photo by Brian Carlock

Frugal living includes many strategies for saving money. Sure, it’s penny-pinching, but it adds up to a considerable amount annually. There are a lot of tips and tricks that you can use that others might not. They’re not over the top, extreme or bizarre. They’re simple choices you can make that will help you save a little here and there. The best part is that no one else can tell you’re intentionally making these decisions to save money.
Here are a few.

CLOTHING: Buy solid-colored and classic clothing with clean lines, such as crews, turtlenecks, V-necks, tailored jackets and cardigans. You can pare down to 10-20 articles of clothing that are easy to layer and mix and match. Simply add accessories to create your own personal style. Put the word out to friends and family that you’ll happily accept used clothing. Don’t forget to sell any outgrown or rarely used clothing, too. There’s money hanging in your closet and stuffing up your dresser drawers. One reader, Lisa in Tennessee, shares: “I’ve always resold our clothes and household items that we no longer need. We take good care of our things, so, when I resell, I can at least get my money back and sometimes more. On occasion, I do come across things at a good price at a yard sale or at thrift stores, and I’ll buy them and resell them for a profit.”

FOOD: Become a simple eater. Enjoy fresh produce when it’s in season. Stick with whole foods, and avoid processed foods as much as possible. It’s often cheaper and is most definitely healthier for you. Try to grow or make many foods yourself, such as bread or yogurt. Another reader, Karen in Kansas, shares: “Make homemade kefir that is used as a substitute for plain yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream and buttermilk. Kefir is made with real kefir grains that you use over and over, and it ferments at room temperature. No special temperature control like there is with yogurt. Milk doesn’t need to be scalded or heated. Just add the grains to cold milk from the refrigerator, and let set 12 to 24 hours, or until it reaches the thickness you desire.” For more information on homemade kefir, visit Dom’s Kefir in-site (users.chariot.net.au/~dna/Makekefir.html). Look into alternative ways to cook, such as using a toaster oven or solar oven or retained heat cookers also known as fireless cookers. Visit integratedsolarcooking.com and bioenergylists.org/hensongreenpail to see examples of retained heat cookers and instructions to build one.

GARDEN: Plant a garden not just for fruits and vegetables but herbs, too. Try planting perennials and biennials, such as rhubarb, garlic, walking onions, marjoram, chives, mint, oregano, sage and thyme, to name a few. You can plant more ground cover so you have less lawn to mow, too. Strategic plantings can help shade your home to keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

SHARE: Be a good neighbor or friend. Especially during tough times, reach out to people around you. If you know they need something that you have or vice versa, share to keep costs down. Another reader, Karen in Colorado, says: “We shared a lawn mower with a former neighbor. She owned the mower and performed the annual maintenance, while we provided the mowing. It worked out great for everyone.”

WORK: If you have spare time, take on a part-time job or volunteer a few hours per week at a place where you learn and add to your skill set. Or you can barter services or swap skills. Think about what you’re doing in your free time and whether it’s something that can make or save you money or help you learn something new.

SHOP: Not into thrift stores, flea markets or garage sales? Try auctions, antique shows and stores or estate sales, instead. Think long term, and buy quality items. When possible, repair instead of replace.

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