How to Live a Frugal But Great Life

The economy is forcing many of us to learn frugal ways. Luckily, there are so many ways to live more frugally, and still have a good and happy life. Our ancestors did it and so can we.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Life
• energy
• creativity
• hard work
• family and friends
• education in frugal living

1. Information is key here. Ask yourself; What do I know about frugal living, and if I don't know it, where can I learn about it? Consider the internet, where you can find information about everything from cooking, cheap all natural cleaning products, to recycling and reusing ideas for virtually any item you can think of. Then there's your local library. Besides checking out books on frugal subjects, you can often find free magazines, free internet use, and so much more at your local libary.
2. Thinking "outside the box" is becoming increasingly important in our world. Finding ways to have a good life without abusing or misusing the resources of the planet, or harming other people, is what it's all about now.
3. Stop shopping for recreation. It hurts you in more ways than just by emptying your wallet. Instead take a walk, or learn a new hobby like bicycling, or archery, or tennis. Anything that keeps you moving and is fun.
4. Learn to cook. This is a very important step in frugal living. Eating out will become more and more difficult as your income shrinks. Besides fast foods are unhealthy and many can be duplicated at home for much less, and are far healthier than those you buy.

Tips & Warnings

• Make frugal living a game. Challenge yourself to cut your expensives by 5% a month for example.
• Teach a class. Your skills are needed, and you'll make money teaching others what you already know how to do.
• Hand-down your clothes to someone who needs them.
• Experiment with different kinds of foods. You'll never know if you like a new taste treat unless you give it a try.
• Stop buying expensive coffees on the way to work, and make your own. While you're at it, make your lunch too.
• Use up your leftovers, don't throw food away.
• Don't forget to have some fun. Frugal isn't fatal you know, it's just a new skill to learn.