5 Areas in Your Life to Live Frugally

This is part of our Financial Literacy Month Question and Answer series

Question: Cindy, can you give me some specific ideas for how to save money on everyday stuff? Thanks. ~ Janice

Answer: Sure, Janice, frugal living does not have to be about a life of deprivation. The frugal life is one of thrifty shopping, careful choices, and a saving mindset. Making just a few adjustments in five areas of your normal life will help you become a frugal person. Readers: if you have ideas, please add them to the comments below.

Groceries are one of the most expensive items on any budget.

* Be sure to take a list with you to the grocery store; this will help to cut back on impulse items. If you are still concerned, then why not take a friend shopping with you. Exchange lists at the store and each of you can gather up the other’s groceries, virtually eliminating all impulses.
* And don’t forget to cut out coupons. It may take some time, but it will add up in the end.

Frugal people still vacation, they just do it wisely.

* You can really stretch the vacation dollars by traveling during the shoulder season or off-season, although it’s a good idea to check to see if local attractions will be open if you want to attend.
* Since much of a vacation budget goes to housing, why not spend your vacation visiting family? There is the joy of bonding with relatives, but you also get to stay for free.
* Being frugal doesn’t mean that you have to stay home all the time. If you do a little looking around, you are sure to find that many of the museums, zoos, botanical gardens and other places offer free or discount days. For those that don’t offer the free days you can check to see if a group discount is available and then call up your other frugal friends for an outing.
* For movie nights, check with the local library to see if they have movies available to check out. There are lots for you to do, and you can do much of it without ever spending a dime.

Clothing is one of those items that civilized society has deemed necessary. The clothing manufacturers, who realize our dilemma, often charge outrageous prices.

* Buying out of season (buying winter clothes in the summer and vice versa) will help to cut this item in your budget.
* Instead of buying new, check out your local thrift store or second-hand store where prices are a fraction of the retail (and sometimes the clothes still have the original tags). Consignment stores in big cities often have lots of great bargains.
* An even better way is to just trade with friends. Hand-me-downs are the frugal person’s best friend.

One item that it is not always wise to buy new is the automobile.

* While there is nothing wrong with having a nice car, if you can’t pay for it with cash then it is probably not worth it. Drive what you have while you save up, and then purchase with cash. Just having the money in hand will give you a lot of negotiating power. Today, many of the used car dealers include some type of warranty with their cars, making the purchase even more secure.

The frugal lifestyle can be more enjoyable than any other. There is money for the things you truly want to do and there is no worry about how the bills will be paid each month. By being a little thrifty here and there, by thinking about your choices before you make them, and by developing a mindset of savings, you can live a fulfilled frugal life.