Living Frugal – 6 Tips How To Be Frugal And Still Live Well

Want to embrace living frugal but not sure how to do it? Here are 6 fantastic tips on how to be more frugal and still live well and feel rich in life.

Guess what?

Not every household in this world has someone bringing in a six-figure income (but that’s no surprise!).

That doesn’t mean that a family earning less income can’t live a life just as brilliant as the other.

The truth is living well on a modest salary can sometimes be a challenge, but it certainly isn’t impossible.

Here are 6 tips for living well, regardless of the size of your income or bank account:

LIVING FRUGAL

TIP # 1 Forget about the neighbors.

The whole “Keeping Up With The Jones” philosophy is a recipe for disaster.

Yes the social world can be highly competitive, and it’s completely natural to want to strive to maintain appearances with the neighbors.

But that doesn’t mean to have to fall prey to this type of living (I know I don’t!).

• When a neighbor purchases a new car or remodels her kitchen, the urge to start making comparisons can be strong. Take control of your life and resist the temptation to compete with others. They can do their own thing and you can do yours.
• Focus on the real necessities and set aside the extras you’d like to have in a perfect world.
• It takes practice, but anyone can rise above this type of thinking. This simple exercise will make you happier and more grateful for the things you already have.

I do not exist to impress the world. I exist to live my life in a way that will make me happy. Richard Bach

You say, “If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.†You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled. Charles Spurgeon

I’m too busy working on my own grass to notice if yours is greener. I am in competition with no one. I have no desire to play the game of being better than anyone. I’m simply trying to be better than the person I was yesterday.

Never keep up with Joneses. Drag them down to your level. It’s cheaper. Quentin Crisp

Before you try to keep up with the Joneses, be sure they’re not trying to keep up with you. Erma Bombeck

LIVING FRUGAL

TIP # 2 Think smaller.

Everyone seems to be under the impression that bigger is better.

However what if that was not the case?

What if by making a conscious decision to live in a smaller home, you would have more money available to spend on more meaningful purchases?

• Many families have already made this decision, as evidenced by the trend in new construction. For the first time, the average square footage of new residential properties has decreased.
• Other people are living happily in apartments or condos by choice. Is this something you could possibly do? Do you have the option of downsizing a little and focusing more on being happy?

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TIP # 3 Cook at home.

Eating out is one of the surest ways to ruin your budget.

Oh yes it is!

The good news is that cooking at home can be just as good, even if it does take some practice.

Consider purchasing a good cookbook (focusing on a style of food you love) and experimenting with some new recipes. 

• Groceries are always going to be cheaper than eating out.
• Instead of meeting friends out for dinner, invite them over. If they offer to bring along a dish or dessert take them up on that offer if it will make the evening easier for you.
• At home dinner parties are a great way to be more social and keep some money in your bank account.

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TIP # 4 Shop in the classifieds and at thrift stores.

Stay out of the department stores and malls as much as possible.

In many instances, secondhand items are 99% as good as new and they’re a fraction of the cost.

Keep an eye out for great deals.

• If you’re not in a hurry, you’re likely to find exactly what you need and save a ton of money in the process. Websites like Craigslist even have items available for free. Nobody else needs to know where you purchased your furniture, car, or clothing.

LIVING FRUGAL

TIP # 5 Check out the local library.

Instead of purchasing movies or books that you’re likely to only use once, try borrowing them from the local library for free.

I used to be such a sucker for buying brand new books so this switch was such a massive money saver for me. 

• Some smaller libraries may have a limited selection, but most libraries are part of an interlibrary loan program with other area libraries. You might find that even your small local branch can find just about anything for you.

LIVING FRUGAL

TIP # 6 – Go outside.

Many outdoor activities are free or inexpensive.

Take a trip to the local beach or park.

Go hiking.

Nearly every area has its own type of natural beauty. Kids love to get outside and explore new places.

For the cost of little gasoline and a few sandwiches, your family can have a fabulous day.

How can you beat that?

I know it might feel cliche to say money isn’t everything but the truth is living frugally isn’t meant to equal being miserable.

Although it might require a little thought and planning, it’s really not difficult to live well on a modest income.

Remember no amount of money can buy love or happiness.

If you are hoping to live more frugally, consider how you can incorporate these tips into your current lifestyle.

You might just find that you can live an even better life than you are now – on less money!

Money isn’t everything.

It can buy a bed but not bed.

It can buy a clock but not time.

It can buy a book but not knowledge.

It can buy you a position but not respect.

It can buy you medicine but not health.

It can buy you blood but not life.

It can buy you a physical encounter but not love.

Don’t think money does everything or you are going to end up doing everything for money. Voltaire

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