenses, don’t buy and eat meat anymore. Become a vegetarian instead and only consume plant and plant-based products such as tofu. More importantly, you’ll avoid having chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes by being vegan. You can save on expensive hospital costs in the long run.
2. Don’t’ drink soda, alcohol, and any other costly beverages
Not only are sodas bad for your health (they are overloaded with sugar), but they are also expensive. Be kind to your body and to your pocket by giving up sodas. Similarly, branded coffees, alcoholic drinks, and bottled water are draining away your funds. Consider these beverages luxury items so you’ll lessen, if not totally stop, their consumption.
3. Take home and keep fast food condiments
Save those fast food or restaurant condiments so you can use them later on at home. You don’t have to buy those hot sauces, ketchup, salt, and pepper all the time.
4. Rent or share a room (if you don’t have children)
House mortgages can quickly drain your finances. The question is, do you really need to own a house right now? If you don’t have a family or partner yet, consider renting a room in someone’s house. Alternatively, share a room with a friend so you can split the expenses between you. You can save a ton on housing costs and utility bills.
5. Dry your clothes without using electricity
Harness the powers of the sun and wind – hang your laundered clothes in your yard by using a clothesline. Let your clothes dry naturally so you can save on your monthly electric bill. If you don’t have space outside or the weather isn’t good, use a clothes rack inside your home to dry the clothes.
6. Apply little makeup, or better yet, go natural (for women)
Make-up kits can be so expensive, especially the branded ones. You’ll save a lot of money if you don’t apply any makeup at all, or if you really need to, just apply a small amount. A dab of lipstick or a little face powder will do. The money that you can save on makeup is better spent on other essential items, like fresh vegetables and bill payments.
7. Dilute some products with water
Some cleaning products can be diluted with water so they will last much longer, thereby saving you some money. Mix some water with liquid hand soaps, dishwashing liquid, shampoo, and liquid detergent. These products have a concentrated formula so it’s OK if you water them down.
8.Use common household items to clean your home
Some items that can be found in your house can clean it, too. These products are non-toxic, safe, and cheap while commercially-produced cleaners are toxic and expensive. For instance, white vinegar can eliminate mildew, bad odors, and grease. Lemon can deodorize garbage bins. Cornstarch can be used to polish furniture and clean windows. Baking soda can be used to deodorize the refrigerator.
9. Use solar energy to harness electricity
Learn about solar energy and how you can utilize it as an alternative power source for your house or apartment. You’ll be able to dramatically reduce your electric bill if you use solar panels on your roof to absorb energy from the sun and convert this to electricity. If you’re just sharing or renting a room, there are other solar products that you can use, such as a solar power bank for your electronic gadgets and a solar-powered light bulb. Solar energy is renewable, cheap, and safe.
10. Save and use rainwater
Save rainwater in plastic drums so you can use it to water the plants, clean the garage and bathroom, and flush the toilet bowl. You can lower your water bill significantly by using rainwater for various purposes around the house.
These suggestions to spend less and save more may be too radical for some, but at least give them a try. If you’re in a financially tight situation right now, explore all possible means (even extreme ones) and you just might be able to resolve your money issues.
In this tough economy, more and more people are becoming conscious of their spending habits. They keep track of every dollar spent so they can cut costs and at the same time, save more money. Are you one of those people who would like to become financially fit? Here are some extremely frugal tips that you can try so you can achieve financial independence…at the least possible time.
11. Ditch your mobile or smart phone
Ask yourself if you really need a cellphone. If you can get by without one, then give it up and cut off your subscription. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can save hundreds of dollars by not having to pay monthly cell phone bills. Easy? Maybe not. But if your goal is to live simply and save money, it should be considered.
12. Use board games for entertainment
This is a bit hard to implement, but you can save a lot by giving up your electronic gadgets, especially game consoles and televisions.Your kids may put up a struggle but you’ve to be firm with them. Let them play (or you can join them) board games like Monopoly or Trivial Pursuit. To sharpen your minds, play Chess.
13. Try extreme couponing
Watch a TV show about extreme couponing, and you’ll be inspired by the success of each extreme couponer. Watch even just a single episode, and you most likely will want to become one of them too! The couponers are able to “buy” their groceries at almost no cost to them. Usually, they just pay around $5-40 dollars for hundreds of dollars’ worth of items. Through extreme couponing, they’re able to build stockpiles of various grocery items like canned goods, fruit juices, laundry detergents, frozen foods, and much more. But of course, it takes time and effort to cut, collect, and organize coupons and be successful in couponing, but it’s definitely worth a try as the show demonstrates.
