Ideas for Frugality

Ideas for Frugality

Living frugally is a choice many families make to help them set goals and dream dreams that thriftiness will make financially accessible. This is a lifestyle that is both challenging and rewarding. Spending wisely or choosing to not spend is the foundation upon which frugality is built. The ways and means of frugality then become individual goals. Some families manage their budgets by adhering to menu planning or limiting clothing purchases, while others shop for furnishings second-hand and explore housing options, thriftier transportation and cost-free entertainment. The list can be as endless as the things money is used to provide.

Creating your family’s budget and taking the time to examine your income and expenses will help you focus on those items that can be eliminated or amended to save money. For example, a large expense for most families is restaurant dining. But removing that option from your lifestyle isn’t as easy as simply deciding to eat in. One must create a meal plan, stock a pantry and consider alternative food purchasing options such as the local farmer’s market. It’s also possible to plant a vegetable garden or buy fresh eggs from the neighbor down the street.

Taking advantage of sales on common and seasonal food items can require the purchase of a freezer. This is an appliance that many used appliance shops will be able to provide at a significantly reduced cost. Shopping for the best price, comparing features and investigating used appliance dealers will help save money.

You might also consider buying and installing a tankless water heater. This can be a big initial investment, but it will start saving money on heating and water the moment it’s installed, and will also contribute to conserving precious resources.

Shopping for second-hand furniture can be a challenge, so make sure you do your homework and explore second-hand stores, thrift stores, antique shops, Craigslist, yard sales and estate sales. You can also let friends and family know what pieces you need. Most shoppers are aware that mattresses and upholstered furniture can be a risk, with bedbugs and lice a serious concern. Odors trapped in fabric can also pose an unpleasant problem, so look for the bargains on hard surface furniture first, making sure to check for any signs of mold or bugs.

One of the more common thrifty tricks for saving money on a king-size mattress is to simply purchase two twin beds and push them together, using a mattress topper to help bridge the gap. Mattresses and box springs don’t last long when placed on the floor. They can also be cold in the winter months if not elevated. There are inexpensive metal “box springs” and platform beds that can be purchased to use with a mattress alone. These are far more portable than box springs and will get the bed off the floor.

Entertainment can be costly or can be cost-free. Games and crafts are ideal indoor pastimes. Yard sales and thrift stores are perfect places to purchase craft supplies, board games and sporting equipment. Getting outside and finding adventure shouldn’t break the bank. Check the events calendar in every issue of  North State Parent to find affordable or free activities suited to your family.

Some folks get discouraged by the thought of living frugally. They feel it’s a lifestyle that calls for sacrifice or limiting one’s shopping to thrift stores and yard sales. This kind of thinking calls for a paradigm shift. In our contemporary times, when we have become so educated about natural resources and living greener lives, we can also envision our hard-earned cash as part of those green resources. Conserve, consider and challenge yourself and your family to translate frugal choices into future acquisitions and an economic safety net.