Frugal tips

Previously I mentioned that I was going to talk a bit about frugality, without focusing on food, most of what I have is what I refer to as the "what momma always told you". It is stuff that my mom did to make ends meet.

1. Stop shopping. Do you really need the item or are you caught up in the latest must have craze?

2. Eat in, and make it yourself. I am old enough to remember a time when going out for dinner was a special treat. Of course making it yourself means no frozen or ready made meals. You take basic ingredients out of the cupboard or fridge, and make a meal.

3. Eat leftovers. I actually know people who don't eat leftovers because they "don't like them". I agree that turkey surprise is not most favorite meal (especially after I have eaten turkey for the last four days straight), but you can always freeze some for later use.

4. Make a list (and stick to it). In other words don't get distracted by all of the marketing hype.

5. Combine trips. Gas is expensive, so I plan the route.

6. See if you can share the cost with another person. I share the cost of a discount shopping membership with one of my friends.

7. Drink water from the tap. I fill a pitcher and put it in the fridge and I find that the taste goes away.

8. Turn down the thermostat in the winter. If you are cold, put on a sweater. Conversely in the summer, try not to use the A/C, unless really needed.

9. Try eating vegetarian once or twice per week. Meat is expensive.
10. Turn off the lights that you are not using.

11. Line dry your clothes. Even in an apartment I manage to dry my clothes on an fold out dryer.

12. Wash your clothes in cold water. Saves money and energy.

13. If you need something, is it possible to borrow it (from a library or a friend). This is good especially if you are using the item only once or twice or if you are starting a new hobby and are not sure if it is something you are going to stick with.

14. If you have credit card debt, pay more than the minimum. This is a long term savings thing.
15. Buy generic, if you do not notice the difference. For somethings I can easily tell, others I have no idea.

16. Save money. Start a savings plan and have something that you are saving for. Remember to pay yourself first.
17. Keep your car in good condition.
18. If possible take transportation. When I head into the big city (Vancouver) I take transit. Who can afford to park? This also allows me the opportunity to relax and catch up on my reading.
19. Go to the bank once per pay period and take out an 'allowance'. Then pay cash for everything. I believe that my mom used to call this the envelope method of finance. Also track your spending. This gives you a good idea of where your money is going.
20. Go online and see who has the best deal. This is especially good for grocery shopping as I have 3 major grocery stores within blocks of each other.
21. If you are in the market to buy a place, do not buy at the top of what your pre-approved loan is. Do you really need to live in the mansion? Or will a more modest house (or townhouse/condo) do? Remember it is not only the cost of buying, but also the future cost of maintaining (upgrading?) that will affect your finances.
22. Learn to complete simple home repairs yourself. This also includes learning how to maintain your home.
23. Hold a garage sale or at least get rid of your excess clutter. By keeping the clutter down there is less of a tendency to misplace or lose things which means that you don't have to unnecessarily replace things.
24. Use cloth napkins.
25. Maintain your health. This means make sure you eat healthy foods, get enough exercise and sleep, etc. Basically all the things your doctor keeps telling you to do.