14. Avoid going to the mall
Don’t go the mall unless you really have to buy something essential, like winter clothes (that you can buy from thrift stores anyway at half the cost). You’ll just be tempted to buy unnecessary things that you can live without, such as a new wrist watch or handbag or shoes. The best way to avoid impulse buying is to avoid the shops. Shop windows are designed to lure you in and for you to make a purchase, and once inside, from the music to the way the items are displayed, all are orchestrated to market the products and ensure you’ll be tempted to take out your wallet. Avoid spending unnecessarily by going to the malls less often.
15. Downsize
If your house feels too big for you, then it’s probably time to relocate to a smaller house. There are many advantages in living small, such as lower mortgage rate, lower utility bills, and lower property taxes and insurance cost. Also, smaller square footage means less furniture and other household ‘stuff’ needed; think about all the money you’ll save by downsizing.
16. Grow your own food and preserve it
It’s not an easy task to grow your food from seeds and then preserve your veggies and fruits later. But this endeavor is so rewarding in so many ways. You save tons of money on food costs, and at the same time, there’s that feeling of satisfaction that you’re able to feed your family from your own hard work. Plus you’ll have the comfort of knowing the food you eat is natural and less tampered with than produce bought in supermarkets.
17. Exercise and eat healthy to prevent illness
Hospital bills will really drain your financial resources, especially if you don’t have medical insurance. The best way to prevent any illness is to lead a healthy lifestyle. Always choose fresh ingredients over processed and sugary foods and exercise regularly to keep your body fit.
18. Conserve water by taking quick showers
You’ll save a lot on your utility bills if you significantly cut down your time spent in the shower. Shower for only three minutes or even less. Opt for a shower instead of running the bath, which uses up way more water.
19. Let go of unnecessary stuff
If you think about it, you really don’t need a lot of stuff in your life. You can survive and live well on only a few basic items. Also, less clutter also means less stress for you. No more storage problems and property insurance that you’ve to pay. Identify the items in your house that you can live without (TV, excess clothes, furniture, etc.). Sell them for a profit or donate them to charity.
These tips may seem radical and strange for some. But if you try at least some of them, you’ll be able to start on a very interesting (and rewarding) journey that involves thinking creatively and being able to balance life and define what’s truly essential.
Practical tips for frugal apartment living
Living in an apartment can be challenging, especially for those with cramped spaces where movements can be restricted. Having said that, there are lots of advantages in apartment living.The money that you can save from living in an apartment can be used for other things, such as for travel, investments, or retirement. How can you make the most out of your stay in an apartment? Here are some practical tips on how to live frugally in an apartment:
20. Rent within your means
You should only rent an apartment that you can afford. That said, the monthly rent expense should not be a big part of your budget.Typically, only 25% or less of your monthly income should be spent on rent. If you can’t find anything affordable, share the apartment with a friend or a trusted “friend of a friend.” If there’s no one you can share with, just look for and rent a room. It costs less and you can have your own room for privacy.
21. Choose the most efficient location for your apartment
To further save on transportation expenses, choose an apartment that is within walking or biking distance from your place of work, school, or convenience stores. If there’s none available, select an apartment where it’s easy and convenient to use public transportation, such as the train or a bus, to make daily commute easier.
22. Use water and energy efficiently
Learn how to conserve water and electricity so you can cut costs on your monthly utility bills. Some tips to get you started:
Significantly reduce your shower time (aim for 3 minutes or less)
Limit use of the dishwasher (wash the dishes with your hands)
Hang your clothes to dry on a clothesline or clothes rack
Unplug all appliances that are not being used
Choose only energy-efficient appliances
23. Don’t spend too much on furniture
Furniture for your apartment can cost a lot. To save money, buy only cheap furniture from thrift shops, garage sales, or online (depending on your location, check out sites like Craigslist or Gumtree). Be on the lookout for bargains and clearance sales. You don’t have to spend a lot on something that can be acquired for only a few dollars. If you really can’t afford to purchase furniture right now, ask for help from your parents or friends. Maybe you can borrow some furniture that they don’t need or make an announcement to everyone that you’re willing to take stuff that they are not using at the moment, that you’ll take care of their coffee table, couch, or TV set, and that they will be put to good use.
24. Donate or sell your unwanted clothing, books, and other items
Don’t waste precious space in your apartment. Get rid of things that you don’t need or use anymore. You can earn some money by selling used things online (try Craigslist). Just make sure that the items you sell are still in good condition. Alternatively, you can donate your things to charity institutions that might benefit from them. You can deduct the value of your donations from your annual taxes, so make sure to keep a receipt of your donation.
