I am sure I haven't covered everything but just wanted to give you a flavour.
Suggestion 4 - Money, yes, that old chestnut!
Sit down and write down all your income and outgoings. There are loads of blogs around that help you deal not only with debt but how to deal especially with credit card debt.
I just want to talk about the usual things, such as utilities and food. Shop, shop, shop around and then shop around some more. We change our electricity company every year. We compare online, find the one that will give us the best deal then swap, it really is relatively easy nowadays.
We usually use the same heating oil company but go on a comparison site first to make them bring down their quote. Same with house and car insurance. We have gone on a water meter and now pay 2/3rds less than we did before, a huge saving.
We do treat ourselves to tennis tv every now and then because we both love tennis and it is the cheapest option.
Check all the tv and phone packages you have. Do you really need them, do you use them to their full advantage? If not, change, pare back or get rid.
Are you saving each pay day? If you have any money left at the end of one wage month, save it as well, it soon adds up. Check for the best interest rates and move savings if necessary.
Sell anything you no longer need.
Food - cook from scratch, menu plan, shop for that menu plan as mentioned before.
There are loads of ways to change how you live, don’t just dream about what might be, deal with it.
I really enjoy your posts. I learned almost 50 years ago to pay cash for weekly expenses like grocery shopping, pocket money and gas for the car. It was way too easy back then to write a check and today too easy to use a plastic card...I don't have a debit card. Please keep posting!!
ReplyDeleteThanks. We have no credit card but use a debit card to withdraw cash and some purchases. It wouldn’t get used though unless we had the money in the bank, nor will we use our overdraft simply because it is there.
DeleteVery wise words here, thank you.
ReplyDeletexx
Thank you. It is very easy to forget some are just starting or trying to start this way of life.
DeleteI've really enjoyed reading your frugal tips; as a 'newbie' of 2/3 years of frugal-living, I am always looking for fresh ideas - am definately going to try making your laundry detergent in the next couple of weeks. will report back!! thx!
ReplyDeleteIf using the second bought detergent one, we find it works very well, so easy to make as well.
DeleteSome really good advice, yet again.
ReplyDeleteThanks. This lifestyle isn’t always easy but is often very rewarding.
DeleteSome great tips.
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