Embracing a frugal lifestyle is a relatively simple and easy way to save money while having all of your needs met. And in today's economy, more people are considering the practical and sustainable aspects of this way of life—especially since many don't have much of a choice in the matter.

While most of us have never had the unfortunate experience of living in a really tough economic era before now, our grandparents and great-grandparents weathered this type of storm before and came out on the other end of it—so we know it is survivable.

Living frugally may be the cornerstone for providing stability to get through a financial rough patch, enabling us to keep our heads above water.

Plan and Prepare - Develop a system to plan meals and then generate a grocery list from that plan. This process lessens the likelihood of making impulse purchases and buying unnecessary items at the grocery store. It is also less stressful, since all the guesswork has been taken out of “what’s for dinner tonight?” Studies suggest that planning meals makes it possible to shave fifty percent on grocery expenses.

Take Inventory - Before generating a grocery list, take inventory of the food you already have stored in the pantry. Match the items you have on hand to your recipes.

Organize Your List - List the grocery items you need in order to their location in the market to prevent making impulse purchases by wandering aimlessly throughout the store.

Become Circular Savvy - Stores will sometimes advertise a certain number of products at rock-bottom prices (called loss leaders), to get consumers into their store. Purchase only items that are on sale. Planning all or some meals just around sale circulars on a weekly basis will save a ton of money.

Alternatives for Telephone Services - Utilizing a cell phone only can save $35 or more a month. Alternatively, use Internet phone resources like a skype number. Make sure that emergency services will be able to find you if you call from that number. Check with your local police department before canceling your land-line.

Review Services - Review your phone service at least once a year. Take the last three phone bills and average them. Research at least three different service companies that meet the needs of expected use.

Remove Unused and Extra Services - Remove extra services that are unnecessary. Features like call waiting and caller ID are not necessary. Utilizing a basic telephone services is a very simple way to save money.

Wise Wireless - Choose a wireless plan wisely. Make sure the plan selected covers the calls typically made.

Long Distance - Instead of calling someone long distance on a land-line, use your cell phone if you will not be charged extra, or email friends and family for no extra charge.

Fixed Rates - Ask your telephone provider if they offer a low fixed rate per month. It may require limited use; however, the savings may be worth it.

Fans - Half of the energy utilized in homes goes to heating and cooling. Installing a ceiling fan (or utilize personal fans), in the largest room of the home will allow the thermostat to be set 3º to 6º cooler which saves approximately 25% energy used for cooling. Reverse the fan rotation in the winter on the lowest speed. Since heat rises, this distributes the it more evenly throughout the room.

Thermostat Adjusting - Adjust the temperature on the thermostat before going to bed or leaving the house, or invest a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats when utilized correctly can save approximately $150 per year.

Maintain Filters - Change or clean return filters once or twice a month. The efficiency of the air conditioner unit diminishes with a clogged filter.

Registers and Vents - Regularly vacuum registers and vents. Dust and lint build up and constrict airflow.

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