25. Cut off your cable subscription
Watching your favorite shows doesn’t have to be expensive. In today’s high-tech world, you can watch TV shows from the internet, which is a much cheaper alternative. Replace your cable subscription with Amazon Prime or Netflix. Watch unlimited movies and TV shows (unlimited streaming) with Amazon Prime Instant Video. You can have a 30-day free trial, after which you can avail of paid membership for only $99 per year. That’s great value for your money!
26. Grow plants in containers
If you’ve a little space in your apartment with enough sunlight, grow some plants and herbs in containers so you can have a free supply of fresh veggies. Be sure to ask permission from the landlord or apartment owner first before having a container garden. Salad staples such as lettuce and tomatoes can be easily grown in containers.
27. Make your own meals
Dining in restaurants can eat away at your budget. On the other hand, eating at fast food jointscan be detrimental to your health.Cooking your own food with fresh ingredients allows you to cut your food expenses and to eat well-balanced meals. Go to your local library and look for ideas from cookbooks and food websites. You can also save a lot by brewing your own coffee instead of buying from coffee shops. Save some more by bringing your own prepared lunch, snacks, and refillable water bottle to work.
Living frugally in an apartment doesn’t have to be cheap and dull. It can be fun and creative: it allows you to be ‘on your toes’ and mindful of your actions. Instead of indiscriminately spending, you’re on the look-out for creative and ingenious ways to save up.
How to live frugally and help save the environment
Frugal living is also synonymous to green living. As you find ways to reduce your spending and live on just essentials, you’re helping the environment, too. Living frugally allows you to save money and at the same time, drastically reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some green living tips that you can follow to save even more and leave less carbon footprint:
28. Use only energy-efficient appliances
Using less energy is a critical component of living frugally and living green. Aside from unplugging appliances, you can do so much more to reduce your electric bill. If you need to buy or replace an appliance, look for the most energy efficient unit; some appliances have energy efficiency ratings that you can evaluate and compare. Moreover, use only LED bulbs to light your home as they use much less electricity.
29. Adjust your thermostat
To save on energy and electricity costs, be mindful in using your thermostat. Adjust or program the thermostat according to the comfort level of your household members – tolerable (not too hot) during the summer, and warm enough (not too cold) during the winter.
30. Wash your clothes in cold water
You don’t need to wash your clothes in hot water. It’s just a waste of valuable energy. Do your laundry using cold water; there’s not much significant difference anyway. Another thing that you can do to save on energy and your electric bill is to hang your clothes dry on a clothesline or clothes rack instead of using the dryer. It may take a while,but they will get dry eventually.
31. DIY household cleaners and beauty products
Commercially-produced household cleaning products contain harsh chemicals and toxins that may damage the environment. And they are expensive too! You can actually make these cleaners yourself. All you need are some common household products. For instance, combine baking soda and warm water to make an all-purpose cleaner and deodorizer. To eliminate mold and mildew, apply full-strength white vinegar or lemon juice to a sponge and scrub off. You can further reduce your carbon footprint and save more money by making your own beauty products. Beeswax can be made into lotions and lip balm. Coconut oil can also be used as skin lotion. Use olive oil to remove make-up.
32. Reuse and reduce
As much as possible, reuse items instead of using disposables. Not only will you save a lot of money and resources in the long run, but you’ll also be able to reduce garbage and pollution. Some ways to reuse items and reduce waste:
Instead of sandwich bags, use reusable food containers to pack your child’s or your husband’s lunch.
Don’t let your child or spouse buy bottled water or packaged juices at school or in the office. As a replacement, put their beverages in reusable water bottles.
Use washable and reusable plates, forks, spoons, cups, and cloth napkins at home. You can save a lot by not buying disposables.
33. Limit your car use
Maintaining a car in good running condition and buying gas regularly can drain your pocket. But if you only use your car occasionally during unavoidable circumstances, you’ll be able to save a lot of money and reduce air pollution too. Arrange a carpool for your kids (when they go to school) with other parents. Use public transportation like the train or bus most of the time. If you can, walk or bike to your destination. You’ll do your body a favor by engaging in physical activity.
34. Eat less meat and more vegetables
It’s safe and healthy to eat organic vegetables, but they can be costly. To save on food expenses, consider growing your own organic veggies. You can also grow them in containers if you don’t have a lot of space. Veggies that are easy to grow are tomatoes and lettuce. You don’t really have to be a full vegan to live frugally. By avoiding meat at least once or twice a week, you can significantly reduce your food expenses. Eating less meat can have a big impact on the environment too – less carbon footprints from animals (cows, pigs, etc.) means a greener planet for us all.
Hopefully, the above tips have inspired you to try a frugal lifestyle. A frugal life doesn’t mean a dull life: being green means living in harmony with the planet, and that in itself can be extremely satisfying.
Ways to live frugally on one income
If you’re wondering if your family can afford living on just one income, then this post is for you. It’s the common notion that in order to survive (and thrive) in this tough economy, a household has to have two sources of income (from both spouses). But what if you want to be present for your kids during their growing up years? What if you want to have a better quality of life for yourself and your family that can only be achieved with one spouse staying at home? What if you were laid off from work and only one spouse has a stable job? You can live well on one salary if you adjust your lifestyle accordingly. Here’s how…
35. Pay off your debts
The interests that you’re paying on your credit cards or mortgage are eating a large chunk of your income. You have to pay off your debts as soon as you can (get shorter payment terms) to avoid financial meltdown. If you’ve to, seek the help of a financial planner to get you out of debt. And don’t ever use your credit cards again.Pay for your purchases with cash so you don’t have to waste your money on the interest that credit card companies charge
36. Let go of luxuries
Identify which items are “wants” (luxuries) in your household. This is an important step for you to adjust your lifestyle on one income. For instance, if you’ve two or more cars, decide which vehicle suits your needs the most but is also fuel-efficient. Sell your other cars and save the profit or use it for other more important things. You may instead use public transportation (bus, train) to reduce gasoline expenses. If you’ve cable or cellular phone subscriptions, consider letting go of those, too.
37. Plan your finances
You have to carefully plan and monitor where every dollar is spent, and the best way to do this is to set up a budget for all of your basic necessities. Create a spreadsheet or just list all of your essentials for one month and the corresponding amount that you spend on them. For example, include in the list your mortgage, insurance, electricity and water bills, groceries, and gasoline expenses. Find out if your designated budget is sufficient for all of your expenses. If there’s still some extra money left, save it for other important items, such as kids’ education fund. If there’s a budget deficit, review your list and identify which items can still be trimmed down.
38. Modify your lifestyle
It may be difficult at first, but adjusting your lifestyle to subsist on one income is actually fun! Get your creative juices flowing and think of ways on how you can cut your spending daily. Some examples to get you started:
- Learn to cook your own meals – dining out everyday can be so expensive
- Look out for bargains and clearance sales in malls – they reduce the prices of clothing and other items by 50% or more
- Brew your own coffee at home instead of buying at Starbucks and other coffee shops
- Learn how to fix things in the house so you won’t have to pay for extra services
- Turn off appliances that are not being used (lights, TV, computer, etc.)
- Make a shopping list to stick to your budget and avoid impulse buying
- Repurpose (or recycle) the clutter that can be found in your home – make a chair out of discarded wood or turn empty soda bottles into hanging plant containers
39. Save for emergencies and special holiday treats
You may think it’s not possible to save money when you’re living on one income, but it’s actually very doable. All it takes is determination and the willpower to do so. As they say, pay yourself first after receiving your monthly salary. Immediately put in your savings account around 10% of your monthly income (ideally, but any amount that you can set aside is fine) before you spend everything.
It’s ideal if you can save up to six months’ worth of your basic monthly expenses so you’ll have a fallback if emergencies such as hospitalizations do come up. Treating your family to holiday travel or just a day at the theme park is also a great motivation for you to save up.
Living on one income may be a big leap for your family, but with enough positive attitude and perseverance, it can be done. You can thrive and not just survive on one income alone. All it needs is a little creativity and ingenuity and having the desire to spend your money wisely.
Top ways to live frugally with a baby
Having a baby is a blissful experience. Parents eagerly anticipate the arrival of their bundle of joy. But what they don’t look forward to are the astronomical expenses that come with raising a baby. If you’re a soon-to-be parent who wants to enjoy raising a baby without breaking the bank, read on for some tips on how to live frugally with a baby:
40. Stock up in advance
As a pregnant mom, watch out for clearance sales and buy essential items gradually or in bulk (your choice). You’ll be able to purchase these items at bargain prices and save a lot on essentials, such as diapers (disposable or cloth), clothes, shampoo, lotion, powder, cotton buds, etc.Having a stockpile of baby stuff that you think you’ll need lets you save in the long run.
