Ways to Be Frugal and Save Money

You can save money by being frugal. What are some of the ways you can be frugal?

If you follow these simple steps, you can slash your budget considerably. Being frugal is the best way to go. All you have to do is reduce, or take out any un- needed spending. Every time you go to the store, think about what you are purchasing. If you are buying out of impulse, “it is just a dollar,” think about it first. All of those dollars can add up. Is that one dollar item something you need? Chances are, it’s not. Start being more aware of what you purchase. The old saying, “a penny saved is a penny earned” is true. If you pay attention to the little things that you purchase on a daily basis, you can save a considerable amount of money.

When you use coupons, make sure it is something you use, and it is a good deal. Usually, someone will use a coupon, but fail to realize they really do not need the product. Make sure your coupon is something you use, and it is actually of value to you.

You want to make sure you are eating right. However, if you have steak and lobster for dinner every day, it is time to re-think the way you eat. If you really want to be frugal, and save money, think about the meals you eat. If you can eat beans, rice, and potatoes frequently, do it. You should sit down, write down what you need in your diet (protein, veggies, etc.), and decide what works for you. Chicken is good for you, and it is extremely cheap.

Some of the things you use around your house that are name brand, doesn’t have to be. In some instances, name brand will only do; but in most instances, you can switch up. Look at the products in the store, and do a side by side comparison of the ingredients if you have to. Sometimes, when you buy name brand, you do buy quality, on the same token, sometimes when you buy name brand, you buy commercials.

Most people have some little extras that they have to get. It could be coffee from the gas station, scratchies, etc. Whatever your little daily extra may be, re-think them. You may find a better substitute (like brewing coffee in your house), or just do away with it all together.

If you look at most people’s monthly budget, you will see that a huge portion of it goes to fuel. The price of gas goes up, and will probably continue to do so, year after year.

Consider a carpool with others. You can save a considerable amount of money doing this.

Find a cheap fuel efficient vehicle. Look on Craig’s List, and other places online that sells vehicles. You should not care about what it looks like. After all, you are the one saving the money.

Consider riding a bicycle. If you ride a bicycle, you are saving money, getting exercise, and it is good for the environment.

If you are one of those that goes out for lunch every day at work, reconsider. If it is a social event that you must have, consider suggesting a picnic with your co-workers instead.

Energy costs can make a monthly budget sky rocket. You may want to take steps and reduce your electric bill. You may even be able to consider using solar panels, if you are interested in your savings long term. There are kits you can get to make your own solar panels.

If you are guzzling soda on a daily basis, consider drinking water instead. Water is not only better for you, it is cheaper.

In most areas, we do not have a choice on what gas or electric company we use.

However, you do have a choice on what kind of cellular company you use.

Can you find a company that offers the same thing for less? Chances are, if you look around, you can find one that offers the same thing for hundreds less. Cell phone companies vary widely on what they charge.

Sometimes, we use a cellular phone company that can charge outrages prices, when a cheaper solution is just right around the corner. In some cases, you can literally save hundreds of dollars per month.

Every time you save money, take note of it. Be aware of what you saved, by writing it down on a piece of paper. At the end of the month, calculate how much you have saved. Chances are, if you are an average regular spender, and you have followed the steps listed, you have probably saved three-five hundred dollars per month (minimum).