Simple Tips for Feeling Frugal
- At December 22, 2011
- By Jane White
- In Ideas
0
Being frugal doesn’t mean you have to go without necessities or luxuries. However, being frugal does take time, effort, ingenuity and a desire to save money. The following are some tips on how to be frugal in all areas of your life. Read on to get started!
1. Food
One way to save money is to make simple meals with basic ingredients in your kitchen. Many meals can be made from basic meats, vegetables, fruits, water and bread such as meatloaf, chili, spaghetti, soup and salads. Adding spices to your meal makes them taste better and gives a wonderful aroma. An additional way to save is to grow your own vegetables. You can grow vegetables in your backyard or your window sill. Herbs such as basil, thyme, rosemary, sage and mint can be grown very easily. Vegetables that don’t require a lot of time and effort are cabbage, tomatoes, onions, garlic and kale. In addition, using left-over meals can help stretch your grocery budget. Leftover cooked vegetables can be used to make soup and leftover chicken can be used to make sandwiches or used as a side dish with mashed or baked potatoes or hash browns. Salads–potato, waldorf and chef salads– stretch meals and are nutritous–no matter the season.
2. Babysitting
Another way to be frugal, especially if you have children, is to swap babysitting with another couple. For instance, if you have two children, find a couple that also has two children and then babysit their children every now and then. When you need babysitting, ask them for the same favor. This works well, especially if each couple is reliable and can offer free babysitting with people they know and trust.
3. Second-Hand Stores
Shop for clothes at second hand stores. Much of the clothes in second-hand stores are in good shape and all they need is a little mending and cleaning. Good bargains can be found here and all it takes is time and effort. Be sure to check the tags on clothing. Different color tags give the price-range of the item and possible discounts/freebies available.
4. Haircuts
Another way to save money is by cutting your spouse’s and children’s hair at home. Watch how a hair stylist cuts hair and then get a good pair of hair cutting scissors and give it a try. It’s not hard. Just take your time and with a little effort and practice, you will save money and cut out the middle man. Beauty supply shops have cutting shears, capes for cutting and other items that will help you (hint: you can learn ANYTHING online).
5. Generic
When shopping, change to generic product, instead of name-brand goods. Generic products are usually cheaper and the quality is just as good. Do the same with toiletry products, vitamin supplements and cleaning supplies. There is a big difference in cost, but not in quality. And whenever possible, shop for groceries every two weeks, instead of every week, and before shopping, make up a list of what you need and take coupons with you. Also, before you throw away your grocery or store receipts, look to see what is on the back of them. On some of the receipts, you will see special discount offers on other products, like dry-cleaning.
6. Save
Savings accounts are excellent ways to save money. However, there are some savings accounts that are more effective than others. Some have found the Planned Savings Account attractive because it offers good dividends. Talk with your local bank employee on which savings account would work best for you. This is a great method of saving your money and one that can last a lifetime.