41. Buy only gender-neutral baby items
If you’re planning to have more children, buy only gender-neutral baby stuff as this will be more cost-effective in the long run. You won’t have to purchase gender-specific items when you’ve your next baby so that will save you a ton of money, especially on big item purchases, such as a crib, stroller, or high chair. It really is tempting to decorate your nursery in pink (for a girl) or blue (for a boy), but what if the baby that comes next is of the opposite gender? You’ll then have to redecorate everything and spend again for that. It’s much wiser to opt for shades of light green or yellow if you want to practice frugality.
42. Consider using pre-loved baby items
Babies outgrow their stuff at a rapid pace, especially their clothes. Thus, it’s more practical to buy used items since they are cheaper and they won’t be used for long by the baby anyway. Aside from used clothes, consider also buying used strollers, cribs, and other big items. Check out bargains at Craigslist, eBay, and even Facebook. Hand-me-downs from friends and relatives are also great free sources of baby stuff.
43. Feed baby naturally
Practice exclusive breastfeeding to save on formula milk. Not only will you save a lot, but also, your baby will get the best nutrition from breast milk. When the baby is ready to eat solid foods (about six months old), make the baby food on your own. Feeding a baby with a variety of veggies without preservatives, salt, or sugar is the best you can do for his/her health. Moreover, you can save a ton by not buying baby food in jars – they are much too expensive. Preparing baby food is simple and easy – just process the fruit or vegetable (single ingredient at first) in a blender and you’re all set. Alternatively, you can mash the veggie or potato. Just boil it until soft and then mash with a fork.
44. Use cloth diapers and homemade baby wipes
Try using cloth diapers instead of disposable ones. You’ll save thousands of dollars by using cloth diapers until the baby is potty trained. You’ll be able to save even more if you use the cloth diapers on your succeeding babies. Using homemade baby wipes can also save you a lot of money. You can make disposable baby wipes by combining water, baby wash, and baby oil in a spray bottle. Then, cut paper rolls into your preferred size and thickness. Just spray the prepared tissue paper with the mixture you made earlier and store in a tightly sealed container.
45. Don’t buy everything that catches your fancy
Yes, it’s nice to splurge on your baby and buy attractive stuff for him/her once in a while. But don’t get into the habit of buying something that your baby doesn’t need. Don’t overbuy baby stuff; it’s just a great waste of money. Do you really have to buy luxury brands for baby clothes or shoes? Buy for your baby, and not for yourself. The baby doesn’t know what’s branded or not, anyway. All he/she really needs is your love and care.
46. Sell your old baby items
Once your baby has outgrown his stuff, you can sell them on Craigslist or eBay. Just make sure that the items are still in good condition and can be used by the buyer without any problem, especially for baby gears. Or, you can just give them as hand-me-downs to your friends or relatives. You’ll be able to help other moms by donating your old baby stuff.
47. Save on babysitting expenses
Babysitter services are expensive nowadays. If you want to cut your babysitting expenditures, ask for help from your family members or friends to care for your baby during times when you need to go out. The key here is to schedule your trip (or dinner date) in advance so you can notify your relative and make the necessary arrangements. If no one is available, look for a babysitting cooperative in your community.
Having a baby is a blessing you wouldn’t want to miss in your life. By following these suggestions and living frugally, you’ll be able to raise a healthy and happy baby without being too concerned about the high costs involved.
Top ways to live a frugal life with your family
Would you like your family to be debt-free? Would you like to work less and spend more time with your kids? Or live off of one income so that your family can be properly taken care of? Would you like to save or invest money so your family can have financial freedom? You can achieve any of these goals by living a frugal lifestyle. Frugality allows you to live a simple but meaningful life.Read on for some suggestions on how to live frugally…
Food
48. Avoid eating out.
Cook your own food. You can save a lot of money if you avoid eating out. Buy fresh ingredients and cook your own food. Not only will you save a lot, but you’ll be healthier, too.
49. Buy fruits and vegetables when they are in season
Fruits and vegetables are much cheaper and fresher if you buy them when they are abundant in groceries or supermarkets. You can also preserve them through canning or bottling so you’ll have a supply of these during lean times when they are so much more expensive. Examples are tomato paste, basil pesto, and canned peaches.
50. Plan your menu before you buy
You should have a weekly (or even monthly) menu so you can plan in advance the meals that you would like to serve for your family. It’s important to know the quantity of ingredients that you’ve to buy so you’ll avoid wasting ingredients.
