Ground Rules for Frugal Living

There are some basic ground rules if you choose to live a frugal lifestyle. Even if you are not doing it by choice, it's important to know. These are all common sense, but some that people don't always think of. They are all easy to think about, but usually require a lifestyle change.

1. Make do with as little as possible. This is the basic ground rule for living frugally. Grow food from your garden, conserve water and electricity, and cook your meals from scratch. Reuse everything you possibly can! A lot of people don't realize how much is actually wasted until they stop to think about it.

2. Learn to sew. Your kids might not appreciate homemade clothes for school, but there's no reason you can't sew up pajamas and "hang around" clothes for them. Same for you and your spouse. No one will care what you look like when you're asleep in your bed!

3. Pick cheap hobbies. Going out to the movies, or on a dinner date is expensive. You can have just as much fun at home doing cheap or free things. Visit the library and rent a movie for free, and pop some popcorn. Read books, take walks, visit friends... all free. Listen to the radio and dance around with your children. Not only is it cheap, but also it will provide great memories.

4. Like what you have. It's easy to see the Joneses down the street in a big house, fancy car and manicured lawn. Enjoy and appreciate what you have, be content with your house and your family. No one knows what goes on behind the doors of the Joneses.

5. Don't charge, and save. Debt is a fact of life for most people and it's nearly impossible for most of us to get out of debt in the immediate future. Do the best you can, but stop charging! Try to set aside some money so you can pay cash for whatever you might need. I know, easier said then done... but trying is a step in the right direction.

In this day and age, there are a lot of people struggling financially. Doing the best you can, with what you have is important. Debt causes a lot of stress. Sometimes a major lifestyle change is in order, and if you're committed to living frugally, you can do it. Remember though the most important things in your life can't be bought with money!