advice when starting frugal and simple life

**forestdale** · 03-06-2005, 10:09 PM

If  you were starting out on your life of frugal and simple living today, what piece of advice would you like to be given.

For me it would be to check my grocery shopping and make sure I cut out the frills.  Things like soft drinks, TV dinners and processed foods.  It's those small weekly expenses that really add up and cutting them from the budget will save more than you think.  We still eat things like cakes and cookies, but I always make them myself now.  They taste much better and I know what's in them too.  The savings have been something like $30 per week.

**Shell** · 03-07-2005, 02:07 AM

Put away the credit cards. Live beneath your means. Pay yourself first.

**rebecca** · 03-07-2005, 04:10 AM

See where you can cut down on some of your monthly bills.

**Darlene** · 03-07-2005, 08:12 AM

Don't be surprised when you find joy in the simplest of things... patterns of frost on windowpanes, the way the breeze makes a flower dance, a knowing smile between you and your loved one when you've worked hard & know you both did good, real good. The list goes on & on...Enjoy!

**oreo** · 03-07-2005, 08:13 AM

Read the Tightwad Gazette. I learned to look at things differently. I learned how the little things add up. I learned how to creatively save.

**Mamawolf** · 03-07-2005, 08:25 AM

If I were just starting again, I would look at processed foods... my most savings has been from cutting out processed foods. I would also remind you to take it slow. Replace items when they break down with energy-conservative items. Replace light bulbs with flourescents, take it one step at a time!

**rebecca** · 03-07-2005, 09:02 AM

I would suggest to read Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. I started his program last Feb of 04 and wish I would of found this book sooner. I have gotten farther ahead financially since I have read his book. Renee

**rebecca** · 03-08-2005, 01:42 AM

Pay yourself first before you pay your bills even if it is only $5.00.
Wash in cold water.
Use the 1/2 rule. 1/2 landry detergent, 1/2 toothpaste, etc.,.
Use the library instead of buying books.
cook by scratch
take snacks with you when your in the car this way if you get the munchies you can eat what you have instead of stopping at a convenience store
If work, take your lunch with you instead of eating out
Use what you have
Try to have at least one day a week to have a no spend day
Take a quick shower
Plant perinnal flowers instead of annuals
Take trips closer to home
Make homemade cleaners
Go to the dollar store
Go on a picnic instead of eating out

**sunshine** · 03-08-2005, 09:45 AM

Track your spending to determine where best to cut (most people are amazed at the amount of money they spend at the gas station on drinks, candy , etc)

Have an energy audit on your home--- use window quilts, draft dodgers, etc in the winter. . . . insulate your water heater, caulk your windows. . . . .

Determine needs from wants. . . .

**thrifty gal** · 03-08-2005, 10:30 AM

Definitely to pay yourself first, no matter the amount.

**Early Bird** · 03-08-2005, 10:10 PM

I'd work on the eating-out-for-convenience habit: start by having on-hand the supplies to make quick meals. Evn if you have to stockpile Lean Cuisine dinners in the freezer (at first) -- much cheaper than eating out.

**rebecca** · 03-16-2005, 06:01 AM

I definetly agree with thrifty gal. I wish I would of started paying myself first when I first started working. Boy I would have a bankroll! I guess it's better late than never. Now I have to make up for it.

**Michele Annette** · 03-16-2005, 08:54 AM

Always put money in savings no matter how small the amount.

Stop using the credit cards.

Bring all coffee drinks and tea from home. Coffee at Starbucks is nice for a treat once in a while, but the daily coffees get really expensive!

**Mom23boys** · 03-16-2005, 09:03 AM

Declutter your home and life. Get rid of those things that just sit around and clollect dust. They are making your life so simple when you have to keep dusting them!

**jlxian** · 03-17-2005, 09:31 AM

All of these are great points. The only one I would add would be to keep in mind that frugality is not deprivation; think of it as creative saving (per Oreo above).