FRUGAL LIVING
USE IT UP! Empty every container fully. Scrape out the very last drop, add water to get all that clings to the inside of the container....and then recycle what is left.
WEAR IT OUT! Don't throw anything away that can be used a little longer or in other ways...recycle it. What else can you make out of it?
MAKE IT DO! Instead of spending money on something new, make whatever you have work for you.
DO WITHOUT! How many times have you bought something and then realized you could have done without it? Advertisers do everything in their power to get you to buy....that is their job. Be smarter than they are....only buy what you absolutely have to have and do without all the other stuff.
Frugal living can actually be fun. Every time you save money it becomes contagious....you want to save even more and see how much you can save. Do it for a week and see what it would come to if you did it for a year plus all the new ways you will learn during the year.
Most of us have gotten caught up in a product-driven world buying things we don’t even need and using our credit cards to pay for them. We have to learn to say “no” to our erratic spending and start thinking smarter. Have you ever looked at something you are about to purchase and ask yourself “how many hours did I have to work to be able to pay for this?” Believe me it makes a difference in your thinking and purchasing. All of a sudden you realize you worked way too hard to waste your money.
Fugal living can actually be fun. Get creative. How could you make this cheaper rather than buying it? Is there anyone I could borrow it from? Do I really need it or just want it? Can I get it at a thrift store (and instead of driving around to all of the thrift stores, give them a call to see that they have it)? Is this an item I will buy, use it once or twice and then let it take up space? Remember every salesman is taught to get you to buy. So use your head.
Make the most of the amount of money you have. Fabric dye can help you change the color of many items in your house if you want to redecorate. Why buy new curtains and bedspreads when they are just fine, just the wrong color. You can even use fabric dye to change the color of baskets. Most stores and lumber yards that sell paint have gallons of paint that are at a reduced price, usually $5.00 gallon. Ask for pre-mixed (paints that were mixed wrong). It sure beats paying $20. gallon.
Every hardware or lumber yard can tell you how to repair just about any item or build anything. Check your windows and doors and re-caulk them if they need it. It can save you a lot of money on your energy bill. It’s worth your time and effort to repair anything and everything around your house. Remember wherever there is a leak, water is damaging whatever it drips on. There are many products to repair your roof, rain gutters, and you can do it cheaply…you don’t need a whole new roof, if, you don’t let the problem get out of hand.
It’s hard but you have to learn to tell your children “no” at the store. Those little people have been taught by you to want and to buy….now. They have to be retrained too. And whenever possible don’t take them to the store. You need to keep your mind on what you are buying and not be distracted. When you do take your children, teach them how to shop. Teach them to realize every purchase made means you can’t have something else you may need more. And that if you don’t buy anything you have money for a rainy day.
Frugal living means living within your means. It means living comfortably instead of being stressed out over money. It means proving to yourself just how smart you can be.
Soon you will get caught up in saving money on every item you buy or pass it up because it wasn’t necessary. There are many women who have perfected using coupons to the point the store owes them money when they check out instead of having to pay. Believe me they feel proud of themselves and they should. Check the ads to see what is on sale and then use your coupons to save even more. Make your weeks menus from the items on sale.
For those of you who have so little money you are considered poverty level, life is very hard. Every penny is counted all through the month and rarely is there any money left the last week of the month. The best way to do this is to make a list of your bills. Whatever money is left, divide it by four and you know how much you can spend each week. Never borrow from the next week’s money. This way you know every Monday morning is payday (it’s best not to have Fridays your payday as more money is spent on weekends than a weekday).
SAVE MONEY: (Helpful Hints)
1) Buy from thrift stores
2) Buy from dollar stores (but don’t get caught up in just because it only costs a dollar that you can buy extras)
3) Use coupons at the grocery store and buy one get one meals at a restaurant)
4) Call every place you can instead of driving there to check if they have the product you are looking for and the price of it. Maybe someone else has it cheaper.
5) Make a lot of one-pot meals. It uses less electricity or gas to cook it, you can add meat and vegetables and spices and make a fabulous meal for your family…very nutricious. And there will probably be something left for the freezer or lunches the next day.
6) Clothing that has been outgrown can be handed down or used to make all types of items for your home. You can make quilts, hot pads, pillows, accents on curtains, decorations on another item to change its appearance etc. Creative ideas are limitless. Out of sheets you can make curtains, a bedspread, several blouses or dresses for children, and have enough left over for rags so you don’t have to buy paper towel every month.
7) If you have a baby in diapers, invest in cloth diapers you can wash. It will save you a bundle of money every month. And if you go somewhere , you can use disposable diapers then…but not at home. Even if your baby wore cloth diapers at night, that is at least 30 less disposable diapers you have to buy per month. Think of how much that is over a years time you could be using for something else. Frugal living means making adjustments in every way you can to have cash on hand.
