subject: Tips On Living And Spending Frugally [print this page] Even if you have a budget and live within it as well as you can, there are always ways you can live more frugally and save more money. First, before running out and purchasing something, ask yourself if you really need it or do you just want it.
It is a fact that we are a world of consumers. We buy what we see advertised and most often do not think before making a purchase. For instance, have you ever purchased something and then realized later that you didn't really need it?
In most cases you could return the item; but if you can't, then you've wasted your money. If it is a true need, then see if there is any alternative to buying the item.
Alternatives: make it, borrow it, substitute something for it, barter for it. If the purchase must be made, make sure to purchase it at the least expensive place. Be patient and creative.
Don't make any purchase simply for instant gratification. Live within your means. If you don't have the cash to pay for it, don't buy it. Save up for the purchase.
Notice that the frugal tips above are all basic money saving ideas. That's part of what being careful with money is all about. Frugal people do not just run to the mall and make a purchase.
Their purchasing process is much more thoughtful than that. They check thrift shops, consignment stores and garage sales first. Then they try discount stores and online stores before heading to the mall.
If at all possible, they try to wait for a sale and use a coupon (if available) along with the sale price to get the best discount. Being frugal is a mind-set.
As you become more and more thrifty, you change your way of thinking. You can stop worrying about all the little things in life and start focusing on your family and hobbies.
When shopping for anything, there are some tips that will make it easier for you to not spend so much money. Evaluate the pros and cons of every purchase.
Don't spend on auto-pilot.
It's easy to get excited by a good deal or the possibility of owning something brand new. Carefully contemplate every purchase, and keep the cons in mind as reasons why the item is not needed.
Establish a spending limit beforehand. For those prone to give in to persuasive arguments, consider going into a store with a maximum spending limit instead of a specific amount.
Stealthily avoid sales pitches (think: salespeople at mall kiosks), and don't make any impulse buys. Know exactly what is needed for general shopping trips. Do research at home and resolve to only make intended purchases on shopping trips.
Don't browse with an open checkbook. Before going clothes shopping, look through closets to evaluate what is needed. Before grocery shopping, take a look at existing pantry items and make a shopping list.
Frugal shoppers don't buy anything that's not useful. This seems like it would be an easy concept, but shoppers sometimes convince themselves an item is absolutely necessary when, in fact, it only gets infrequent use.
Unnecessary items may cause more trouble than they're worth. If an individual must do one or more of the following actions in order to accommodate a new purchase, the item is not truly needed.
Look for places to store it. Typically, necessary items shouldn't need to be stored. If there is no place for it, then it is most likely unnecessary. Figure out ways to use it.
Red alert! An item that doesn't have an obvious purpose is unnecessary. Find extra time to use it. It doesn't fill an immediate need if there is no time to put it to good use.
Adopt the frugal spending habits above to save money on everyday purchases. These habits are particularly helpful when it comes to shopping at the mall or during a big sale. Keep in mind that an item that requires creativity for storage or use is probably unnecessary.
