Learning to be Frugal

<p> <strong>I tried to copy/paste a picure here but had problems</strong></p> <h3> How to Live Frugally</h3> <p> Frugal living basically means that whenever you spend money make sure to classify everything as&nbsp;<strong>Needed</strong>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<strong>Wanted</strong>. '<em>Needed things</em>' come first and '<em>Wanted things</em>' come either second or not at all. Frugal living requires great spending control; and some little savings here and there. Many people actually like this method. It is a bit of a challenge but they find it appealing.</p> <p> It is obvious that most people don't want to live frugally but it may not be an option. Don't think of frugal as cheap or desperate, it is simply a necessity. There is nothing the matter with buying only what you need and not spending extravagantly to keep up with the Jones's.</p> <h3> Cutting fixed costs</h3> <p> &nbsp;Like rent, utilities, insurance and prescriptions. Not too much can be done with these but try to keep them down. Use a little less electricity or whatever power used. Use cheaper cell phone and cable packages.</p> <h3> Cutting variable costs</h3> <p> Such as food, hygiene, health and clothes allow a lot of leeway. Buying the company brand or the no-name brand rather than the more expensive name brand will save a lot of money. Still lookout for good sales and don't buy junky quality products. They won't last therefore aren't wise purchases.</p> <h3> Saving with discretionary items</h3> <p> Will have to be curtailed or downsized somewhat. Going out for a meal is still possible but go to a restaurant that can be afforded - not something trendy and over budget. Get a basic meal (not the triple patty burger) and no dessert. Just window shop at trendy stores. It may be useful to find a good used store or frequent weekend markets. Buy only stuff that can be judged to be in good condition (eg. dinnerware, clothes) not electronics (too hard to judge quality).</p> <h3> Avoid Spending when Shopping:</h3> <p> <strong>Coupons and sales&nbsp;</strong>are a challenge but some find it exciting. Getting ten, twenty, thirty dollars off (and even greater amounts) is fun. Getting clothes at big discounts is something to talk about. Make sure that the coupons and sales produce great savings and that the purchases are actually part of the budget.</p> <p> <strong>Cash only shopping</strong>&nbsp;means no credit cards and keeping to a list. Just bring enough funds to cover the real needs.</p> <p> <strong>Window shop only</strong>-don't go into shops which might tempt you. It sounds simple but some people find going into stores to be a necessity. Instead, just do it when something in the store is on your list of needs.</p> <p> <strong>Use the right stores</strong> - dollar stores and second hand stores are always a good bet when trying to be frugal. If the products look like a good value then it isn't likely too bad a deal. Just remember that cheap or used electronic items usually are so watch out for those items.</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> In a nutshell:&nbsp; KATJA NEEDS TO PUT THIS IN A BOX</p> <p> There are lots of suggestions on how to be frugal but the fact it's simple:&nbsp;<strong>In everything that is done - look for a less expensive way to do it!</strong>&nbsp;If it comes down to it, simply say 'no, I don't need it or I can't afford it'. It may need a bit of getting used to but it will work. Consider it as&nbsp;just another level of living.</p> <p> Still, wise shopping should leave some room to do things people like to do and at a level of decorum. This will avoid sudden overspending spree, because you've cut down on enjoyment too much. &nbsp;This might affect savings but make sure to always save for emergencies. No matter what level of society one lives in emergencies happen.</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> <strong>+++link to Frugal Living on a Budget+++</strong></p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> <strong>Have Your Budget Plan with you at all times - Download the&nbsp;'Yes, I can stay on track!' - Wallet Reminder</strong></p> <p> <strong>(click to open as printable pdf)&nbsp;+++Katja - can we make this&nbsp;so it pops up when checking out the budget or like a link so they don't need it in a wallet?</strong></p> <p> <strong>Cost Saving Frugal Notice! could be at top of expenses?</strong></p> <p> Katja - I tried to paste the FRUGAL NOTICE from the article but couldn't do it.</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <h4> &nbsp;</h4> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> &nbsp;</p>

