A Crash Course in Creative Frugality

[sunshine]

A Crash Course in Creative Frugality
by Nancy Twigg

Struggling families have two choices


When the economy is slow and times are lean, struggling
families have two choices: continue spending like nothing is
wrong, or adopt a new attitude of thriftiness and simplified
living. The first option can lead to credit card debt and
bankruptcy fast, but the second can be enjoyable if you use a
little creativity.

Whether your family was hit hard by the recent economic
downturn or if the slowing economy was merely a blip on your
financial radar, either way you can benefit from a crash
course in creative frugality. Creative frugality is the art of
using ingenuity and inventiveness in your efforts to
economize. It s not merely saving for the sake of saving;
creative frugality is making a game of getting the most for
the least outlay of cash.

Most people understand what creativity is, and they have a
good idea what it means to be frugal. But the idea of putting
the two together is a little hard to grasp. To get you started
in the right direction (or to help you refocus if you re
already headed down the frugal pathway), here is a week s
worth of challenges to stretch your abilities to think and act
in creatively frugal ways:

SUNDAY For at least one day this week, challenge yourself not
to spend any money on anything. Enjoy the feeling of keeping
your cash in your wallet.

MONDAY When you do spend, put yourself on a "cash only"
system. Give your credit cards and even your checkbook a rest
by buying only what you can pay for with cash.

TUESDAY Try not to purchase anything this week at full price.
Use coupons, buy on sale, or simply delay your purchase until
you can get the item at a discount.

WEDNESDAY Put off a trip to the grocery store as long as you
can this week. Be creative in using up what you already have
in your pantry.

THURSDAY - Surf the Internet for new ways to save money. Sign
up for a free e-mail newsletter or discussion list that will
provide ideas and encouragement.

FRIDAY For the next seven days, don t spend any money on
entertainment. Brainstorm with your family to come up with
things you can do that are free: visit a library, do some
mall-walking, or read some good books.

SATURDAY Look for ways to save gas and give your car a break
this week. Combine errands, do business online or get some
exercise by walking to places that are within walking
distance.

[JUSTAMOM]

Great ideas! Thank you for sharing!

[homesteadmamma]

Thanks Denise, some great tips here.

[Shell]

Thanks. I remember this article from awhile ago and I really enjoyed it. It is always good to refresh some frugal ideas. I think a lot of people look at being frugal in a negative way when we should be thinking that person is "wise" with their money.

[dolphin]

Thanks!

[lucy979]

Those were great tips!

[guest2]

Thanks!!!!

[canadian gardener]

I like the way it's organized by day of the week. That keeps it simple enough to be do able in a persons mind.

[beeba]

This is something that's seems so easy to adopt. Thanks for sharing.

[Sara Noel]

I think it's great that it's broken up daily too. I like to feel like I am making daily frugal decisions.

[Heather]

Originally posted by smnoel
I think it's great that it's broken up daily too. I like to feel like I am making daily frugal decisions.

Me too! Thanks Denise, those are great tips!

[Guest1]

great ideas & seemingly easy to incorporate! thanks!

[cozyquilter]

Thanks for sharing that article...I too like how is broken down into very managable days...

[Michele Annette]

Thanks Denise, this is an excellent reminder of what I need to do!

[Katybird]

Thanks Denise.