So, you’ve turned over a new leaf. You’ve finally came to the realization that home brewed coffee is every bit as good as your regular cup from Starbucks and an expensive night out isn’t as fun as frugal family entertainment like watching a movie at home with your family or closest friends and saving money in the process.
Congratulations! You’ve arrived to a place in your life where you’re ready to embrace positive changes regarding your finances. Some people never reach this point so you should be proud of yourself. You should not delve too deep into frugality without knowing a thing or two about it first.
Here are a few tips to living on the cheap without feeling the pangs of sacrifice. Feel free your own tips to the mix. Trial and error is the key to making frugality a lifestyle choice not a fleeting trend. Start slow and build your confidence as you go along. Making drastic changes right away can leave you feeling unhappy and deprived. You want your new habits to stick not go by the wayside.
Tips for Adopting a Simpler Lifestyle
Here is some of the best advice I have to give about adopting a simpler lifestyle. You may want to try one or two tips on for size before plunging headfirst into a frugality:
- Remember that it takes up to thirty days to make a habit stick. For example, if you want to give up soda as a way of saving money, make sure that you gradually wean yourself off of it. Instead of drinking one a day, have one every other day. Then every third day until you no longer miss it.
- Keep a positive attitude. Know that the changes that you’re making will benefit you in the long run. Your stick-to-itness will afford you more time and greater freedom. Remember this every time you start to question your motive.
- Do not invest a lot of money into trying to be frugal. The idea is to save money not buy the most expensive lunch bag or reusable water bottle you can get your hands on. Find alternate ways to acquire the items that you need and you’ll be on your way to a simpler lifestyle in a matter of no time.
- Enlist the help of family members, friends, and neighbors. Have them hold you accountable. Barter services and share with them as much as possible. This will give you more financial freedom and happiness.
The key to living a frugal lifestyle is to be flexible and willing to take things slowly. Change is often a necessary evil and although you may at first be reluctant to scaling down and cutting back, you’ll one day see that your life is better because of the choices you have made.
Author: Charissa
Charissa is into frugal living and saving money.
