Frugal Living..we can all save
By Pocs39
@Pocs39 (39)
August 10, 2012 2:51pm CST
With economy the way it is today, we are all effected with hard times at one time or another. Frugal living is becoming more popular and necessary in today's homes. I was frugal long before it was PC, as they say today. Even before the Internet I knew how to save and stretch that budget dollar. Of course the Internet makes it easier and offers new ideas, so it was added to my necessary equipment for saving money. Coupon clipping, rebates and taking advantage of good deals is how I plan my frugal day. Finding ways to repurpose those items you would have normally thrown away, is key to frugal living. Although some people will not agree, thrift stores are a excellent way to stretch your budget. Kids grow out of clothes and shoes so quickly, why not spend less on those play clothes. Entertainment is a difficult way to save with all the new gizmos and gadgets. My one vice that I allow myself is my movie collection, I don't run out and buy the latest release. I wait and buy a used one for 3-8 dollars vs the 15-30 for the new. These are just a few of the ways I live frugal. What are some of your tips?
1 person likes this
8 responses
@marguicha (223430)
• Chile
17 Aug 12
We don´t have coupons and the like in my country but sometimes I take advantage of food deals (only when it´s on my list). For me, saving means going to the super with a list and sticking to it and cooking everything from scratch. I buy very little canned or frozen products but prefer to prepare mt own (frozen). I don´t spend money on clothes and my toy is my computer. Then, with my online earnings, I earn my vacations. This year I was at St. Maarten for 2 weeks with a friend.
@girl_thinking (1959)
• Philippines
11 Aug 12
Hi! I save money by bringing food to the office instead of buying from the office cafeteria. It is much cheaper to bring cooked foods During the weekends, I don't go out much so I won't be tempted to spend on anything I don't watch in big screens anymore, I just download movies! I download anything I can as long as it is free! And virus free!
1 person likes this
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
11 Aug 12
Several ways you mentioned I believe most people that post on this topic are doing now including clipping coupons, yard sales, thrift stores, good sales and reusing products. I do enjoy the 90% sales, as everyone likes to have a new item to wear.
One place I have been saving well are trading books and DVD's online specially DVD's lately. I was able to fill my daughters birthday wish list by trading for them, which saved me a lot of money.
Also I do reward sites saving up my Amazon Dollars to get items that I can't find on my daughters wish list. This way I don't need to spend money, so my credit card has zero charges from Amazon.
1 person likes this
@happythoughts (4109)
• United States
31 Aug 12
I make everything I can from scratch. From food to laundry detergent I am in complete control of it all. It adds up fast to buy name brands and so I avoid them when ever it makes more sense too. I keep a budget and stay on it. Knowing where you money is going it very empowering.
@jugsjugs (12967)
•
10 Aug 12
I am always up for making a saving where I can.In this last month I think that I have saved our house hold over £150.I feel that there are lots of ways that we can save our money in all ways.I do feel that there are things that I have wasted my money on over the years, but now I am really happy that I can save lots of money by thinking things through first.
1 person likes this
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
10 Aug 12
I actually have to say that you have hit most of the things that we do in our home in order to save money. In the last several years I've become a queen of thrift stores and yard sales, especially when it comes to clothes for my two children.
I also try to stretch meat in our home by adding additional proteins (such as beans, which are really inexpensive) to a dish and using less meat.
In addition to that, I never pass up the clearance racks in traditional retail stores. The reason that I always check those is that it is possible to find brand new items for as much as 90% off.
1 person likes this
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
17 Aug 12
i never buy books, i use the library and visit it at least once every week. i plan my meals and shop accordingly plus i make a lot of soups and stews during the winter which also saves money.
we are also fortunate that we get lots of hand me downs for clothes so that saves money too.
@kylanie (1205)
• United States
17 Aug 12
I reuse the small bags I get from the stores for trash me and my husband reuse the same towell to cut down on laundry if he gets him some bologna I reuse the sandwich bags just for bologna I also reuse the tinfoil if its not got stuff on it I will use it again and when I go to the store I look for markdown items that are not hurt to buy.