8) Do you realize how much money you can save by making your own seasoning packets. Look on the back of items at the grocery store and see what herbs they used that you can duplicate at home much cheaper. If you don’t know how to cook, you can learn by doing a search on the computer.
9) Your computer can be your best friend when it comes to saving money. Think of any name brand item and do a search on the company that manufactures it. Go to their site and you can bet there are coupons or ideas on using the product that can save you money. For instance, Clorox, vinegar, dish detergent, automatic dish detergent….all these places have ideas for using their product to make your own housecleaning products as well as products to spay on your gardens instead of buying it at the store. You can easily save over $100. a year.
10) Work with your neighbors, relatives, and friends. Maybe you can carpool together to the grocery store, work, or laundramat. Baby-sit for each other. Wouldn't it be nice for one day each week to have a day to yourself. I'm sure your neighbor would like one too. Maybe one night a week you could cook for your neighbor's family while you cook for your own and another day she could do the same.
Have potlucks at least once a week and make it a vegetarian meal (meat is very high priced right now) and you can teach your family how wonderful and tasty a vegetarian meal can be by tasting each others potluck creations. Have a get together where you talk about ways to save money or how to be crafty and recycle items around the house you already have. Make it fun. Have everyone supply the cake and coffee by taking turns.
11) Instead of buying baggies, foil etc., buy glass containers with lids that you can Store and Freeze items. We have gotten so caught up into how easy it is to use baggies that we are paying out money we need every single month for more and more.
12) Take an empty detergent bottle and fill it with Clorox. Keep it on your sink and one in the bathroom. No more need for buying a lot of cleaning products. You can clean and sanitize everything by using Clorox. Do a search on Clorox and see the recipes for mixing for each type of cleaning. Put a bottle of vinegar in your bathtub or shower to clean and cut the hard water. Vinegar mixed with water is great for a conditioner for your hair. It helps cut down all the products you have used plus smells from every day living, even pollution.
13) At the dollar store buy scratch pads for cleaning. There are usually 6 for $1. and cut each pad in fourths….now you have 24 small pads. Anything any larger is usually wasted. But better yet, buy a powder abrasive which will last you months and can be bought at the dollar store.
14) Grocery stores usually have a dollar aisle. Do your shopping there before you go anywhere else in the store. Shop the ads but be careful about the buy one/get one sales (they may not be cheaper at all….it’s a marketing aid to get you to buy and not because it is cheaper). Try to use coupons along with sale items and make your menu out for the week depending on what is on sale.
15) Dish soap in a bucket of water and a few rags can clean your car. You don’t need to go to the car wash. We use to go to a place where the water ran over the road a bit from the creek. We washed our car using that water and then took time to enjoy the surroundings while we were there making an afternoon of it.
16) Recycle. Every month you can recycle enough metals to give you extra cash. Ask neighbors and business' if you can clean up the metals on their property. Collect aluminum cans anywhere there are sports or gatherings of any kind.
How many times have you paid to have a large item removed and hauled away? See if there isn't a way you can pick it up and either recycle it at the junk yard or resell it and make money.
Vehicles can be sold to dismantlers…at least you get some money. They will come and pick it up too. If you have washers, dryers, vacuums etc. you can dismantle them and sell the metals at any recycling place. If you have aluminum cans, set up a big barrel to collect the empties and when full take it to the recyclers…they will pay you per pound whatever the market it. You can call the recyclers and ask them what the going price is and if the price is low, wait for another time to take them.
17) It saves you a great deal of money to pay your bills by phone or over the internet instead of buying envelopes and stamps or using your gas and wear and tear on your vehicle.
18) Housing is your highest monthly bill. Downsize if you have a home too large. Remember you are paying higher taxes for space you don’t need, higher utility and insurance bills and all that money you could be saving if you downsize into a smaller house or apartment. And many places take care of the landscaping for you, saving you even more money, as well as free trash hauling and quite often free water and sewer. And now there are even apartments that have free cable.
19) Have a yard sale and get rid of everything that is not necessary and you haven’t used or enjoyed in a very long time. www.Craigslist.com is a great place for advertising too. Your yard sale will not do as good if you don’t advertise it and put plenty of signs around the area in places it will easily be seen. There is no use taking the time and effort to set up a yard sale if you don’t advertise it. There are also many community events places online you can advertise your sale on tv and radio websites. Make your ad interesting. You may even add a $1. off offer on their total purchase, if they tell you where they saw the ad. Also add directions if you live in an area hard to find.
