Frugal strategies for tough times

photo by flattop341
While cutting back on dryer usage, using coupons, packing a lunch and canceling costly add-ons like premium cable and phone features can help you save money, there are other strategies that should not be ignored.

FOCUS ON YOUR ATTITUDE ABOUT MONEY: Bad attitudes often include denial, lack of knowledge and a sense of entitlement. Separate your wants from needs. Take on an attitude of gratitude. This will allow you to see simple abundance in your life.

DON’T PLAY THE VICTIM: Don’t sit back and watch your finances go down the tubes. Many people make excuses for reasons they can’t work to bring in supplemental income or pare down in order to save. With extreme situations set aside, most people can. Step up and be the change you want to see. It takes hard work, but you can do it. Most everyone has household items they can sell. With services such as eBay and Craigslist, you can make some extra money. Have a skill such as sewing, organizing or cooking/baking? Place an ad.

LEARN TO MAKE IT YOURSELF: Don’t rely on packaged foods or takeout. Learn food substitutes. If you love a certain restaurant dish, learn to replicate it at home. Vist copykat recipes (www.copykat.com) to get started. You can make your own homemade cleaners (vinegar is a frugal kitchen staple), snacks and gifts, too.

KNOWLEDGE SHOPPING: Comparison shop. Make sure you’re getting the best price for both lower- and higher-cost items. Make a list. You can use online services such as mygrocerydeals (www.mygrocerydeals.com) to compile a grocery list based on your local grocery-store ads. Delay gratification to get the best price. Buy secondhand, too.

SET THE STANDARD FOR YOUR FAMILY: They’ll follow your lead, sometimes reluctantly, but you need to be on the same page. Your actions influence those of others.

TRACK YOUR SPENDING: Tackle poor spending habits. Keeping track will alert you to your trouble areas. Small leaks can sink a ship. Patch them up.

PUT ON YOUR OXYGEN MASK FIRST: Don’t overwhelm yourself. Take care of yourself so you can be useful and supportive of others. Stop being a martyr. Ask for the help you need. People continue to take whatever you’re willing to give. Set your personal boundaries.

LOWER EXPECTATIONS: Rome wasn’t built in a day. You don’t have to keep up with anyone. Do your own thing. This includes how you spend your holidays, what you do in your free time and how you live your life. Slow things down and get back to basics. Learn to use less and want less. Let’s face it: What does any of it mean if you’re too busy to enjoy it? Compare yourself to your best self and not anyone else.

EXERCISE OPTIONS: Learn what alternatives are available to you, for example, store brands versus name brands. Carpooling, walking or bike riding instead of using costly gas-guzzling vehicles. Learn a new skill set, especially life skills such as household repairs, gardening, cooking or bartering. See whether items you buy can save or make money. For example, a new stand mixer might be hard to justify, but if it encourages you to cook more at home, it will save you money. Similar purchases include freezers, CFL bulbs and home insulation.

KEEP THE FAITH: Always remain hopeful, even during your darkest times. Be confident that times never stay the same. They will change. You have to keep plugging along, but don’t despair. It’s not hopeless. Remember: Happiness wouldn’t be possible without the contrast of your struggles and the history of how it came to be.

Posted by Sara Noel on November 29 2008. Filed under Frugal & simple living.
Sara Noel owns Frugal Village, LLC and is a nationally syndicated columnist with Universal Uclick. Bio, Follow me on Twitter, Join us on Facebook