Frugal Friday ~

I consider myself pretty frugal. Not because i necessarily need to be but more because i want to live that way. When you think "frugal" what is the first thing that pops into your mind? Poor? Living without "things" that you love? Not TRUE!!!! Living frugally can have so many benefits that i bet you might not think about. A penny saved is a penny earned right? :o)

Why live frugally? First, because it allows you to spend less than you earn, and use the difference to pay off debt, save or invest. Or all three. Second, because the less you spend, the less you need to earn. And that means you can choose to work less, or work more but retire early. Or take mini retirements. You have more options with a frugal lifestyle.

Every time i see something shiny and new that i want...i stop and think about what i could do with that same amount of money. I wait and think about how much i want that item....and will it go on sale in a few weeks. Could i find that same thing on Ebay or Craigslist for half the price. Or is it close to a birthday or christmas and maybe i could get it then. I really try to fit it in to my budget or wait to get it as a gift. That makes it all the more special. Being frugal really makes you think outside of the box and also makes you think long and hard about if you need something or why you want it.

Here are some of the things we do to stay frugal....

1. Learn to say no
2. Eat out less {this is hard...but we only eat out 4 times a month. But think of it this way not only do you save money...you are also saving yourself calories too ;)!}
3. D.I.Y. {need i say more?}
4. Wash in Cold water
5. Seek Freebies
6. Find cheep entertainment {netflix=$10 a month and watch all the movies you want}
7. Try to run as many errands in one day as you can. Saves on gas.
8. Coupons, Coupons, Coupons!
9. Buy in Bulk
10. Here is a big one...Go with a smaller house. Just because you can afford a larger house, dosen’t mean you should live in one. Live in as small a house as you can and still be comfortable. I don’t mean you should live in a one-room apartment with a family of four … you know what I mean. You can save thousands a year with a smaller house. Many times, if you get rid of a lot of clutter, you don’t need a large house.

11. Look for used first. If you need something — I mean really need it, not just want it — see if someone you know has one that they don’t use or need anymore. Send out an email to family or friends, or just ask around. You might be surprised. If no one you know owns one, try freecycle.org or craigslist.org. Then look to buy used, at garage sales or thrift shops. You can find a bargain if you look around.

12. Frugal gifting. Gifts can cost a lot of money over the course of a year. Look for ways to do it cheaply. Make a gift, or give a consumable. My family enjoys getting and giving cookies, for example.

13. Sell your clutter
14. Stop using Credit Cards. {we don't have one so i know it can be done}
15. Shop consignment and goodwill. I dress my kids well on very little. The hubby and i shop at places like T.J. Maxx and Ross.

16. Cook ahead. If you have one free day a week (or even a month), cook food in big batches and freeze in dinner-sized portions. I don’t do this all the time, but I have done it and it saves money (buying big can often save) as well as time. You have to plan it out a bit, coming up with a menu and shopping, cooking enough meals for a week or a month. But once you’re done, your meals each night (and for lunch if you like) are quick and easy. This saves you from eating out or eating convenience food when you’re hungry but too tired to cook.

17. Make handmade items.
18. Eat less meat. Once a week try to have a meal with no meat. You actually can save tons by doing this. {example of meatless dinner: Spaghetti}
19. Graciously accept HAND-ME-DOWNS!

These are just a few things that we have adapted in our frugal living.
What are some ways you save money??? Really...i'm asking so please let me know. :o)