It’s Fall! Okay not officially, but we can start anyway. Who doesn’t want to live frugally right now with inflation and other anxiety-creating events happening in the world. The list below is just few things that have helped me live better and I feel healthier for doing so.
- Create a budget and stick to it. Check your spending against your budget and don’t go over it. Make sure you have an emergency fund for those times when life throws you a curve.
- Make your meals at home. It is always cheaper and most often healthier than dining out. When you make the meal yourself, you know what is going into the food you eat. You can make these meals for pennies, and you will have leftovers. Add something new to the leftovers and you have a whole new meal.
- Get rid of your subscriptions. You don’t really need them. Buy what you need when you need it. There may be a few things you need to stock up on, but unless you are saving money by having the subscription, don’t start.
- Use credit cards sparingly and pay them off monthly. DO NOT get into debt. If you must put an item on credit, make sure you pay it off by the end of the month.
- Try to reduce your utilities. Turn up the Air Conditioner during the warm months. Turn down the heat in the cooler ones. Open the windows during the Spring & Fall and let some fresh air into the house.
- Buy store brand foods at the grocery store when you can. Many of the store items are really Brand names with the store name on it. So, you are getting the same quality you’re used to. If you think it tastes different, add your own spices to taste.
- Utilize the Dollar store. Check in there regularly. They often have nice things you can purchase for a lot less. Their seasonal items are often just what you’re looking for at a fraction of the cost of other stores.
- Don’t buy clothes. Repurpose clothes you have sitting in your closet. Add a scarf or some lace to an outfit. Wear a different necklace with a dress you wear often. The length of a necklace can make a huge difference in the way your repurposed outfit looks. Replace clothes as needed. But no shopping sprees please.
- Dump Cable or Satellite TV. Watch You Tube. – It’s free! They have a lot of interesting videos and most of them are less than an hour, so you are saving time too.
- Declutter your home. Get rid of anything and everything you are not using either by selling items, donating them to charity or just disposing of it. If you are like me, you have items for each category. Take some time to decide what to do with each item. If you live in an area like mine where everyone wants “new stuff” instead of “lightly used stuff “then your best bet is to give it to charity. They can make use of it and their customers will love you for it.
- Additionally, get rid of the junk in your garage. If you haven’t used it in a year, you no longer need it. (You’ve probably forgotten about it anyway). I just did this and now I have room for my car with plenty of space on either side. The feeling is freeing.
- Go outside and walk or sit on your porch and enjoy the fresh air. There is always something beautiful to see and consider. Your lungs will love you for the fresh air they breathe. Visit a neighbor or friend.
There are many more ideas for being frugal, but hopefully this list will help you start thinking towards minimization and frugality so you can live healthier.
©️ 2023 Leah E Miller All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Amen Sister!!!