It’s no secret that the economy sucks and it’s affecting everyone. If it’s not affecting you yet, it will soon. I have been doing research on how to be more frugal and think it would be a cryin’ shame not share my wisdom with you. Granted, I am not expert but if I can help just one person from this post it is worth it. Most of this information has been taken from personal experience.
Ways to be frugal:
1. Check out CD’s, DVD’s, magazines, and books from your local library. They have a huge selection and are free!
2. Cancel things you can live without like cable or internet (see my last post). This will also save you money on electricity. If that is not an option…
3. Call your internet, cable, and phone company and say you need to cancel your service because it too much money. In order to not lose your business entirely they will offer you a discount on your service (Comcast offered me $10.00 off my service when I called to cancel cable and internet).
4. Turn off your air conditioning and open windows on nice days.
5. Go through your home and find items you no longer use or want and sell then them it on ebay or Amazon. It is super easy, trust me. If you need help or tips call me and I can walk you through it.
6. Ride your bike instead of driving to nearby places to save $ on gas.
7. Google an item you want to buy with “coupon” at the end and print out the coupon. Most items, especially groceries, have a coupon option.
8. If you have to buy something buy it on Ebay, Amazon, or Craigslist for super cheap. You can also post an add on Craigslist under the “items wanted” section and you may get stuff for free.
9. Cut your own hair. I have been cutting Scott’s hair since college. It saves money and it is good bonding time. Male hair is practically a risk free cut, but female hair is much harder which is why I go to a salon.
10. Look sad and pitiful so you can get things for free at restaurants. This really happened to us by accident. We went to lunch with friends at The Loop, but didn’t order food because we were going to a b-day party where lunch was being served. Scott decided he wanted to buy a drink so we went to the counter and he asked the lady for a drink. I kind of gave him a mean look because I didn’t want him spending money on the drink in the first place. The lady saw our exchange and asked of that will all we wanted. Scott sadly said yes. She handed us the cup and said it is on the house. Our goal was not go get something for free, but I guess we looked pitiful enough that she felt bad for us.
Hope this is helpful for you.