<p> <strong>I tried to copy/paste a picure here but had problems</strong></p> <h3> How to Live Frugally</h3> <p> Frugal living basically means that whenever you spend money make sure to classify everything as <strong>Needed</strong> or <strong>Wanted</strong>. '<em>Needed things</em>' come first and '<em>Wanted things</em>' come either second or not at all. Frugal living requires great spending control; and some little savings here and there. Many people actually like this method. It is a bit of a challenge but they find it appealing.</p> <p> It is obvious that most people don't want to live frugally but it may not be an option. Don't think of frugal as cheap or desperate, it is simply a necessity. There is nothing the matter with buying only what you need and not spending extravagantly to keep up with the Jones's.</p> <h3> Cutting fixed costs</h3> <p>  Like rent, utilities, insurance and prescriptions. Not too much can be done with these but try to keep them down. Use a little less electricity or whatever power used. Use cheaper cell phone and cable packages.</p> <h3> Cutting variable costs</h3> <p> Such as food, hygiene, health and clothes allow a lot of leeway. Buying the company brand or the no-name brand rather than the more expensive name brand will save a lot of money. Still lookout for good sales and don't buy junky quality products. They won't last therefore aren't wise purchases.</p> <h3> Saving with discretionary items</h3> <p> Will have to be curtailed or downsized somewhat. Going out for a meal is still possible but go to a restaurant that can be afforded - not something trendy and over budget. Get a basic meal (not the triple patty burger) and no dessert. Just window shop at trendy stores. It may be useful to find a good used store or frequent weekend markets. Buy only stuff that can be judged to be in good condition (eg. dinnerware, clothes) not electronics (too hard to judge quality).</p> <h3> Avoid Spending when Shopping:</h3> <p> <strong>Coupons and sales </strong>are a challenge but some find it exciting. Getting ten, twenty, thirty dollars off (and even greater amounts) is fun. Getting clothes at big discounts is something to talk about. Make sure that the coupons and sales produce great savings and that the purchases are actually part of the budget.</p> <p> <strong>Cash only shopping</strong> means no credit cards and keeping to a list. Just bring enough funds to cover the real needs.</p> <p> <strong>Window shop only</strong>-don't go into shops which might tempt you. It sounds simple but some people find going into stores to be a necessity. Instead, just do it when something in the store is on your list of needs.</p> <p> <strong>Use the right stores</strong> - dollar stores and second hand stores are always a good bet when trying to be frugal. If the products look like a good value then it isn't likely too bad a deal. Just remember that cheap or used electronic items usually are so watch out for those items.</p> <p>  </p> <p> In a nutshell:  KATJA NEEDS TO PUT THIS IN A BOX</p> <p> There are lots of suggestions on how to be frugal but the fact it's simple: <strong>In everything that is done - look for a less expensive way to do it!</strong> If it comes down to it, simply say 'no, I don't need it or I can't afford it'. It may need a bit of getting used to but it will work. Consider it as just another level of living.</p> <p> Still, wise shopping should leave some room to do things people like to do and at a level of decorum. This will avoid sudden overspending spree, because you've cut down on enjoyment too much.  This might affect savings but make sure to always save for emergencies. No matter what level of society one lives in emergencies happen.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>+++link to Frugal Living on a Budget+++</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Have Your Budget Plan with you at all times - Download the 'Yes, I can stay on track!' - Wallet Reminder</strong></p> <p> <strong>(click to open as printable pdf) +++Katja - can we make this so it pops up when checking out the budget or like a link so they don't need it in a wallet?</strong></p> <p> <strong>Cost Saving Frugal Notice! could be at top of expenses?</strong></p> <p> Katja - I tried to paste the FRUGAL NOTICE from the article but couldn't do it.</p> <p>  </p> <h4>  </h4> <p>  </p> <p>  </p> <p>  </p>