Help me to just BECOME frugal

[caiesmommy]

I think Im ALRIGHT..not nearly as frugal as I wish to be, and my dh is HORRIBLE!!!

Can you ladies just give me a couple basic tips...im sure there is a thread here but im scared to try and find it! lol!

any advice would help!

[A&A]

Write EVERYTHING down so you can see exactly where it's going. When you want to buy something, try to "sleep on it" first. Ask yourself if you really need it, or if there is a cheaper alternative.

[Om Girl]

• create a budget
  • write down every cent you spend in a given month and then create "categories" for all spending. See where you're actually spending your money and if there's anywhere you can "cut" money from your budget.
• shop with a list and shop the sales
• utilize "budget" store cards (CVS card, grocery store card, etc.)
• buy things only on sale...plan purchases ahead of time
• buy only what you need and will use
• ask yourself "do I really need this" before purchasing items...often you'll find out that you really don't need it
• instill a 3 day wait period on all purchases over a set amount of money...how much is up to you
• set aside a certain amount of "petty cash" for each week or month, that way you won't feel as if you have no money to spend
• utilize free services instead of paying for them...movies/books from the library, etc.
• subscribe to magazine instead of purchasing them off the newsstand
• buy used instead of new or better yet Freecycle or Craigslist

Good luck...being on the frugal bandwagon often isn't much fun...but it is definitely rewarding!

[joy2grow]

After months of living in denial of our true financial crisis, we are needing to become frugal too. I found a website last night that I thought might help me develop a better mindset. I've not looked through it very much yet though, but here it is if you want to check it out: http://frugalinspiration.com/

I like your ideas Om Girl--sounds like you have some good habits established!