10 Steps to a Frugal Life

I must admit that saving money has become a bit of a game to me.  I want to save money and live as frugally as possible without having to sacrifice our lifestyle.  I've combined a list of things I do that save us the most money...

We use .49 cheese cloths from IKEA to wipe counters

1.  Don't use paper towels.  We use cloth napkins with dinner and wash cloths to clean the counter tops.  I do occasionally buy cleaning wipes, but only if I can get them free through couponing.

2.  Use cloth diapers.  It a huge savings even if you only have one child, but if you have more than one in diapers it will save you a small fortune!!  I blogged about the specifics earlier in the month.  Check it out!--Also, if you are an expectant mother, breastfeed your new baby!  It's great for baby and it costs you nothing!  It's a win - win.  Even if you are going back to work after maternity leave, buy a breast pump and give baby expressed milk.  The cost of a pump will be much less than buying formula in the long run!

3.  Buy used.  If you can't do used, buy at discount stores.  Growing children want to have the latest fashions, Plato's closet and Once Upon a Child only buy GENTLY used clothes and have killer deals.  Discount stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross...they have some great deals on clothes that are in style. Sometimes you have to really dig to find things that will work for you.  Make a list of things you need before you go clothes or accessory shopping and stay focused.  Walking into a big store without a defined purpose can be overwhelming and stop you from getting the best deals.

4.  Keep your thermostat on 69 in the winter.  I know it seems a little frosty, but the 3 degrees can change your heating bill tremendously.  Also, if your home is older, invest in the tools to winterize each year.  If you used weather stripping last year, check it again, you may need to do it again this year. $10 for a few rolls of weather stripping will save you a lot of money in the long run.

5.  Repurpose for craft time.  I never buy new products for our at home crafts for the kids.  Our milk cartons be come birdhouses, bottles become windmills and baskets.  If you have to buy new product, buy them ONLY on sale.  Craft time is just as much fun (I think more) with repurposed or sale items.

6.  Stock up when things are on sale and hopefully when you have coupons too.  We lose control over our budget when we run out of something and have to have it.  Try not to have a brand preference, if you can help it.  This way, if you need canned beans, you can buy what's on sale and what you have a coupon for rather than being tied to a brand.  There will be things that you can't compromise on, everyone has them....mine is soap for the dishwasher.  I've found that nothing works quite as well as a gel pack of some kind.  I stay stocked on these when they go on sale and I have coupons. 

7.  Plan your meals, but be flexible.  Make sure to include a couple of things per week that take little to no prep work.  If you plan out what you are going to be doing for each meal it will keep you from waiting too late, forgetting to thaw something or just having a stressful day and deciding to run out for dinner instead.  By flexibility, I mean if you're scheduled to have baked chicken that takes an hour on Tuesday, but something comes up and you aren't going to have time to make it, switch that out with your quick pasta dish that only takes 15 -20 minutes to make.  If you plan a night out check out websites, sign up for the email list at your favorite restaurant (they'll send you coupons and discounts for being loyal).

8.  Buy a coupon discount book (from their site or coupons.com you'll get it cheaper than in stores).  There are TONS of coupons in these for everything from family outings to food to clothing.  If you plan a date night once per month (I recommend you do for your own sanity) use the book to plan your date night.  You'll get out, enjoy yourselves, and not have guilt about the money you're spending.

9.  Shop grocery stores or other stores that offer fuel rewards.  Our Lowes foods does this.  Every time you spend a certain amount of money you get fuel rewards for money off each gallon of gas up to 25 gallons.  Sometimes if you buy certain items they give you additional fuel rewards.  It's pretty easy to earn .20 cents off per gallon from these stores and that's a significant savings on gas!  (Lowes foods does this in my area, but check around at your local stores to see if it's something they offer.  Don't assume just because there isn't a gas station attached that you can't do it, our Lowes has an agreement with Wilco Hess stations around here.  You take your rewards card and swipe it first and the price drops like magic).  If you live close to town and it's convenient (and safe) walk or bike for quick trips to the store. 

10.  Set goals for your savings.  If you have clear defined reasons that you are saving certain dollars, you are less likely to pull money out for a new stereo or the TV on sale this week.  If those are the things you want to save for, put that money in a different account and set a limit on how much you'll spend. 

I hope that these things help you the way they've helped us.  If you come to see it as a hobby rather than as a restriction on yourself, it really can be a fun thing to do.  Leave your money saving ideas below. (: