Frugal living with Ease

If you’ve just moved in to a new home or had to pay out more than you expected this month and now need to cut down the bills as much as possible…  Here are some easy and creative ways to economize.

You may have to juggle your budgets for a while, but once you start to save a few pennies, and reap the benefit it will get easier! Being frugal isn’t just for first time buyers, it is important for everyday living, and for helping the environment.

Most Obvious Ways to Save Money:

1. Save energy. All appliances cost money when left on standby, so turn them off at the wall, or unplug them. If you don’t need the light on, turn it off! If you don’t need the TV on in the background, turn it off! Get the heating turned down or off, even if it’s just one degree less… It really does make a difference, and close the curtains to lock in the heat in the winter and block the sun in the summer.
2. Recycle! One of the best ways of saving money is by recycling. That means getting the sewing kit out and sewing up holey socks, but it can also mean you get a chance to get creative by customizing your clothing. Also get saving your washing up water, and bath water too!
3. Save on your water bill. Firstly you have the recycling aspect, but also, if you only want a cup of tea, have a cup of water, this will save on electricity. Turn off that tap when you are brushing your teeth. You are literally pouring money down the drain. Not only that but if you don’t need to flush… Don’t. Just make sure you flush before you have guests round!
4. A very obvious one is to shop around. Compare deals offered by energy suppliers to get the best deal of you.

Not So Obvious Ways to Save Money:

1. It may never have crossed your mind, but you don’t need Sky or cable. There is a wonderful thing called the Internet where you can keep up to date on your favourite shows!
2. Double your recipe. When cooking, add some extra veg and plump up that meal. You will have to cook less often, saving on energy bills, and spend half as much.
3. Get a thermos flask, so when you do boil the kettle and there’s left over water, save it for the next cuppa!
4. Stop washing your hair! No… Not completely, but reducing the amount of times you wash your hair is better for your scalp and water bill.
5. Get rid of unwanted stuff on eBay. You will be amazed at the stuff people will buy on auction sites, so don’t just throw things away, especially when you could be making a profit.
6. Wait 30 days before you buy. Have a 30 day rule, don’t impulse buy. Wait 30 days and review it later on… you may have changed your mind completely or found something a lot better.
7. Clean your car’s air filter. A clean air filter can improve your mileage by up to 7%.
8. What is it our parents always used to say? Waste not, want not? Not only are cloth napkins less expensive, they are more environmentally friendly, and look classier too.
9. Look into government grants for projects to increase your home’s energy efficiency such as draught proofing or insulation.
10. Pay yourself. Have a direct debit set up to save a specific amount of money each month Have money from your pay check automatically deposited into your savings account. The idea is to save before you spend. If you lack a bit of self-control when it comes to saving, this method is definitely ideal.

One easy way to economize is to downsize, obviously a smaller home will cost less to heat, cool and maintain. Also if you find somewhere a little closer to town you will save on commuting. To find the right balance you need to ask around, and make sure you find the right property to make your home. For example, if you visit Real Estate websites  you can search neighborhoods, and they will work with you to find the right location.

See Also:

• Car Insurance Savings That Most Drivers Overlook
• College Savings Accounts
• Appliances That Bump Up Your Electricity Bill
• 7 Fuel Efficient Cars Under $20,000
• Teaching Your Kids Money Management Skills

Recommended Reading:

• The Money Saving Mom’s Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year
• Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half with America’s Cheapest Family: Includes So Many Innovative Strategies You Won’t Have to Cut Coupons
• Family Feasts for $75 a Week: A Penny-wise Mom Shares Her Recipe for Cutting Hundreds from Your Monthly Food Bill
• The Complete Tightwad  Gazette
• The Ultimate Cheapskate’s Road Map to True Riches: A Practical (and Fun) Guide to Enjoying Life More by Spending Less

Image courtesy of dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net