The Frugal Life: Living High on the Hog for Less
Nobody wants to give up the conveniences of modern life. And yet, in this time of economic recession, most of us have had to tighten the belt and woefully turn away from pricey items that we wouldn’t have thought twice about throwing in the shopping cart just a couple of years ago. Yes, we have all had to make compromises when it comes to our spending habits in order to weather the stormy economy without sinking. However, adopting a frugal lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mandate living like a monk, and if you learn to find cheap alternatives to the expensive items you purchased in the past, you stand to save a lot of money while still feeling like you have everything you need. So you may want to try a few of these tricks to party like it’s 1999 (even in 2010).
1. Ditch the Doritos. Admittedly, this is a party staple. But when you consider how much money you spend on “food” items that come with no nutritional value, you may begin to rethink your diet. Skipping junk food in favor of growing a vegetable garden will not only save you money on your grocery bill, it could also preempt medical expenses down the road.
2. Waste not, want not. There’s no reason to toss everything in the trash. By recycling cans and bottles, you can make a few extra bucks and keep non-biodegradable items out of local landfills.
3. Become a discount diva. Forget department store shopping. With jacked up retail prices, you’re sure to pay way more than any one item of clothing is worth. Instead, shop smart at discount superstore like T.J. Maxx to find brands like Calvin Klein, Cynthia Rowley, and DKNY, just to name a few, at up to 60% off retail prices.
4. Fall in love with Craig’s List. You can find just about anything on Craig’s List. And most of it is either dirt-cheap or free (as in, you haul it, it’s yours!). So instead of buying furniture, electronics, appliances, or anything else you can think of in a store, see if you can find an acceptable alternative on Craig’s List first. You’re sure to get something better than you bargained for and stay well within your budget.
5. Economize your car. Electric and hybrid automobiles can save you a lot on your vehicle expenditures (not to mention emissions), but an even better way to save money is to patronize mass transit.
6. Truncate your travel. If you scrimp and save all year to go on vacation only to find yourself stressing over every penny, why not opt for something a bit less expensive and closer to home? Take a week off to camp at a nearby state park, visit local attractions that you’ve never gotten around to seeing, or simply lounge in the backyard with a good book. Less stress, less expense.
7. Try it for free. Believe it or not, many companies are willing to send out free samples of their wares in an attempt to lure in new customers. Use this knowledge to solicit trial-size items from brands like Nabisco, General Mills, P&G, Bausch and Lomb, Victoria’s Secret, and just about any company that makes products you like. You may be required to fill out a survey, but it’s probably worth it to stay stocked up on free versions of stuff you love!
Sarah Danielson writes for TotallyMoney where you can find information on financial products and browse through 0% credit cards to find the card that meets your needs.
