It’s time to get out with the old and in with the new! It’s springtime and isn’t that a time to refresh, renew and start over perhaps with some things?
So here’s a thought. Between clearing out your closets and polishing those windows ….why not make some fresh new changes in regards to how you handle other important things like finances?
Getting into better financial shape starts simply by learning to be more mindful of our money, time and resources. It is NOT however about being cheap, but rather FRUGAL.
According to Wiki “frugality is the quality of being frugal, sparing, thrifty, prudent or economical in the consumption of consumable resources such as food, time or money, and avoiding waste, lavishness or extravagance…the tendency to acquire goods and services in a restrained manner, and resourceful use of already owned economic goods and services, to achieve a longer term goal.”
Sound good? Let’s take a look at a few easy ideas to get you started.
1. Start Purchasing with CASH. Yes, it may feel a bit old-fashioned for sure at first! BUT, spending real money can truly switch up how we feel about purchases. Have you ever doled out $800.00 for something in real money? It feels different than a credit card or debit purchase. Try it and watch your mindset change.
2. Hit the PAUSE Button When we take a moment and THINK about purchases and become more mindful of them, it can make a difference in the result. Why not take your time, sleep on it and THEN make a choice. This simple step can really make a difference and you may be surprised how effective it is in reducing spending and get us more in line with a frugal lifestyle.
3. Think FUTURE Sometimes it is so exciting to think about the future in anticipation of what we are hoping to achieve down the road. Being frugal today is part of the long term goal of having a wonderful future tomorrow! This is totally different than our culture’s general mindset which is live for the moment BUT by being this way we actually take control of our destiny rather than let it take control of us. It also reduces stress.
4. Quality vs Quantity. We live in a world of MADE IN CHINA, cheap, disposable, etc. But cheap means that we need to replace it and that takes your time. It also adds to stress and frustration when things are not made well and do not perform in our lives. Spend money wisely. Buy the best quality you can afford. Save up a bit if necessary.and remember less is more. Buy a little bit of good stuff and try to stay away from having LOTS of CHEAP STUFF. (summer clothes anyone?)
5. Spend sparingly. Open your mind to saving cash. Using a coupon to get 2 for 1 is not just for losers with no cash, it is for folks who want to be smart with the money they have and there is no shame in it. I remember having a boyfriend once who was humiliated when I brought out a coupon for a meal we were having. It was interesting because I have never been ashamed about that sort of thing and it brought to light the different feeling people have about certain things and how it affects their lives.
6. Buy Classic, Repurpose When Possible Stay away from trends if possible and stick with classics that will always work. Trendy things come and go so generally speaking why not avoid them? I have 2 black turtle necks that I purchased a long time ago that I still wear every winter. They never go out of style and they match with everything. They did cost a lot when I purchased them, but when factored in with how long they have lasted, their value is actually immense.
7. Reassess All Your Service Providers Technology is a part of all household these days in general but the amount of cash that you put out for it can vary GREATLY depending on the research you do. There are so many choices available now. Take some time and look into the best deals in your neighborhood for your phone line, the internet, your television usage. I recently did so, found a new provider that gives me better service and am now saving $50 per month for MORE FEATURES.
BOTTOM LINE: Being frugal can be fun. You actually will feel empowered when you have control over your spending. What do you think? Are there things you do to keep mindful of your resources not listed here? Is it realistic in this day and age to be mindful about about with finances when there is so much noise out there encouraging otherwise?
Comments Welcome!
Source: A. Saulite, Wiki
