Living in a Frugal Way

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Living in a frugal way isn't easy at first, but the rewards are well worth the effort. When you learn to live within your means and avoid unnecessary debt, you'll reduce your stress level. Instead of worrying about a mounting stack of bills, you'll be able to focus on the more important things in life.

Frugality brings great rewards.

Remember Your Ancestors

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" was a common motto for 1930s frugality. Your ancestors who lived through the Great Depression were forced to rely on resourcefulness and ingenuity when living in a frugal way.

Honor their memory by implementing this approach in your own life. Invest in a good spatula so you can scrape the last bit of peanut butter from the jar before tossing it in the trash; save money by learning how to give your children home haircuts; and ask yourself if a new cell phone or the latest video game system is a luxury that's truly worth the expense.

Take Care of What You Own

Taking proper care of your possessions is a very good way to save money. Always take your car in for regularly scheduled maintenance. When you buy a new article of clothing, read the care tags to avoid accidentally shrinking it in the dryer or fading the colors. If you've splurged on a new digital camera, buy a sturdy carrying case instead of simply tossing expensive electronic equipment into the bottom of your backpack. Don't allow carelessness or laziness to force you to replace items sooner than what is truly necessary.

If you have children, don't forget that this is a very valuable lesson for them to learn as well. Resist the urge to replace toys if they aren't being cared for properly. It's true that children tend to be rough with their belongings, but even a toddler can learn to respect his or her possessions when it's clear they won't be automatically replaced.

Look for Cheaper Alternatives

Looking for cheaper alternatives to the products you use every day is a simple trick for living a more frugal lifestyle. Instead of using only a name-brand laundry detergent, for example, would you achieve acceptable results from a lower-priced or generic brand? Do you honestly need to stock your shelves with only the top name in peanut butter? Keep in mind that brand loyalty makes it hard to save money by using coupons or shopping sales and special promotions.

Switching brands is a great way to begin saving money, but it's not the only way to cut costs in your household budget. Women who use expensive shaving cream while shaving their legs often find a bottle of low-priced hair conditioner works just as well. On a similar note, many thrifty women find an all-in-one color stick for eyes, lips, and cheeks is a good way to save money on makeup.

Don't Worry About What Others Think

In today's consumer culture, there is a tremendous pressure to buy merchandise you can't afford and to define your sense of self-worth by superficial factors. However, driving a fancy car won't make you a better person. On a similar note, having a wardrobe of expensive designer clothes doesn't make you more attractive or more successful.

Dealing with friends who seem to be unsupportive of your efforts to begin living in a frugal way is a tricky task. Perhaps their negative attitude is simply a reflection of their own insecurities. Regardless, if your friends are seriously impeding your efforts to change your life for the better, it may be time to expand your social circle. Consider joining an organization where you're likely to meet other frugal people, such as a book club or a gardening group.