10. Coupons
Using coupons has been elevated to an art form. From price matching and stacking to losing leaders and printables, coupons help everyone live on a budget. Sign up for specials, savings offers, and discounts at websites you use often.
9. Eating Out
Before the economy slowed, eating out was an everyday occurrence for many. You can still enjoy the occasional meal away from home, just consider that filet mignon a special once-a-month treat instead.
8. Movie Theatre
One of the great frugal living tips is to skip the theater. Between the sky-high tickets and ridiculous concession stand prices, it is much more economical to stay home and play board games or watch movies at home.
7. Buy Used
Whether we are referring to cars or household appliances, you can get a quality product with many years of life left in it when you buy used. The best part, of course, is the considerable cost savings over buying new.
6. Cancel Cable
Ouch! For some people this is a tough one, but, with movie channels, some cable bills approach $100 a month. It is an unnecessary cost in this day and age. An account with Netflix or Hulu is $15 or less, which equates to more than a $90 savings.
5. Thermostat
Believe it or not, something as simple as a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds of dollars a year. Just set it to adjust once you leave the house in the morning, no sense in heating or cooling a vacant house.
4. Kids’ Clothes
One, there is no need to dress children in designer clothes. If you must do so, be sure to follow frugal living tips and shop at the end of the season, when everything is on clearance. Stock up on the next several sizes at 90% off.
3. Low Flow
Toilets and showers both benefit from the installation of low flow. Basically, each helps you use less water, which saves money. Low flow toilets use less water per flush and low flow shower heads aerate the water so less water comes out yet feels like more.
2. Reuse
What’s good for Mother Earth is good for your bottom line, too. Re-using and re-purposing items is actually rather stylish now. Sites like Freecycle and Craigslist help everyone find items to re-use and Pinterest is now a hot site to find ideas on how to re-purpose everything from t-shirts to lamps.
1. No Credit
No matter what the powers that be want you to think, using credit and credit cards is not helping you fiscally. Pay with cash and think before you spend.
Contributed by Info Guru Lisa Pratto