It seems that almost everywhere I turn these days there are articles and stories about saving money and extending tight budgets. Generally these articles make it seem like frugality requires some sort of advanced degree. I suppose it’s a sign of the times, everyone is looking to trim their expenses in some way or another. It occurs to me that frugality isn’t about complicated schemes or detailed plans as much as it is about common sense and simple steps. You may already know and use these tips, but just in case you don’t let me share a few of my favorite common sense tips.
- Growing up my parents and grandparents were always telling us to turn off lights, shut refrigerator doors, etc. because we didn’t own stock in the electric company. These days I belong to an electric co-op so in a sense I do own stock in the electric company, but I still turn off lights, use the clothesline instead of the dryer and turn off power strips to keep my electric bill down.
- Combine trips when driving somewhere. If I have to run errands I try to combine it with my workday commute, this way I don’t have to drive at all on days off – saving money on fuel and auto maintainance.
- Reconcile your checking account – I’m constantly amazed by folks who don’t do this and face overdraft fees on a monthly basis.
- Don’t waste anything. Use up leftovers or fresh produce, don’t let either mold or rot in your refrigerator or pantry. Re-use old clothing for cleaning rags. Re-use jars or other containers for a multitude of uses.
- Beware of memberships that include automatic renewals and cancel subscriptions you don’t use. If you’re not going to the gym, why continue to pay for it. If you’re heating with wood, why are you paying for natural gas too? If you just want to try something new, go for it, just make sure they don’t automatically debit your checking account or charge your credit card after the trial period if you don’t want to continue.
- Buy Second Hand – I’m constantly amazed by how many people think this is a hassle, but you’d be amazed at the quality of many second hand items and the money you can save over new. Try it out – nothing ventured, nothing gained.
So what your favorite common-sense frugal tip? I know I’ve missed some good ones that are worth sharing.
So true, they’re steps those of us with frugal parents developed as kids. Oddly, it seems like some people don’t do them because they don’t have to. But now those people are realizing that all those seemingly insignificant things you do each and every day make a difference in the overall picture.
I think that growing your own and canning really help with food wasting as well. When you spent hours canning those pears, you let nothing go to waste. Even the syrup gets boiled down to use in tea, on pancakes or in bread.
Hi, Kathie – great topic! This one is also very simple, but it’s a biggie: don’t spend more than you earn. It’s amazing how easily this one is forgotten/not used. I also have been guilty of it in the past.
On another note, this one ties in w/your “Don’t waste anything” tip: have a compost pile if possible. My parents didn’t compost, but we had an “angle-worm pile”. Coffee grounds, vegetable peelings, etc. went onto it; my father would dig it over a few times a week, and then used the worms for fishing. My brothers had a worms stand when they got older, too. People don’t fish w/worms as much these days, do they…
I’m always amazed by the frugality articles saying things like “Use coupons” and “Buy generic”. Since we really buy very little, and what we do buy (on the outside edge of the store, almost nothing in the aisles) never has coupons or ‘name brands’, that advice doesn’t apply to us.
In fact, most of the advice doesn’t apply. “Don’t buy name-brand clothes new?” Done. “Cancel your music subscription program for your iPod.” Don’t have it. “Don’t take expensive vacations.” TBH, I don’t even *want* to go to Disneyland or Hawaii.
Lists like yours are much more helpful.
I think my fave thing is to “buy quality”.
I see so many people buying poor quality items because they’re inexpensive but then it breaks too soon and needs replacing. They end up spending more money constantly replacing “cheap” items.
~Tara
I avoid the temptation of mail catalogues, etc, by throwing the junk mail into the compost as soon as it comes in…I don’t even look because we just don’t need anything, and if we do we already have our dependable sources at hand where we can pick them up. Not having TV service also has helped not be so tempted by a constant barrage of advertising
Robbyn
When I have something I really ‘want’ as opposed to something I ‘need’ I always make myself wait one week before purchasing. 9 out of 10 time I decide it just isn’t worth it.
Also I buy in bulk, saves $ and packaging. I have a local market that carries lots of organic grains in bulk, as well as raisins and spices…things I can’t find locally grown or grow myself. Kim
These are wonderful tips! We found that growing vegetables from seed (whenever possible) has been a huge savings and we’re able to give extra plants to our friends and neighbors who don’t have gardens. My husband has helped over ten people start small gardens just with his extra seedlings! This is a great savings for everyone and some of the people have gifted us with food made from their gardens. It’s been wonderful and thrifty too!
We also don’t have cable and watch tv (rarely) on our computer. It’s surprising how much is available.
We never eat out. And I buy food & other household items when they’re on sale and stock up when possible.
I don’t ever go window shopping. I just stay out of stores unless I need a particular item. Our of sight, out of mind really works.
I also can as much as I am able. Not only does it feed us, but I make jams, pickles and chutneys as gifts.
Cooking from scratch. I know it seems weird to include this, but many people I know don’t cook, or if they do it is from a mix or a pre-made bag of something. You will save a lot of money and eat better by making your own.