51. Use your crock pot or slow cooker
Tough and cheaper cuts of meat can be made into delicious meals by cooking them in the crock pot. Slow cookers are convenient to use, and they consume less electricity, too. You can also cook soups, stews, oats, and even pasta in them.
52. Grow your own food
You’ll definitely save tons of money if you practice gardening and grow your own food. Moreover, if you grow your own veggies or herbs, you can be assured of the freshness and safety of what you eat. Practice organic gardening if possible.
53. Be creative with leftovers
Don’t throw away and waste your leftovers. You can still make a lot of different dishes out of them. For example, use leftover meats for stir-fries or soups. Leftover roasted chicken can be made into a chicken sandwich filling or pizza topping. The possibilities are endless.
54. Buy wholesale
Buy items in bulk so you can save gas on grocery trips and you’ll be given huge discounts when you buy wholesale. Some non-perishable items that you can buy in bulk: tissue paper, shampoo, soap, cotton, toothpaste, and other toiletries.
Utilities
55. Turn off electric appliances, gadgets, and lights when not in use
Save on electricity costs by being vigilant on your electronic gadgets – turn them off and unplug the electric cord from the socket when they’re not being used.
56. Use the air conditioner sparingly
When it’s hot during the summer, just open the windows to let fresh air into your house. Use electric fans to save on costs (beware of heat stroke, though). Wear cool, “summery” clothing so you’ll feel cool.
Clothing
57. Invest in classic, high-quality pieces of clothing
They may cost more initially, but high-quality clothes in classic cut will last for many years, so they are a good investment for your wardrobe. They are more than worth your money in the long run. You can mix and match different styles to suit various occasions.
58. Buy used clothes that are in good condition
Used clothes cost far less than brand-new ones, but before you buy, check if they are still in good condition. Watch out for holes, missing buttons, or large stains on used clothes. Children can benefit from hand-me-downs from relatives or friends. You can also swap clothes with your friends to acquire a new wardrobe without spending anything.
Cleaning
59. Make your own cleaning products
House cleaning agents can be expensive. It’s a good thing, you can make your own so you can save a lot. There are many common household stuff that you can use. For instance, use vinegar to eliminate grease and grime. To make an all-purpose cleaner, combine equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
60. Opt for reusable stuff
If possible, avoid using disposable items as they can be a drain to your budget if you use them regularly. Items like disposable spoons and forks, cups, paper napkins, and towels can be substituted with reusable items. Just wash them up and they’re good to be used again. You can save with reusable items in the long run. Examples are ceramic plates, metal spoons and forks, and cloth hand towels.
It’s really hard at first, especially if you’re used to having creature comforts, but adopting a simple and frugal lifestyle will be well worth the effort. Try it out and see how it changes your life for the better.
How to Live Frugally but Still Stay Fashionable
One of the ways to improve your life is to learn how to live frugally. There are many benefits to living frugally, and the most obvious is that it would help you cut back on your expenses. But there’s more than just helping you manage your expenses well; knowing how to live frugally but still stay fashionable will also help you achieve an overall improved lifestyle.
However, for those who believe that every woman’s style and fashion should be equated to luxury, glamour, and everything that spells expensive, they may think that learning how to live frugally would have to mean holes in your clothes and dresses like those of a pauper. But don’t fret, because it’s possible for frugal living and fashion to co-exist. You don’t need to compromise your sense of style just because you’re learning how to live frugally. Here are some ways:
61. Watch out for Major Sales
If you want to constantly update your wardrobe but still be committed to learning how to live frugally, the best option is to watch out for major sales and discounts. You must have a mindset that being fashionable and stylish doesn’t necessarily mean being expensive. Getting 50% to 70% off on items must be your goal so that you’ll spend less whenever you’ve to buy something new.
62. Modify Old Dresses
The truth about fashion is that it just keeps coming back. What’s in today will have a major comeback in the next years to come. So one of the secrets on how to live frugally but still stay fashionable is to recycle and modify old clothes. For example, when flare pants started to become “in” again after the rave of skinny jeans, I rummaged through my mom’s old clothes to find her old flare pants. Luckily, I found some that are still in good condition and I was able to wear them with just a few modifications.
63. Stock-up on Wardrobe Staples
Another way to live frugally but still stay fashionable is to stock-up on wardrobe staples. You should choose clothes and accessories that you’re sure you can use over and over again. Some of these pieces include a nice and durable pair of jeans, a little black dress (every girl should have one), a pair of black pumps, a leather bag, a classic trench coat or a tailored blazer, and a comfortable pair of flats.