With respect to debt, there are several reliable signs of danger. You might be more in debt that you can handle if you:
Prioritize Your Debts. Make a list of your essential debts and your nonessential debts. Then make a budget and stick to it. Whether you file bankruptcy or not, there are certain things that will not be settled by bankruptcy…you have to pay them. These are called essential debts and include: child support payments, rent or mortgage, utility bills, car payments, and unpaid taxes.
But for each of these you can call the creditors and explain to them that if they would agree to extend your payments by making the payments smaller you will pay them. Otherwise you will have to file bankruptcy.
If you have a student loan, it will not be taken off by filing bankruptcy, but you can contact them and tell them your financial difficulty. You can ask them if you could make smaller payments you would continue to pay and on time. Or by telling them you are in financial difficulty and filing bankruptcy, they may give you an extension of time before making your next payment.
When you make your budget it is usually better to make a monthly budget. Depending upon your pay dates, decide which bills can be paid from each one. Keep a close accounting of every dime you spend to see where and how much you spend on incidentals…coffee, lunch, toll fees, parking fees etc. It’s amazing how fast a $20. bill disappears and you have nothing to show for it.
Gather everything you own that you have not used in the past year and have a yard sale. Use the money for a bill, not spending money.
If you have two or more cars and can figure out a way to sell one and still get to work etc., sell it. The insurance, taxes, fuel and repairs on each auto add up really fast. If you have a boat, camper, jet-ski or anything that can help pay a bill…sell it. Once you get on your feet again and learn to budget, you can put money aside to buy another one.
Take on a part time job. Ask friends and family if they know how you can pick up some extra cash but do not borrow from anyone…it only puts you deeper in debt.
Start a home business. There are many you can start with no little or no cash. What do you know the most about? What are you passionate about? What do you do for a living?
You have a talent…put it to work. Teach others frugal living classes.
If you have a pick-up truck, put it to work. Advertise you will haul things for people. In the spring, many people would like to have things to landscape with and don’t have a way of getting it. You can deliver it for them. Many people that live in apartment buildings don’t have a way to haul furniture home or to move…put your truck to work. In the fall, there are usually leaves that need to be taken to the city dump…put your truck to work. After storms people have tree limbs. During the winter many business need someone to shovel snow…so do individuals at their homes.
Plant a garden and sell your vegetables on a busy corner…even if it’s only on the weekends. Also start a bunch of houseplants from what you already have in your own home. You can get pots at yard sales and thrift stores. Rent your houseplants to local business nearby.
What do people compliment you about? If they like whatever it is, others will be willing to pay for you to do the same for them. Maybe it’s interior decorating, or organizing, art, music, writing. There is something you know that is worth money.
Don’t let laziness or fear of stepping out of the box you are so familiar with keep you from paying your bills and getting ahead. Bankruptcy is not the only avenue available to you. But even if you do file bankruptcy, why not insure this doesn’t happen to you again. Knowledge is power…learn and put the information to use.
Most people don’t realize you can obtain all three credit reports (a merged report) by paying $35. to Coast to Coast Information Services 800-877-4033 www.fullcreditreports.com
Or
True Credit 800-493-2392 www.truecredit.com
Here are the three individual credit agencies:
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Equifax 800-685-1111 P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 www.Equifax.com Experian 800-682-7654 P.O. Box 2002 Allen, TX 75013 www.experian.com Trans Union 800-851-2674 P.O. Box 1000 Chester, PA 19022 www.transunion.com NOTE: The addresses of creditors on these reports may not be the correct addresses so you need to follow up and call the companies. Whenever you contact the creditors or the credit bureaus try not to give them your phone number or address. They would love to have it to harass you. They will probably ask for your social security number to be sure they are giving the proper information to the proper person. NOTE: Your lawyer can also get this information for you but they charge $50.foreach credit report. You can save by doing it yourself. Most people don’t realize if you see something on your credit report that has nothing to do with you or there has been an error, you can send proof to them along with a letter. They will determine if an error has been made and correct it. So go to work and pull any paperwork you have that will show the bottom line on what you owe and to whom. DO NOT SEND THE ORIGINALS…MAKE COPIES. You can also contact the credit bureaus with information about the good things you have done to rebuild your credit. If you purchase something and make timely payments and it doesn’t show up on your credit report, make copies of each payment made (showing balance) and mail it to them. Make sure you talk to the creditor and if they won’t send the information, ask them if it’s ok if you do it. They may make you a print out of all your payments and payment information. You don’t want anyone who acts negative contacting them in your behalf. After you have sent the information give the credit bureau a call to see if they updated your report and the date they did it. GET SMARTER: You need to study and learn...but that isn't enough....you need to actually do what it takes to repair your credit. Pay on the credit cards and loans that have the highest interest rates to get them down. You can't get caught up if you keep having more interest added every month. Downsize now! Don't wait until you have that sunk feeling and trapped in a corner. Sell your house and move to a smaller one. Or move to a cheaper apartment. You won't die if you don't have cable and a cell phone. People lived without them for 200 years. You can do it, at least until you get on your feet financially again. But even then, don't repeat your mistakes and load up on a lot of bills. Learn to pay cash for everything possible. Everyone in the family should keep a diary of what they spent and what they purchased. That right there will prove to you your spending habits and all the things you are doing wrong. Wasting money will not help you keep from bankruptcy and a life of stress. GO TO: www.first-bankruptcy.com for more |
Is there really free money??????? Yes and no. You have to work a little to collect, print, and use coupons but it is definitely free money at the checkout. It takes a little studying of the matter to be proficient at it and make the best deals for yourself. But I'm sure you have seen on the news or heard your neighbors talking about how they got their groceries for a pittance of what they would have cost without using coupons.
