Living Frugal in 2021
The words cheap and frugal often has a stigmata attached to them. When you think of the word cheap, you might think of that one friend or family member that you know will purposely forget their wallet as a way to get out of paying for dinners or other outings. However, being frugal should not have the negative association it receives. Frugal simply means to live below your means, this does not mean that you have to grow all of your own food or deprive yourself from little treats. It should be a goal of most people to live on less than you make, below are some tips that can help you achieve this goal.
1. Get out into the community
You might be a person who loves getting out of the house and going out to DO something, however, outside entertainment often comes with a high cost. Either through your chamber of commerce, local college, or other entities; a few searches online will provide you activities happening in your area. Often local events within your communities are either free or request a small donation for the entertainment that they provide. You can feel good that you are out in your community and helping to support it too.
If you are looking for entertainment for the whole family, look for local parks that are open, outdoor concerts, libraries, and museums. Your community might have an access program that allows you entrance in all community events for a yearly fee, which can pay for itself if your use it correctly.
2. Cut subscription services
At your home you might have cable, but you also have 3 different streaming services, while each service might only cost a few dollars each month having multiple can add up. Other things that you might subscribe to that are not being fully utilized are gym memberships, magazines, subscription boxes, and grocery delivery services.
3. Find your kitchen (not just the microwave)
Prepared dinners are expensive and are not healthy for you in the long run. If you don’t have any pots and pans, make that initial investment to make meals at home. Did you know that American waste almost 40 percent of their food each year? That is roughly $1,600 a year in just produce. When you cook at home, not only will you actually use those fruits and vegetables that are sitting in your fridge, you will prepare for yourself and your family healthy meals going forward. Pro-tip, don’t purchase food that you know you won’t actually eat,
4. Plan your trips
Unless you need an item urgently, make a list of all the things that you need and make one big shopping trip. When you are out shopping the key is to stick to your list and only purchase things that you know you need. The fewer times that you are out shopping the less likely you are to spend money on impulse purchases such as candy, convenience drinks, and magazines as well as takeout food.
