Frugal living involves adapting to a lifestyle in which one stretches every dollar to its fullest potential and avoids making unnecessary or extravagant purchases. Frugal living need not involve deprivation or extreme sacrifice, rather it is about being smarter about how money is spent.The keys to frugal living involve creating budgets, planning in advance, accounting for all costs and staying organized.http://www.thedigeratilife.com/blog/index.php/2007/10/01/8-lessons-i-learned-from-the-cheapest-family-in-the-nation/ It is a way of enjoying life without a lot of money. Frugal living is not living miserly. It is to live a simpler, less wasteful way of living. This simpler lifestyle is getting more popular, and allows people to live more environmentally friendly. It involves practicing the three Rs: Reduce, Re-use and Recycle.http://www.frugal-living-tips.com/frugality.html
Reasons for Living Frugally
- Living debt-free or paying off debts sooner
- More money for savings and/or investments
- Early retirement
- More vacations
- Spending for "needs" not "wants"
- Working lesshttp://zenhabits.net/2007/08/the-cheapskate-guide-50-tips-for-frugal-living/
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Using a Freezer the Frugal Way
- Meat and meat products can be kept in the freezer if packed well, for longer time. Make sure to keep them in two layers of packing.
- Cheese blocks can be cut in half and one half can be kept in the freezer.
- Butter can be kept in the freezer for longer time.
- Bread is another item to freeze and save money. Pack the slices separately and put in the freezer to prevent them sticking to one another. Thaw the slices in the fridge before using them for sandwiches.
- Fresh fruits can be kept in the freezer to make smoothies and shakes. Frozen fruits will make the smoothie thicker and ice cubes will not be needed.http://bindu.ca/blog/post/Money-saving-freezer.aspx
- Vegetables can be frozen by freezing them spread on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Once frozen they can be kept in storage containers to use later.
- The ice cube tray can be used to freeze left over juices and soups.http://notmadeofmoney.com/blog/2008/05/can-a-freezer-lower-the-cost-of-your-groceries.html
America's Cheapest Family Saving Money
In this video, FOX 10 news speaks to America's Cheapest Family about getting the budget back on track. They give several tips for saving money, such as taking lunch to work several times a week to save $700-$1000 a year, dropping the land line or long distance service, getting pre-paid phone plans for minors, planning a menu for grocery shopping, and paying off credit cards.
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A family of seven has t erased the $100,000 debt. Watch the video to know how.
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Frugal living Websites
Frugalvillage.com is a website owned by Sara Noel. This website has many ideas to have a simple frugal life. Moneyning.com is another website about frugal living. It has free email newsletter to help the readers. When you sign up for the newsletter, you will get Ning's eBook at free of cost.
References
Fast Facts
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Adopt healthy ways of living
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Plant a garden
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Use cash rather than credit cards to pay for purchases
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Buy used, rather than new goods
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Give homemade gifts
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Quit smoking
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Walk or ride a bike rather than driving
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Hold yard sales and frequent them as a shopper
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Winter proof the house to save electricity
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Unplug appliances while not in use
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Line dry clothes instead of using a dryer
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Freeze and can fruits and vegetables in the fall
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When a credit card must be used, use one with no fee and giving cash back