64. Choose timeless pieces
Ever heard of classic and vintage outfits? These are just styles that absolutely spell timeless. Since these kinds of outfits have definitely stood the test of time, choosing such as part of your own personal style would help you’ve a wardrobe that’s strong, feminine, classy, and always in style. With these kinds of outfits, you would always look fashionable, but you won’t have to buy new clothes every season. So if you want to learn how to live frugally but still stay fashionable, you better choose timeless pieces as part of your wardrobe.
65. Quality over quantity
If you want to spend less and learn how to live frugally, you must think and choose quality over quantity. What’s good about having a lot of fashionable clothes if they’re not durable enough to last for years? What’s good about having stylish shoes if a heavy downpour and a good walk can easily ruin them? If you want your clothes and accessories to last for years (not just months or weeks), it’s better to invest in quality fabrics and workmanship; this way, you won’t have to constantly buy new things.
See? You can still learn how to live frugally but still stay fashionable! Being frugal doesn’t necessarily mean being style-less. Being stylish and staying within your own budget at the same time is indeed possible. You just have to be creative and imaginative.
Learning How to Live Frugally is as Easy as 1, 2, 3
You have a fairly stable and a sufficient-earning job but you still wonder why nothing is going into your savings. You’re surprised with the number of credits that you’ve to pay that you’re barely scraping at the end of the month, or worse, you find yourself broke. If you don’t want any of this to happen to you, then it’s time that you learn how to start living frugally.
How to live frugally may be one of the many tips that women need nowadays in this world where people are drawn more to the idea of living an excessive and luxurious lifestyle. With the existence of malls, online shopping, gadgets, and modernization in general, more and more women seem to have a hard time in controlling their spending and learning how to live frugally. What’s more sad is that they just seem to spend mindlessly on things that don’t even matter in the end.
But why should people learn how to live frugally? There are plenty of reasons why people should learn how to live frugally. One reason is that it can keep you from having debts and can keep you from being in trouble. Another reason is that you’ve to learn how to live frugally so that you can better save and prepare for unexpected and necessary expenses because you’ll never know what will happen in the future.
You must be like the ants that always gather and save food to prepare for the rainy months. Also, learning how to live frugally can mean having more time to relax, because you can choose to work less or retire early in your job since you don’t have any debts to pay and you’ve already saved a lot.
If you’re ready to learn how to live frugally, read, follow, and put to heart these three important tips:
1. Shop wisely
Shopping is surely a great stress reliever for women, but it can also prove to be our downfall. Sometimes when shopping, our impulses get the better of us, and we end up buying a thing, a dress, or a bag that is really not necessary and needed. Impulsive buying, most especially impulsive online buying, can result in excessive spending and huge credit card bills, so in order to learn how to live frugally, we must always be smart with our purchases.
Another way to shop but still pay less is to look for on-sale items. Choosing marked-down items can be a great way to learn how to live frugally and save more. Also, when shopping for shoes, bags, and dresses, you’ve to make sure that the items that you choose are not good for only one use; they must be wardrobe staples and of good quality so that you’re sure that you can still use them for quite a long time. 
2. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
The 3R’s are not only applicable to saving the environment but also to saving money. First, you’ve to reduce the things that are truly in excess of what you need if you’re learning how to live frugally. Reduce eating out and buying convenient foods and learn to cook and eat at home to save more. Reduce your energy and water consumption in order to cut back on your bills. Also, reduce going to the movies, going to the bar, and partying all night; instead, find free entertainment whenever you can. Reduce your smoking habits and alcohol intake; this isn’t only good for your health but good for your purse as well.
Another thing that you could do in learning how to live frugally is to reuse and recycle the things that you’ve instead of always buying something new. If you’ve an old outfit, reuse it by adding some accessories to make it look like a new outfit. Recycling things can help not just Mother Earth but also your budgeting.
3. Walk
Walking isn’t only good for your health; it’s also a great way for you to learn how to live frugally. Nowadays, people are just too lazy to walk. We’re used to always riding our cars and hailing a cab even if we’re just going to a corner store or to somewhere else that is less than a mile away. Instead of driving, try walking or consider biking when you don’t have to go far. By doing so, you’ll hit two birds with one stone: on one hand, you’ll save a lot of gas or a lot of money for taxi fares (and you also learn how to live frugally), and on the other hand, you’ll burn those extra calories.
Learning how to manage one’s accounts must be at the top of every person’s priority list. We see a lot of people today who live in debt, who transact business through credit, and who’ve to work twice as hard because he or she just blew off his or her entire month’s salary at a men’s club or at the mall buying designer shoes and apparels.
