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Between elaborate meals, gifts, parties, and everything else, the holidays are a notoriously expensive time of year! And with the holiday season just around the corner, right now is a good time to check in with your finances and recommit to frugal habits that will serve you well in the weeks and months to come.
To that end, I’ll be sharing a few simple tips regarding frugal practices you can adopt now to put yourself in a better financial position regarding future holiday spending. So without further ado, here are 9 easy ways to start being a little more frugal.
9 Quick And Easy Ways To Be More Frugal
1. Take Care
One of the easiest ways to be more frugal is to take good care of the stuff you already own! Get protective cases for pricier gadgets like smartphones and tablets to keep them safe. And take your car in for regular maintenance in order to avoid more expensive repairs down the road.
2. Drink Water
When you go out to eat, opt for a glass of water instead of a soda or a glass of wine. You can save quite a bit of money just by making this simple switch! And it’s a good switch for your health too. :-)
3. Negotiate
Call your cable, phone, and internet providers and ask if they can offer you a better price, or if there are any special offers you can take advantage of. Many customer service departments are happy to negotiate a good deal for a loyal customer!
4. Wash Sparingly
Clothing items like jeans and sweaters don’t need to be washed as often as t-shirts and underwear. Wash these items on an “as needed” basis to save a little bit on your water bill. Your clothes will also last longer, which will save you the money it would cost to replace them!
5. Choose Your Luxuries
Take a moment to list out all of your “luxury” expenses (which could include anything you don’t strictly need.) Your list could include cable TV, nail appointments, coffee shop lattes, etc. Decide which items are worth splurging on, and which might not be worth the money.
6. Ban Impulse Buys
The next time you’re about to make an impulse buy (or any purchase you didn’t plan on making), stop! Take out your phone or a notebook and make note of what the item is and where you found it. Wait one month, then evaluate your list again. If you still really want that item, it no longer counts as an impulse and you can feel free to buy it. :-)
7. The Hanger Test
Try this easy system for sorting through the clothes in your closet! Start by rehanging all the clothes in your closet so they are facing the opposite way they normally do. After you wear an item and go to hang it up again, turn it around so it faces the usual way.
At the end of one month, check out your closet. You’ll be able to clearly see what items you’re wearing and which you haven’t even touched. Take all those untouched clothes and sell them at a consignment shop for some extra cash.
8. Host A Potluck
If you are frequently going out for dinner or drinks with friends, suggest instituting a regular potluck night! Everyone can bring a dish, and you’ll have a fabulous evening with friends for much less money than a night out.
9. Use Smaller Plates
Using smaller dinner plates can be an easy way to control portion sizes and minimize food waste! It’s okay to go back for seconds if the first portion didn’t fill you up, as long as it won’t go to waste!
What’s your best tip for saving more, spending less, or living more frugally in general?
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