Friday, February 4, 2011

Discover the Fun of Being Frugal


Being frugal has become a virtue these days.  Especially us moms had to develop this newest trait out of necessity as the recession lingers on; unemployment remains high and with the grocery bills skyrocketing. More often than not, it is the mom who finds her needs on the back burner in order to fulfill those of her family.

Grocery shopping at discount stores in order to make every dime stretch is not something new to us, we have learned to compare prices, but moms all over the county have come up with ideas and strategies to make ends meet and it is not limited to extreme couponing.  Many shop at consignment and thrift stores not only for the kids but for themselves as well, and they have grown into very thrifty fashionistas.

Even jewelry and accessories can be found for little money.  Others enjoy the bargain hunt at pawnshops for diamond jewelry.   The trick is to scout out the expensive version of whatever fashion line or jewelry design you want and then finding a not so expensive knock-off version.   

Some have taken to making homemade laundry detergent, or dug up home remedies from their grandmothers using items everyone has in their household.  Creativity has no bounds when it comes to these frugal moms, and many have made it into a favorite pastime. They make their own dryer sheets or homemade pet food; they know the entire bargain shopping strategies, even the best times to “hit” Outlet Stores.  “Living alright in a tough economy” certainly seems to be their motto and ranges from finding Estate Sales to biggest bargains at flea markets and they also know how to shop at the unclaimed baggage center.   

Other tidbits on cutting bills would be plugging all electrical devices on power strips and then turn off every electrical item at that plug every night. Keeping the freezer full.  A full freezer is less expensive to run. Should you lose an earring, don’t throw the other one away, use it as a pin or put it on a chain and wear as a necklace.  Use water from boiling pasta to water plants.  Have a yard sale or sell your things on eBay.  Fill up your car in the mornings when the air is cool, and the fuel is dense, you will get more gas and less air.

Living frugal isn’t at all about being stingy or cheap but about simple living and making smart spending choices.

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