What are some ways to live frugally?

1. 66

   starxposted 10 years ago

   What are some ways to live frugally?
   
   Frugal living can be hard first time when you don't know where to start. Which is the first area where you started and how it worked out for you?

   replyreport
2. 77

   Marla Neograposted 10 years ago

   You can easily reduce your bills and live frugally if you are willing to modify some conveniences. For instance, you can reduce your entertainment budget by getting rid of cable TV. Several options for viewing TV series' and movies are available for instant viewing through an internet connection for less than 10.00 a month, so just having internet without the cable TV shows saves you more than half of your bill usually. Another way is to not have a smart phone (we love them). It usually costs you an extra say 10.00 per phone to have a smart phone for data stream access per month. For around 40.00 per month you can have unlimited calls only or calls and texting with limits. My family can save 150.00 per month by not having smart phones and another 65.00 per month for not having cable TV with a cable box (and DVR). Thats 74.00 per month minus 8.99 for Netflix equaling a 65.00 savings. We use a PS III hooked to our TV for viewing, but this can also be accomplished through most newer gaming systems or an S video cable from laptop or computer to TV.
   Other ways are to have travel cups and take your beverage with you rather than stopping for a drink. Most drinks are very expensive these days when you total up the cost over a week. If you make a list of all the things you need during the course of a couple of days and restrict your shopping to one or two days per week you will save gas which equates to dollars saved per week as well. Make your own dog and cat treats and throw all your change into a big jar or can. Only use it to deposit into your savings account and you will watch your account grow over time. Finally, do not use credit cards. If you cannot pay for it you do not need it. Pay bills first, shop at Salvation Army, Goodwill, Thrift Stores, Habitat for Humanity ReStore and consignment shops.
   I hope these suggestions help you. These are only some of the ways we save in order to survive in this tough economy.

   replyreport
3. 73

   somethgblueposted 10 years ago

   All you need do is read my Hub, Living Frugally . . . A Way of Life that won Hub of the Day and was one of the very first Hubs I ever wrote, to answer the question.
   
   When you learn to live frugally and grow your own food and eat your own livestock, you won't go back to buying food at the grocery store. I have owned the same car for eight years, no car payments and have learned to save at least $5,000.00 a year, it's the only way to go but is not for the faint of heart!

   replyreport
   1. 73

      Ericajeanposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Wow. It is definitely not for the faint of heart- but the savings are amazing!

      replyreport
4. 60

   Shona Venterposted 10 years ago

   Although many people may think that their life will be dull and boring when they live frugally, this is in fact far from the truth. When you decide to live frugally, you may find yourself having to make sacrifices on luxury items such as fancy meals out or expensive club or gym memberships. However, in many cases, you can learn to enjoy a home cooked meal for a fraction of the cost of a restaurant meal. There are many cheaper or even free ways to get your exercise such as teaming up with a friend and walking your dogs (and children if you have any) or even working in your garden.
   
   Hubby and I started living frugally by cutting back on expensive grocery items and substituting them for store brands. In most cases, we didn't even notice a difference. We now also enjoy shopping at thrift stores when we need to purchase items for the home. In most cases, these items can be purchased for pennies on the dollar in these stores and they are sometimes almost new.

   replyreport
5. 73

   Ericajeanposted 10 years ago

   Some bills have payment plans based on how much energy you use. For instance the power company in my state offers a low plan based on how much wattage you use in a year and you only pay that one flat fee per month. If you are not in a room, there should be no lights on-save energy that way.
   
   My husband and I have bought furniture from Youth Challenge and other thrifty stores. We no longer do payment plans and saved a lot of money. A two piece furniture set cost us less than $180! And it was in excellent shape, barely used and gorgeous.
   
   Also, we find deals online for food and other items. Mommysavesbig.com and extreme couponing helps(haven't tried the extreme thing yet). When it comes to foods we try not to go too expensive but also not too cheap. We go to Dollar stores for foods that are cheaper and use coupons for other food items. Walmart and Food Lion are okay but we watch the dollar signs.
   
   No cable. We do not have cable, but what we watch is on Hulu or other internet channels. We should not have to pay for cable. It is a luxury. I have one simple cell phone that is prepaid and it works perfectly- also a luxury.
   
   I'm sure there are other ways to live frugally and am open to new ideas!

   replyreport
6. 0

   MelonieGilchristposted 10 years ago

   I price match at the grocery store and purchase produce from the reduced rack.

   replyreport
7. 60

   Shona Venterposted 10 years ago

   Thanks to the economic downturn, frugal living has again become extremely popular. While many people think that living frugally involves deprivation, this couldn't be further from the truth. read more

   replyreport
8. 0

   CalebSparksposted 10 years ago

   I almost never shop at top-name grocery stores. I have learned to modify my food preferences to match my level of spending. You can find many of the same foods you like at comparative qualities at lower cost grocers.

   replyreport
   1. 73

      Ericajeanposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Exactly...like Save a Lot or some dollar stores. Good point.

      replyreport