Deciding to practice self-discipline and be frugal in your spending is one thing. Actually doing so is often quite another. Our old habits are hard to break. However, if you apply strategies to your spending, you will find it easier to practice self-discipline and frugality. Here are some easy strategies to get you started.
* Change your attitude about money. How you think about money determines the role it plays in your life. Stop thinking that you have to have the same things as everyone else. Instead, focus on what you really need instead of what you just want.
* Recognize and be grateful for all the positives in your life. Changing your perspective can help you see the abundance you already enjoy, regardless of how much money you have to spend.
* Take positive action. It can be tempting to make excuses about why you can never save any money, or why you can't spend less than you already do. Instead of wasting energy complaining about it, focus on positive steps you can take. Can you do something to bring in some extra income? Do you have any unneeded items you can sell on eBay or Craigslist? This can give you a sense of control over your finances and a more positive outlook.
* Learn to make and fix things yourself. Packaged foods and restaurant meals are convenient. However, they are an unnecessary expense. You can learn how to make them yourself. You can also save money by making your own home-made cleaning supplies, specialty coffees, and many other things you buy. As well, learn to fix things around the house instead of replacing them when they break.
* Comparison shop. If you've always shopped at one particular store for your favorite products, it may be time to do a little comparison shopping. Shop around for better deals. You may even want to check online and see if you can order your items for a better price. It might be time to try a less expensive brand as well.
* Track your spending. Knowing exactly where your money is going will help you keep on top of your spending. Even small expenditures can add up over time. Track every purchase you make, no matter how small. You might be surprised to find how much money is really slipping through your fingers. Having to record each purchase will also help you maintain self-discipline in your spending.
* Explore other options. Just because you've always done something one way, it doesn't mean you can't change your patterns. Do you need to drive to work, or could you save money by carpooling instead? Do you need the full cable package for your TV, or is this a good time to turn off the television and get the family outdoors? Looking at all your options will help you decide which are the best for you and will help you save money.
If you've decided to practice self-discipline and frugality in your spending, you will have many challenges to overcome. However, by applying some of the above strategies to your spending habits, you will find it much easier to follow through.
Showing posts with label Frugal Living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Frugal Living. Show all posts
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Frugal Outdoor Cooking
How do you save money on outdoor cooking? Here are nine of the best strategies:
1. Have everyone bring their own meat
If you are having a party, this is the best strategy for conserving cash. This prevents you from having to shoulder all the expenses yourself. Also, it allows everyone to bring their favorite meat, and saves you the headache of trying to find something each person likes.
2. Buy beef and sausage
These tend to be the least expensive kinds of meats. If you like them, they can save you a lot.
3. Get meat on sale
If you are flexible about what to eat, then just buying whatever is the lowest price can be an excellent strategy. Also, be on the lookout for coupons in the paper. This is the best way to find top deals.
4. Do not get pre-cut meat
Obviously this is more convenient, but is likewise a lot pricier. Cutting your own can save you a lot of money. It also gives you more flexibility, because you can cut it the way you want it.
5. Stay away from “boneless meat”
Meat with the bones in it is cheaper then boneless, and tends to stay juicier when cooking. Of course, this won’t work for the traditional hamburgers and hot dogs. However, for a lot of meat it will save you money. In some instances it’s twice as expensive to get boneless meat.
6. Use corn and other vegetables on a kabob
These are among the cheapest items to barbeque.
7. Get on sale charcoal
If you have a charcoal grill, consider getting on sale charcoal. Since it lasts a long time, you might as well wait until you find it on sale, and then purchase it. You can even buy it twelve months or longer in advance.
8. Use your own plates
If you are having a party, this again can save you money. Purchasing paper plates is quite expensive.
And if you do purchase paper plates, then do not get the ones with the fancy designs. Getting Fourth of July napkins might be cool, but it’s a lot more expensive.
9. Get barbeque equipment in winter
It is cheaper when less people are buying it. Also, like just about every other product today, look online for further savings. Since online stores don’t have to pay for the upkeep of a physical store, this can save you some good money.
The bottom line is, you can save a lot of money when you are careful. Outdoor cooking doesn’t have to break the bank. Implement these nine tips, and your next cookout will be much easier on the wallet.
1. Have everyone bring their own meat
If you are having a party, this is the best strategy for conserving cash. This prevents you from having to shoulder all the expenses yourself. Also, it allows everyone to bring their favorite meat, and saves you the headache of trying to find something each person likes.
2. Buy beef and sausage
These tend to be the least expensive kinds of meats. If you like them, they can save you a lot.
3. Get meat on sale
If you are flexible about what to eat, then just buying whatever is the lowest price can be an excellent strategy. Also, be on the lookout for coupons in the paper. This is the best way to find top deals.
4. Do not get pre-cut meat
Obviously this is more convenient, but is likewise a lot pricier. Cutting your own can save you a lot of money. It also gives you more flexibility, because you can cut it the way you want it.
5. Stay away from “boneless meat”
Meat with the bones in it is cheaper then boneless, and tends to stay juicier when cooking. Of course, this won’t work for the traditional hamburgers and hot dogs. However, for a lot of meat it will save you money. In some instances it’s twice as expensive to get boneless meat.
6. Use corn and other vegetables on a kabob
These are among the cheapest items to barbeque.
7. Get on sale charcoal
If you have a charcoal grill, consider getting on sale charcoal. Since it lasts a long time, you might as well wait until you find it on sale, and then purchase it. You can even buy it twelve months or longer in advance.
8. Use your own plates
If you are having a party, this again can save you money. Purchasing paper plates is quite expensive.
And if you do purchase paper plates, then do not get the ones with the fancy designs. Getting Fourth of July napkins might be cool, but it’s a lot more expensive.
9. Get barbeque equipment in winter
It is cheaper when less people are buying it. Also, like just about every other product today, look online for further savings. Since online stores don’t have to pay for the upkeep of a physical store, this can save you some good money.
The bottom line is, you can save a lot of money when you are careful. Outdoor cooking doesn’t have to break the bank. Implement these nine tips, and your next cookout will be much easier on the wallet.
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