Living this kind of life is difficult; it’s like you’re always on your toes because you’ve debts due and bills and loans to be paid. Isn’t it better to have funds that you can always spend for emergency situations? Isn’t it wonderful if you’ve a secured future? That’s why you must learn how to live frugally as it’s the only way you can cut back on your expenses, save more, and not live in debt. Saving, spending wisely, and learning how to live frugally can help you attain and live the life that you’ve always dreamed of for your future.
Yes, cutting back on our expenses and learning how to budget is a difficult thing to do, but it isn’t altogether impossible. One of the surest ways to change your spending lifestyle and live frugally is to change your habit or attitude. Instead of always foolishly spending your hard-earned cash, why not develop these habits so that you can learn how to live frugally?
1. Always keep your goal in mind
Begin with a goal in mind – in this case, the goal is to learn how to live frugally so that you can save more and have stable finances. Always keep this goal in mind. Never forget your goal because whenever you’ve a hard time saying no to an unwise purchase, you’ll be reminded of the reason why you’ve to say no and why you’ve to curtail your foolish spending.
2. Be simple
Simplicity isn’t just a habit; it’s also a lifestyle that you must embrace if you want to live frugally. Simple living doesn’t mean sacrificing your comfort and living on deprivation; it just means being content with what you’ve and knowing your needs vs. your wants. It means not making your wants your needs.
3. Be in control 
Living frugally also means being in control – being in control of your finances and of the way you spend. In order to live frugally, you’ve to be in control of your impulsiveness in buying something, of your cravings, and of your wants.
You have to learn to say no because not all that you want is what you really need. Sometimes, your impulses and the temptation to buy something that is actually not necessary just gets the better of you, and this will make you overspend and not stick to your budget.
4. Be smart with your purchases
Living frugally also entails you being smart with your purchases. This requires doing your math and learning how to pay less than what you actually have to pay. This means deals, discounts, coupons, sales, freebies – you name it.
5. Be committed
Once you’ve decided to live frugally and practice frugal living, be committed to that decision. Never waiver in your decision to learn how to live frugally; stick to it so that you can achieve your goal. Everything that you’ve done and every single step that you’ve taken in order to learn how to live frugally would become useless if just after a couple of weeks or months, you just go back to your old foolish spending habits.
Top Benefits of Being Frugal
Before you begin to roll your eyes or raise your eyebrows, first allow me to tell you some of the reasons why you should learn how to live frugally.
Learning how to live frugally is way cooler than it sounds and way more beneficial than what you would normally think. Frugal living means spending less than what you earn; it means having enough savings at the end of the month because of reduced spending. But why should you learn how to live frugally?
It helps you live within your budget
You should learn how to live frugally because it makes you live within your budget, with what you have. Living within your own budget is important because as you already know, it’s hard to be broke and to live with a lot of debt. It’s difficult when you live like a one-day-millionaire and like a pauper during the rest of your days. It’s really hard when you don’t have any savings to use for emergencies and necessary expenses.
It helps you save money
When you learn to live frugally and live within or beneath your budget, you save more money. More money equals a more secure future. Need I say more?
It helps you achieve your dreams
Learning to live frugally will help you pursue your dreams, whether it includes engaging in a business, traveling around the world, getting a master’s degree, building a family, or retiring to a remote paradise. However small or big may your dream be, it will help you achieve it because you’ve your own savings to fund the future that you want to build or have.
You have more energy to spend on planning your future and achieving your dreams because you won’t be preoccupied with worries of debts due and other bills to pay.
You’ll learn how to value things and be content with what you have
When you learn to live frugally, you’ll also learn to practice contentment. Always giving in to our desires and wants is a constant stressor. When we always want more, when we’re always not satisfied, when we look for something that’s better than what we have even if what we have is already enough for us, the tendency is that we would just take the things that we have for granted. But when we learn to live frugally, we also learn to acknowledge that what we have is already enough, and in turn, we learn how to value the things that we have and we learn how to practice contentment.
It will give you more peace of mind
According to Lucretius, “It’s great wealth to a soul to live frugally with a contented mind.” Indeed, living frugally will give you more peace of mind. When you learn how to live frugally and actually live frugally, you’ll be content because you’ll feel more secured and safe knowing that you’ve saved something for the rainy days. You don’t have to worry about whether you still have something to eat for the next couple of days. You don’t have to take up three or four jobs just to pay off your debts. And you don’t have to anxiously wait for your next paycheck just so you can buy something that you need.
