This week my weekly round up will be slightly different. I thought I might share with you some of the ways I live frugally.
Instead of buying the cheapest of items I will purchase the best quality I can afford. Durable items cost a bit more but will last much longer. I have boots, coats, and clothing (pants especially as they are classic cuts) that in some cases are 10 years old. The youngest is probably 4 years old. I also buy only what I really need.
Just because the coat you love is on sale 100 kilometers away for a savings of 50% off if by the time you add in the costs for travel, it puts it over the regular or close to the regular cost don't buy it.
Unplug your devices and electronics when not using them. It will help you save on the electric bill as most deviAces are on standby and still use power.
Always make a budge and stick to it.
Pay yourself first, meaning put money into a savings account.
Life is meant to be enjoyed, with some of your savings take a short trip, or go out for a wonderful meal. Being frugal does not mean living without enjoyment, it means living below your means and saving for the extras.
Check out second hand stores, garage and yard sales for clothing, hobby supplies, and household decor/small appliances. Most cities now have online garage sale sites that you can check out as well.
Preparing your meals at home results in big savings over eating out. Not saying you should never eat out or order in, just make it a treat rather than a regular occurrence.
Compare prices, but remember to factor in the cost of getting to the various stores. Check the unit price as that is the best way of knowing whether you are saving. Sometimes biggest is not the best price.
Stay out of malls and stores as much as possible. Since I decided to only shop every two weeks, I find I actually spend much less money. Little treats and extra items always found their way into the cart. Now I stick to my list, and while a few treats find their way in, most times I really do stick to the list I have written out.
These are just a few of the tips and things I do to live a frugal and fulfilling life.
Everybody have a wonderful evening.
God bless.
I do all of that as well - always have. I had hard times years ago after my divorce and raising up my 3 sons without any help from their father. I learned a lot and those thrifty ways carried me and I have kept them to this day - within reason. Plus my Mom grew up in the depression and I remember her stories of how they saved. I always admired those who lived through those hard times - and came out the other side.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips and your point about findinfpg ways to enjoy life is so true.
ReplyDeleteI love this post Jackie! I couldn't agree with you more about paying more for quality items. I do the exact same thing. It's something my father always taught us to do. I also stick to classic styles, so most of my clothes don't go out of style. Hope you & Harvey have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteVery wise. Thanks for these, Jackie. xx
ReplyDeleteThat's a really sensible post Jackie. We do so many of the same things I think, especially staying out of shops! I have my groceries delivered which makes it easier, though there is still the temptation to add just a little tiny bar of chocolate to the list!
ReplyDeleteIt never hurts to add one or two small treats to your list, that way you've budgeted them in, and you can still feel like you're indulging yourself a little.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post, Jackie. Very helpful information. We have an app for yard sales and one of the ladies in our community puts all the sales from the paper into the app and we can go by it on yard sale day. Before that I used Google maps, but this way saves me time and I like that.
ReplyDeleteI like your definition of being frugal.
ReplyDeleteGreat list and I do everything on it. Quality in clothing does pay off. Also wearing classics. I am a little boring, but I like me this way.
ReplyDeleteBuying cheap is rarely a good idea because you end up getting precisely what you paid for...unless you can buy a quality item at the thrift store in which case it's a good buy.
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