Frugal living

Since losing my job back in 2011, we as a family have become even more frugal. For some reason, I didn’t think it was possible, but it is. Although being more frugal hasn’t been easy, it has definitely been very rewarding. While I used to do some major couponing, those are the days of the past. But I still am a bargain hunter at heart and love to save where I can so I can splurge where I want. Here are my top 10 Frugal Living Tips to help you save where you can, so you can splurge on what you want!

Reuseable Items Helps You Live Frugally

In the past I would have said using coupons was my number 1 tip, but it’s moved down on the list. What took that coveted spot? I’m glad you asked because it is to skip the convenience store. We have reusable cups that literally goes everywhere with us. We use water fountains to fill up our water, or if it’s a long trip we take our 1 Gallon Cooler filled with iced tea. If you are dining out for a meal 9 times out of 10 the restaurant will fill your reusable glass for you at the beginning or the end of your meal.

Invest in a water filtration system why it’s a little more than a case of water it will save you money in the long run I promise! Our first transition was a water pitcher that included a filter and it literally lived on our counter for years. But we have since upgraded to a faucet-mounted filter which cuts down on the clutter and actually lasts longer. Plus it is reusable to we aren’t filling the landfills with our plastic drinking bottles which is better for the environment and as my niece Olivia says, “Save the Sea Turtles”.

Think before you Buy!

If you want it or need it, then, by all means, purchase it. But in my experience, I really don’t need a lot of the things that I thought I wanted. But if I need it or want it I want to use a coupon or at least buy it on sale. Using a coupon will at least save you a little bit. Also, check out surplus stores in your area because I’ve gotten some amazing steals for a fraction of the price.

DIY It to live Frugally

Use Cash & Do More Planning

Give yourself a set budget amount of cash for the week and once that is gone you are done spending for the week. Since I work from home I don’t always need cash for a coffee or lunch out, but I still budget it in so I have it. Anything extra leftover is then placed in my “mad money” stash and then I can spend it on something I want, need, or apply it to a bill. One of these days we will be out of debt, but in the meantime, we just keep working on bills a little at a time. Because even the smallest of payments adds up over time and it leads to a more thrifty lifestyle.

Do More Planning- Ah yes, the good old “planning” tactic, it’s tough to get into the habit, but once you are in the habit it makes saving money a little easier. Plan your big purchases accordingly and don’t forget to have your emergency fund in place. So you have a little extra in place so if say the refrigerator goes out, you can replace it easily. Maybe if we learn to plan our purchases, we’ll be better off in the long run financially and live a more frugal lifestyle too!

You Don’t Have to Be a Tightwad to Save

Saving money doesn’t have to be hard and you shouldn’t feel like you are missing out. There are lots of ways to get TV for FREE so you are entertained as well as making your piggy bank grow. Set one goal for yourself to implement and once it’s implemented you can add another way to save to your list. Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your savings. BUT if you start saving even small amounts you are already better off than you were before.

What is the top Frugal Living Tips that you can share with me?