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Step 1
Wear out your stuff. That's right; didn't your grandma ever tell you how shoes were worn until the soles fell out, then they'd duct tape cardboard inside and wear them some more? Want that big, bad plasma TV? Not a chance – keep your rabbit ear TV until the darn things dies. Learning to be more frugal means using something up instead of chucking it on whim when you decide you want something new.
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Step 2
Reuse everything. From yogurt containers to boxes and plastic bags, put everything to good use. Need a vase? Pull out the empty jam jar that you washed and saved. Tupperware? No way, use an empty yogurt tub to bring your lunch to work. Need trash bags? Use grocery store plastic bags instead. Learn to take frugal to the next level by reusing everything you possibly can.
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Step 3
Make your own food at home. All the time. Focus on cheap, dry staples that can be bought in bulk like rice and beans. Add meats, veggies, seasonings and spices to round out your meals. Learn to comparison shop, and buy store brands whenever possible. Use coupons, promotional deals, and carry a calculator to the store for easy price comparisons. That brand name item on sale might still be more expensive per unit that a comparable store brand.
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Step 4
Come up with creative ways to use leftovers. Extra rice? Add some soy sauce, garlic, egg, and veggies to make fried rice. Have a ham bone? Make split pea soup! Use remnants and leftovers as much as possible, and minimize the amount of wasted food.
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Step 5
Be more frugal by shopping at thrift stores. Kids need new clothes? Take them to Value Village or Goodwill. Some stores even sell clothing and textiles by the pound! Better yet, get stuff free. have a clothing exchange with other parents and scour craigslist for free clothing giveaways.
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Step 6
Only buy what you really need. Leave your credit cards at home and only take a small amount of cash with you when you go window shopping – this way you won't be tempted to swipe it and forget about. Plan your grocery budget, and only bring enough cash to the store to cover the amount you've decided to spend. This will keep you from adding extras to the cart and ensure that you take the time to add up the totals and comparison shop.
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Step 7
Go on free outings with your family. Have a picnic, or reserve a shelter at the park and enjoy a family barbeque. Take a stroll downtown, or go to the public library. In the summer time, take advantage of wading pools and other fun free places for kids. If you do spend money, keep it cheap. Community centers and public pools offer cheap entertainment for families too. Go to free concerts, parades, and shows whenever possible. Most of these events are advertised in local newspapers or online.
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Step 8
Be more frugal by having free fun at home. Learn to do fun stuff like make and paint your own baker's clay ornaments. Make playdough for the kids. Paint, read, or watch old movies on TV. Don't overlook board games and playing cards as great free boredom busters.
