Source: Pexels
A frugal lifestyle has a great many benefits. Those who are frugal find they enjoy all those little pleasures in life. They appreciate the small things even more. They also find that they can build up a nest egg that will help them overcome any tough times. Now is the time to start leading a more frugal lifestyle. A few simple choices can really pay off long-term and provide you with treats like time at Tiny Away.
Grow Your Own Food
Growing your own food has many advantages. Seeds are inexpensive. If you have a large yard, you can use it to grow things you can actually eat. You don’t need a large yard to have a great garden. All you need is some window sill space. You can grow things like herbs that will add easy flavor to your dishes.
Make Lunches at Home
Making lunches at home is another option that can save you a lot of money. Making lunches at home is an easy way to create items that are crafted to your exact tastes. You’ll find it possible to take advantage of bargains when things go on sale. You can buy in bulk and save money on lunches for you and your entire family with great meals each week.
No Buying Days
Set aside at least three days each week when you choose not to buy things. It’s easy when you’ve done enough homework. If you a tank full of gas, lunches and other meals ready made and that home brewed cup of coffee, there’s no reason to spend any additional money during this time.
Save Ten Percent of Your Salary
Savings and true frugality begin with your salary. You can take your savings with that paycheck and get it automatically deducted before you do anything else. Opt for saving money before you see it in the bank. You’ll find that the savings rapidly start to add up. Even five percent can add up over time and give you that nest egg you need to get a great head start on retirement.
Set Up a Change Jar
Change can add up over time. Take those extra coins you’re not using and put them in a change jar every time you buy something. The additional funds can go into a large jar. This way you can literally see how much you are saving each time. The change can be used for little fun things in life. Knowing the value of each purchase is a great way to see precisely where your money is going with everything you buy.
Shop For Used Clothing
Used items like clothing can really save you money. For a fraction of the price of retail, you’ll often find items in great condition. Look for items that have minimal wear. You’ll often see things that are barely used. Keep to classic pieces in colors you know look good on you. For example, most people look great in basic black. This is a particularly great way to be frugal with kids. Kids often outgrow things quickly as they go through many growth spurts. What fit just a few short weeks ago may not fit tonight. You want to find clothing that your child can wear that won’t break your budget. Used clothing fits the bill nicely.
Take a Staycation
There’s no need to head off to a place a long way away to have a really great time. Now is the time to think about seeing your local sights in person. A vacation is a great time to learn about local restaurants and see regional parks. Have lunch rather than dinner to save money and still have fun. Get a stack of books from the local library you’ve always wanted to read and dive right in. You’ll find wonderful times that don’t need to cost anything at all.
Use Public Transportation
Public transportation is an easy way to save your funds. Leave the car at home and take a ride on a bus. You can often choose to give up at least one household car if both of you work. This can save you a lot of money on car repairs in the long term.
