Tightwads have their limits. If you’re frugal, you might buy the occasional convenience product, but you have a list of items you simply refuse to buy. The price isn’t worth the benefit of a mini shortcut that saves only a couple of minutes or seems absolutely crazy to spend money on, such as over-processed or fast food.
photo by bitterjug Prices keep rising. On some items, it’s a few cents, and on others, it’s even higher. You’ve probably noticed at least one item you buy regularly costs more, or you’re getting less in the package. Sometimes we have easy-to-find alternatives, but there are some rising costs that are harder to avoid. What [...]
photo by cherryfluff As a society, we’re fortunate — so much so that we’ve become gluttonous. Wants and needs have become blurred. We’ve become conditioned to believe we need many things. Some people might even think chocolate is a food group. But in all seriousness, we’ve forgotten that we live in the land of options. [...]
photo by billaday A day might come when you need money quickly. Not a situation where you’re simply experiencing a tight budget for a day or two, but when your basic necessities are on the line. Maybe you don’t have enough money to put gas in your car or food is running low. What can [...]
Buying housewares at the thrift store can give your home a unique style. Some home-interior items that are passed over by others can be your ticket to an eco-chic design. It only takes a little extra time and energy, but it’s well worth it to take these items from scare to flair. Here are a [...]
photo by Qtea Negotiating and haggling are regaining popularity. Even the most timid of consumers is starting to speak up to get the best deal. What used to be reserved for garage sales or large purchases, such as automobiles, appliances and homes, is now a trend crossing over to many additional products and services. It [...]
photo by unk’s dumptruck Finding a job can be tough. If you’ve been laid off, are looking for a part-time primary or second job, or are returning to the workforce after being a stay-at-home parent, it can feel as if there aren’t any jobs out there. One thing to consider is that many jobs don’t [...]
photo by Mykl Roventine Do you know a tightwad home when you’re inside one? For many people, penny-pinching strategies aren’t noticeable. However, if you’re frugal, you have an eagle’s eye. If you visited a fellow frugalista’s home, you could spot their frugal ways because you probably do them, too. What in your home is a [...]
photo by luminais Frugalitarians have many small habits. Some of these strategies don’t necessarily save much money. They might seem silly or insignificant to others because of the time spent doing them, too. But the fact is that these decisions reflect the creativity and determination by penny pinchers (called this for a reason) to be [...]
photo onthedotcreations Creating a budget seems to be a no-brainer. Everyone has his or her way of approaching it. You take your salary, subtract your bills, and if there is money left, you decide what to do with it. Is your method working for you? What are you doing with the money that’s left? Is [...]
photo by Giulio Rosalia Frugal living can be hard to live long term. But you’re not alone. Many readers comment about ways they stay motivated. Most agree that it’s reassuring they aren’t the only frugal people trying to waste less, make things last longer, reduce debt, and save money. And that choosing to be frugal [...]
photo by mathwizxp Going to see a movie at the theater has become a luxury. Tickets and snacks cost a small fortune. Even if you eat beforehand, it can be hard to resist the Junior Mints or the buttery popcorn. Two people going can cost $40 easily. But there are some movies that you want [...]
photo by cortomaltese “Financial freedom has everything to do with your belief system.” — Ron Blue A common misconception is that frugality is voluntary poverty, deprivation or selfishness. Frugal folks aren’t cheap misers with the world’s largest ball of saved rubber bands in their garage or 1,000 rinsed plastic baggies. Frugality is knowing when you [...]
Pre-packaged store-bought box mixes are expensive. Have you considered homemade alternatives? Made-from-scratch mixes are healthy, cost beneficial, store well, and taste great. Often times, you’re paying for the packaging of commercial “convenience” foods and you don’t have any control over the additives and preservatives they contain. When making your own mixes, you tailor the ingredients, [...]
Wallpaper and borders can be bought cheaply. You can find some that are samples, remnants or discontinued and on clearance. You might come across some at garage sales or thrift stores, too. These are perfect to complete a small room project, but you can put them to use in other creative ways. How have you [...]
photo by zero-g DEAR SARA: I need ideas for items to fill a gift bag for a pregnant friend. What do you think would be appropriate and not too expensive? — Heather, California
photo by sylvar Personal budgeting is a life skill that, sadly, isn’t taught often enough at home or at school. It never ceases to amaze me how much some young adults owe and own these days. Today, readers share money-saving life lessons from their parents, which they plan to pass on to their children.
