I wanted to share some ways that we are trying to be more frugal so we can stash away and save more money. It's not just about saving money but also being good stewards of what God has given us. Being a good steward isn't just about being money wise but also not wasting any of the resources God has given us: gasoline, food, clothing etc. etc..
My Frugal List:
* We don't have cable or satellite. Why pay $60 bucks a month for the junk that's on TV?? We do miss it at times and come football season we may have to reconnect the cable, but for now we do without. (We do pay $7.99 monthly for Netflix where we watch documentaries and family movies.)
* We don't eat out. (Often) This still happens more than I would like but it's a work in progress.
* We have a budget. We stick to the budget. That's the trick folks! Making a budget isn't to hard, sticking to it is.
* All my children's clothing is either from thrift stores or hand me downs.
* We are a one car family and that car is paid for.
* I cook as much as I can from scratch.
* I make my own laundry soap.
* We don't shop for recreation. If you don't want to spend money: stay out of the stores!!
* We utilize our local library for free movies and books!
* I go to the grocery store with a plan and a list!
* I've started using a weekly menu plan to help me with my grocery list.
* I set up my grocery list and menu around that weeks sales.
* Deal in cash.....no credit cards!
* We stay home a lot. The more you 'go' the more you spend.
* Along those same lines I try to keep our trips 'into town' to 1 to 2 weekly.
* I once hung out my laundry to dry and this saved a ton on utilities but in the city that is a little harder to do.
* For Christmas and birthdays we try to make handmade gifts.
* We try not to buy our children anything outside of those special holidays. This may seem harsh but we want them to have 'an attitude of gratitude' not entitlement.
We are far from perfect and have come along way in learning how to better manage our money. I still make mistakes. I still get frustrated with myself for overspending. With everything else in life it's a constant work in progress. I hope I've helped motivate you if you want to live a more frugal lifestyle!
Use it Up
Wear it Out
Make it do
Or do without
Have a blessed Thursday!
It is definitely difficult to be frugal in a entitlement-minded society. Thanks for the ideas--I do practice some of these.
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