the fairer shares club

The word “frugality” has left a more negative connotation for most people than simply being a saver, a cheapskate or tightwad. There is a thin line difference to saving and too much frugality to the point of being awkward and ridiculous. This is where the negative connotation comes from.

But if you are guided with the right principles and reasons in deciding to live a frugal life, you would never go wrong.

If you have decided to live frugally, there is no need to worry about what others may say. Keep your head up high, and keep your focus through these tips.

1. Eating Out - Having meals out with friends on a Friday night is fine if you do it once in a while. But this can be expensive if you add them up at the end of the month.

2. Clothing - Naturally, if you are the kind of person who feels the need to buy trendy designer clothes, do not expect that there will be smuch left of your take home pay at the end of the month. Instead of being trendy, buy clothes that can easily be matched with your other clothes.

3. Own Home - If you are planning to join the housing market and find a place to settle, do not be overwhelmed by the opportunity, instead be practical. As a start, buy a smaller house or try other ways like rent-to-own, do-it-yourself arrangements, and owner financing.

4. Buying Your Own Car - Avoid gas guzzling sports cars or SUVs. Just stick to your purpose of buying a car which is to transport you anywhere you need to go cheaply and efficiently. If you already hav a car, this is not just the best time to replace it with a new one - make do and repair is your best option.

5. Shopping for Groceries - As much as possible do not go with items that are branded. Choose non-brands or store’s own brands. Try looking for items on the highest or lowest shelves for best prices. Grab the opportunity and shop in bulk during sales or use special offer coupons.

6. Family Days Out - There are inexpensive ways to bond with your family and be entertained like going to libraries, local parks, museums, picnics, visiting friends or make a day of just chilling in your own back garden.

7. Buying School Supplies - Stock school supplies at home and do not buy anything fancy.

8. Be contented with what you have and try to live within what you earn.

9. Plan your Child’s College Education - Teach them the ways to be independent and self-supporting by encouraging them to apply for scholarships and “on campus jobs”.

10. Be Aware of your Financial Limitations

11. Anticipate your Failures by Planning - Have always a budget plan so you would avoid impulsive buying.