Introduction

Frugal living is about going economical as far as money is concerned. Have you ever planned your expenses? In many cases, it has been observed that people earn a lot and yet run out of money and struggle to survive and fulfill the minimum requirements for their family. However, some people go frugal. You cannot just go economical and save money by cutting down your expenses from the daily essentials. When you go frugal, you spend your money wisely. There is a saying:

Do not attempt to save from what is leftover after you have spend; spend from what is leftover after you have already saved.

Now the challenge! Have you saved enough? If not, how do you save more and spend less, yet fulfill what is needed? The answer is frugal living. Here are a few simple ways of going frugal that sounds worth considering.

Frugal living - 10 ways to go frugal 

1. What you buy today, do it need it tomorrow or often? Are you buying something expensive that you use just once or twice a month? People buy many grocery and food items just to experience how it feels or tastes. Buy it, but may be if there is a lesser quantity of it, especially, it would prove economical. You do no know if you would like it and start using, so consider buying items in less quantity, if you are just trying.
2. Buy fruits and vegetables from local vendors, rather than buying from departmental stores where it can be expensive. You may not always get stuff for less price from local vendors, but you are most likely to get fresh fruits and vegetables that you can store for a few days. Most departmental stores usually have frozen stuff stored in place and they tempt you just by their looks.
3. When you buy stuff from a store, make sure to check for its expiry date. You should be able to use that item to the fullest and until it is over, and not something that expires once you have used a portion of it.
4. Its your kid's birthday, and so you want to buy new clothing for your kid. But, do you really need to buy a pair for all the family members? Not really. Let your kids enjoy to the fullest, and you can blend the occasion with your presence, active involvement, and engaging everyone into some games. Did I mention you can make your own birthday cake at home if you are good in doing so, instead of spending thousands in buying one from outside.
5. You go to office and buy your lunch from the nearby restaurant? Home-made food is worth and far hygienic, and economical, than outside food.
6. You are fond of reading book and often rely on online shopping? Go frugal. Take a membership from a library of your choice and get the same books on rent. Many online book sites  also have annual membership features that can save you a lot of money from buying books, yet find the books of your choice.
7. Smoking keeps you busy everyday and so you buy packs of cigarettes daily and smoke regularly to combat stress. Needless to mention, such buying does not add any value to your social and personal life in any way and you should refrain yourself from such buying habits.
8. Do you drive your vehicle everywhere when you go out alone. If you are going nearby, prefer walking and let your metabolism be in pace. If you need to drive your vehicle to a grocery shop to carry back stuff that you purchase, better walk to the shop and ask for home delivery. Many shops do have the facility of home delivery, especially when you shop your monthly grocery and other big items.
9. Better use your debit card or cash for purchases you make, since you would be aware of the budget. Credit card is a cruel debt in the form of luxury which is always tempting.  If you do use your credit cards in any emergency case, make sure to pay off the dues on time.
10. Go out when needed, but make sure you turn off all the lights and fans at home before locking the doors.

In addition to the above-mentioned 10 simple ways of going frugal, there can be many other aspects to consider where you think you are spending money more than required. 

Conclusion

Frugal living is a crucial factor to make your future financially strong. Having that said, you need not always compromise on something that your are fond off. While frugal living is an economical way worth considering, you must at times pamper yourself and your family with things that tempt you the most and enjoy your lifestyle to the best. So, plan ahead for each day and make the best use of a frugal lifestyle.

• Written by Samir Mishra.
• In category Miscellaneous.
• 10 years ago.

Hot Hits: 1067

Like it on Facebook, Tweet it or share this article on other bookmarking websites.