Financial

Starting to Live Frugally

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Downshifting by definition means trading a high standard of living and low (often highly stressful) quality of life for a higher quality of life.

A downshifted life is a simpler life and often richer in time rather than in money. So, in order to downshift, one needs to have some money to spare at first. This might not necessarily be a lump sum in the bank. It might be equity tied up in your home or other possessions that you could sell. Downshifting might then involve moving to a smaller home or a similar home in a less expensive area or selling some of your possessions.

If you are in debt, then this is an issue you will probably want to tackle as a matter of urgency. Living frugally and downshifting your lifestyle may well form part of your plans for lifting yourself out of debt. It can be a very satisfying way to decrease your living costs without feeling that you are depriving yourself.

Here are a few simple things to try for one week to demonstrate to yourself that you can reduce your costs and change your money spending activities:

  • – Have a week that is media-free i.e., no television, radio, newspapers or magazines and notice how you are less tempted to spend money on what you feel you “ought to have.”
  • – Stay away from supermarkets. Buy your food only from local independent retailers or farms. Notice how much less you spend on food now that you have to work a little harder to get it and that you are less tempted to impulse buy.
  • – No eating out or takeaways. If you feel like having a food treat, make yourself a special candle-lit dinner.


There is an important difference between poverty and frugal simplicity. Poverty is involuntary and disabling whereas frugal simplicity is voluntary and empowering.

 

Painless Ways to Cut Vacation Spending

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Vacations are another way you can save money. Below are a few tips to help you save on your next vacation.

*Learn the exchange rate – This seems like common sense, but knowing the exchange rate will permit you knowing when you’re paying too much or at least more than you want to be spending.

*Make a budget – By setting yourself a boundary on what you can spend each day, you’ll start to subconsciously limit yourself.

*Make it a game – If you’re traveling with someone else, try to make it a game to see who can spend the smallest amount of money.

*Walk – Instead of paying for transportation and taxis, why not get a little exercise and save money at the same time?

*Eat where the locals eat –You have certain places that you eat because they’re good and they’re inexpensive. So do people in other countries.

*Take some risks – Visit the less significant stores that you find but aren’t all that crowded. You will discover beautiful things at lower prices because they’re not catering to the tourists that are going to be there.

*Talk to locals – When you’re interested in something, talk to the locals about where you might be able to find it. You will learn things that you wouldn’t get out of your guidebook as well as where these activities are cheaper.

*Don’t drink your money away – Try to limit your alcohol wherever you can or save it for a few special days. It’s easy to spend too much.

*Choose one thing – And then spend a lot of money on that.

*You only live once – When all else fails, just spend a little more than you thought that you would. You aren’t going to be there every day, so why not make the most of it when you are?

But just a little more, don’t go crazy…

 

 

Bathroom Decorating on a Budget

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Just because there aren’t thousands of dollars available for decorating doesn’t mean that a bath can’t be unique, dramatic and thoroughly satisfying. Here is a half dozen frugal ways to spice up any bathroom.

1. Collections of inexpensive mirrors add both light and space to any bathroom. They reflect colors, faces and other decorations and add character and interest. Mirrors are much more effective when grouped together rather than being a scattered mass simply hanging on a wall.

2. Pictures or prints can be massed on a wall. For maximum impact hang them closely together rather than separated. Pictures can be striking if they have a ‘theme’, such as:
The frames or photos have a uniqueness in common – oval shapes, women only, pets
This decorating tactic works best in a powder room, rather than a full bathroom, because of the high moisture.

3. Needlework makes a striking wall accent. For instance, sampler patterns from Colonial America are easily available and a few samplers grouped on a wall create a totally unique bathroom.

4. For color and charm, throw a rug on the floor. In a dull or drab bathroom, a rag rug or oriental carpet will add charm and beauty. Just be certain to use a non-skid pad underneath, especially if anyone will be stepping out of a tub or shower.

5. Collections can spark interest and admiration. Pottery is an unusual accent piece for any bathroom. Or you might consider old bottles, perfume atomizers, shaving mugs or other flea market collectibles.

6. Color is the quickest, cheapest and easiest ways to change any bathroom. Unusual colors on a bathroom wall, like melon, chocolate brown or peach, will add drama. Accents like brightly colored towels in a monochromatic bathroom will provide an outstanding accent. Add living color with plants or freshly cut flowers.

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