How to Live Frugally without Being Called Cheap

Being frugal doesn't mean you have to be cheap. Too often the two do go hand and hand but that's only because the person lacks creativity or just doesn't care. Here's how to save your money and live well doing it!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Giving Gifts. Shopping at the local 99 Cent store for a gift is just tacky and classless. Regifting is not always acceptable either, if you don't want it, what makes you so sure someone else does? Shop clearance racks at outlets for great buys or consider making your own special gifts. Ebay has excellent buys on electronics and other items. Be sure to check the seller's reputation and read the information carefully before bidding.
2. Grow your own fruits and vegetables from your own seeds with your own compost and never use pesticides. You are sure to save a lot money this way. Growing your own has become very hip. Nobody thinks you're being cheap when you grow your own!
3. Dinner Dates. Who says you have to go out for dinner? Make dinner at home for your guests. Sometimes the simplest home cooked meals are the best.
4. Second hand furniture. Buying furniture second hand is a great way to save money. Refinish it yourself to suit your personal taste and give it an updated look. You can proudly tell your friends that furniture restoration is your new hobby or passion. Nobody has to know you picked up that piece from the curb, be creative, tell them it was an estate sale or something.
5. Events and Parties. Consider having parties at home instead of a restaurant, catering hall or other venue. Cook the food yourself and ask close family members to help with a dish. Chances are, your mother-in-law would love to bring her famous potato salad. Hosting a party at your home is a great way to show off your cooking and decorating skills as well! Serve all the food buffet style so that you have more time to mingle or consider hiring wait staff, this option is generally cheaper than you might think.
6. Ride your bike to get around and get groceries and save money on gas! Its great exercise.
7. Get your books from the library or the second hand store. Why should you pay full price for a book you probably will only read once? Consider starting a book swap group where you trade books once a month.