There are freebies but you generally have to do a few things to get them. Maybe you have to fill out forms or answer questionnaires but you can get items or services for free. Some companies offer free products, free samples, etc. And many companies are now offering discounts if you have product coupons codes.
These are particularly great ideas for those who live on low-income, disabled and can't get out. If you have a computer, put it to work looking for freebies, coupons etc. and you can not only pay for your internet service with the free money but buy items you need with the rest of the money.
Save with coupons and get freebies:
www.freebiedirectory.com search by category or by keyword
www.weeklyfreebie.com/ freebies, deals, coupons
www.coupons.com free printable coupons
www.coupons.smartsource.com free coupons and discounts for top brands
www.mysavings.com printable coupons, free samples, coupon codes
www.killerfreebies.com/money.shtml free money
FREE MONEY:
www.freemoney.com gov't and private individuals
www.freeGrantsCD.com secrets to obtaining free money
www.surreylot.com answer surveys to make money
RECESSION:
www.ehow.com/how_2263690_survive-a-recession.html how to survive a recession
www.frugalliving.about.com it's all up to you to learn and put into motion
www.thereallifesurvivalguide.com
MONEY TIPS:
www.moneycentral.msn.com money tips
MISC:
www.freemoneyfinance.com personal finance advice
www.freecenter.com/money.html Make money by surfing
www.all-free-samples.com/money/money.php
www.freepayingsurveys.com Get paid for your opinion....up to $200. hr.
www.incanaby.com Home based business/surveys/make $ online 21 free paid survey list
www.paidsurveys.com Earn 1$ for every lead
www.Americanconsumeropinion.com
www.survey4profit.com (become an affiliate) cash payouts $10-$250 per survey
www.gnetpanel.com $5-$50 instant cash rewards
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Children should learn more about money before they graduate from high school. Money affects everything you do in life...so why aren't children learning all the facts about money. They should know how to budget, take care of their bookkeeping including their check book and double checking the bills they receive. They should know about credit cards and how you can get into trouble with them. They should know about financing. They should know more about saving money. If you don't know how to manage your money, you are doomed to failure right off the bat. Many parents today just hand children money. They should have an allowance for chores completed and then taught how to manage the money they get from early childhood. A simple fact like, if you spend all your money, what are you going to do the rest of the week. If you don't save, you will have nothing for a rainy day. |
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With respect to debt, there are several reliable signs of danger. You might be more in debt that you can handle if you:
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With respect to debt, there are several reliable signs of danger. You might be more in debt that you can handle if you:
Prioritize Your Debts. Make a list of your essential debts and your nonessential debts. Then make a budget and stick to it. Whether you file bankruptcy or not, there are certain things that will not be settled by bankruptcy…you have to pay them. These are called essential debts and include: child support payments, rent or mortgage, utility bills, car payments, and unpaid taxes.
But for each of these you can call the creditors and explain to them that if they would agree to extend your payments by making the payments smaller you will pay them. Otherwise you will have to file bankruptcy.
If you have a student loan, it will not be taken off by filing bankruptcy, but you can contact them and tell them your financial difficulty. You can ask them if you could make smaller payments you would continue to pay and on time. Or by telling them you are in financial difficulty and filing bankruptcy, they may give you an extension of time before making your next payment.
When you make your budget it is usually better to make a monthly budget. Depending upon your pay dates, decide which bills can be paid from each one. Keep a close accounting of every dime you spend to see where and how much you spend on incidentals…coffee, lunch, toll fees, parking fees etc. It’s amazing how fast a $20. bill disappears and you have nothing to show for it.