Frugal

Owning to the fact that the economy is where it is, many people I know, ourselves included, are dealing with layoffs, pay cuts, rate increases, etc.

With this in mind, I was asked lead a discussion group at church today on Frugal Living.

I didn't know I was that good at it until I started researching and found that I know many of the tricks to spend less.

Sticking to my budget is another subject entirely.

But I at least have the knowledge.

Here are some things I learned.

Wash your clothes in cold~they still get clean and it uses no energy to heat the water.

Reuse ziploc bags (unless they have had meat in them)by washing them out and letting them air dry.

Barter. For example, I would like piano lessons for my kids. I don't have the money to pay for them, but I make homemade bread every week and would be willing to trade bread for lessons. See what I mean?

I make my bread for 75 cents a loaf,by the way, so I save loads there and it's waay yummier.

To shave money off your food bill you must shop the sales, stick to your list, and avoid unnecessary trips to the store that add up to extra money spent. Also, never buy cereal full price, it is ALWAYS on sale somewhere, always.

Let go of a sense of entitlement. If we stop thinking that we deserve something just because we are a good person, worked hard, are pretty, nice, or whatever, then it's easier to step back and discern between needs and wants.

Turn your heat down.

Trade and share. If you have clothes you don't need, pass them on. If someone offers something you need, swallow your pride and accept it. This is how many survived the depression.

Be grateful for what you do have.~if we can step back and focus on our blessings, then gratitude will replace feelings of bitterness and anger.

Pay the Lord first. Whatever your religious affiliation, social conscience, political persuasion, be mindful of the blessings you have and pay your tithing, or give to charity or both.

Cut your dishwashing detergent in half. Your dishes will be just as clean and the detergent will last twice as long.

Turn the lights off when you leave the room.

Trade free babysitting with your friends, family, neighbors.

Bring your lunch instead of buying your lunch.

Buy in bulk. You can freeze the amount you don't need and use it over time. Watch for prices per ounce though to make sure you really are getting the best deal.

Cut up your credit cards, don't use them, pay them off.

I share this with you because this is what I have learned, not what I am good at.

There is always room for improvement. If we cut our costs and bank the money we save, then we will be in a better position to not only help ourselves, but to help others.

If we're frugal when we DON'T have to be, then we probably won't ever HAVE to be.

And that's all I have to say about that.