What are your TOP TEN frugal tips?

**pip** · 03-23-2004, 02:01 PM

So true!

**Shell** · 03-23-2004, 11:04 PM

I should read the following tip over and over again:

Don't allow shopping to meet other needs such as excitement, security and emotional support

**homesteadmamma** · 05-26-2004, 04:01 PM

I would tell them to pay cash for everything if at all possible and to NEVER get in the habit of using cc.

How about you?

**paelthom** · 05-26-2004, 04:35 PM

Never make a large purchase without really taking time to think on it. Overnight at least, preferrably longer. Always compare prices and keep a calculator handy when shopping.

**guest2** · 05-26-2004, 04:39 PM

Learn the differences between "wants' and "needs".

**Guest1** · 05-26-2004, 05:09 PM

Get in the habit of a budget - not necessarily the ones the "gurus" set up, but one that works in your home with your family & your earnings.....

I love those cookie cutter budgets that might work but only if our income tripled!

**DawnM** · 05-26-2004, 05:37 PM

Read the TWG.

**PrairieRose** · 05-27-2004, 10:07 AM

Consider debt your enemy. Work hard on eliminating all of it from your life. Use the "eating an elephant" strategy (you start at the front and take little bitty bites, getting bigger as you go)

**canadian gardener** · 05-27-2004, 10:45 AM

Never buy a vehicle on lease. Never buy new. Pay cash for gently used vehicles with warranty remaining and maintain it well, keep it till it costs you more to run it than buying another new one. (save the "car payment" funds during the ownership period).

Learn to maintain cars from dr.dipstick's Temple of Thrify Motoring at http://home.att.net/~drdipstik/

Dr D tells you when to buy a new car at http://home.att.net/~drdipstik/new.htm

**Jerseygirl** · 05-31-2004, 01:13 PM

Watch for the little leaks that kink the best budgets--if you can avoid spending a few dollars each week it very quickly adds up.

**~Tammy~** · 05-31-2004, 01:14 PM

Track all spending. This way you know where your money is going.

**Mom23boys** · 05-31-2004, 01:27 PM

WOW! You ladies have come up with some great tips already!

Freeze your credit cards if you have one. I mean, actually freeze it in a block of ice. This way when you find something you "want", you will have to wait until the ice melts before you can use it. While waiting for the ice to melt, you will have time to think about this purchase and what it will do to your budget.

**Darlene** · 05-31-2004, 01:29 PM

Have fun saving money!
Make saving a game, it's not all about sacrifice. You save in one area to enjoy in another.

**SusieJD** · 05-31-2004, 01:32 PM

Originally posted by hmsclmom
Learn the differences between "wants' and "needs".

Ditto Debbie! Sometimes it's hard to distingish between the two. I'd also advise them, even if you have the money, pretend you don't!

Susie in MN

**momof3sons** · 05-31-2004, 03:23 PM

As a participant in the profit-sharing plan at work, I love it when customers do this

, but it's a frugal no-no.....

Never grocery shop when you're hungry

I have asked customers after they go :surprise: at the final total, "Are you hungry?" and they usually go

and

.