How To Live Well On Less
When people come across the word frugal, the first thought that might come to mind is cheap. Those that live the frugal life are not cheap. All they do is that they think before they spend, they save, they budget, they live within their means. Being frugal means being wise with that certain currency, budgeting, not buying on impulse, living on what you make and what you have around you. Frugality is not just about saving money, it is a way of life.
Frugal living has more than one form, depending upon each individual or family. To one family, frugal living might mean eating leftovers, both parents working, and not using credit cards. For another family, it might only mean that Mom is at home, works at home, the generic ziplock baggies are washed and reused over, thrift shops are a way of life, and if new clothes are bought they'd best be on sale. There are different levels of living a frugal life, and there is none better that the other.
For those that desire the ultimate frugal life, there are many ways to save money. A family can live on one income but can survive very well, and save money. Well I believe in that each family should decide how far they wish to live a frugal life. Ideas to live frugally are comparison budgeting, shopping , debt consolidation, thrift shops, freebies, bargains, couponing, refunding, no more than two major credit cards (if that), work at home thereby saving a ton on childcare, not impulse shopping, etc.
If the thought of miserly living comes to mind, banish that thought because I think its just a myth. Frugal people are careful shoppers, mindful of their money, look for sales, and search out good deals. They are of the mind that their money is better off in their pockets rather than someone else. They learn through, mistakes trials and errors. They teach their children the value of the that particular currency, and hopefully raise frugal children.
Living well on less does not mean doing without at all. It means that you can have more for less money, because you have learned to be wiser when it comes to spending your money.
In today's world, when a family or individual needs more money for something or to live on, most have the idea of getting a higher paying job, or for Mom to go to work. Rather than living within their means, they strive to make even more money, pay the babysitter, pay more tax, buy another car, etc. Why try to make more money just to pay out more money? Doesn't it make more sense to live on what you make, have less stress, and be happier?
For those whodo not think they can make the transition painless, they are usually clever enough to start small. Some possible thoughts are: Learn to love and live on leftovers. If you don't want to eat them the next meal or day, freeze them for another day. Stop using credit cards to shop( It is very touching and very confusing when you go into an off license or a grocery store and you see shoppers using a credit card on a limited number of items). Unless you really need something, save up for it and pay cash. It saves money on interest. Always have these two phrases "reusing and recycling". Half of what we throw away can be reused or used for something else, such as small grocery store bags. We can use them for bathroom trash bags, rather than buying the same size trash bags. Wash those zip lock baggies. Buy generic items, on sale items, and use coupons for those name brands. Remember that just because you have a coupon, it's not necessarily cheaper.
Reducing your spending, living within your means, reusing and recycling, reducing waste; all of these and more will help you on the road to frugality, to living well without going broke. Your pocketbook and bank account will love you more, and you will be a happy camper knowing you are not breaking the piggy bank anymore, which means the piggy bank will love you more, too.
Siphephile
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