Money Saving Tips
No matter what the economy someone is thriving. Right now dollar stores, second hand stores, and thrift shops are doing a whopping business. Money-saving tips are the new "cool" discussion topic of choice. With a plethora of advice on living frugally and practicing thrift, how is a person to know which tips actually work and which ones to ignore? Each individual household contains a unique set of needs so not every thrifty tip will work for every, single situation. Rather than be overwhelmed by the money-saving suggestions all around, we at Living Large on Less are taking one step at a time. Some of the steps we have tried fall into the true life-saver category while others have been tossed out quicker than they came in. The Living Large Team was living a frugal/green lifestyle long before it was the "in" or "green" thing to do, and today we would like to share some of our most tried and true tips with you. Whether you are a new homemaker, young mother, or someone else entirely, we hope that our tips help lighten your burden and assist you in Living Large on Less.
* Cooking from scratch reduces the grocery bill significantly and is healthier too. Real food is ALWAYS better than processed or packaged. "You can pay the grocer now or the doctor later." J. Rubin If cooking from scratch seems an impossibility, relax. It isn't difficult, really it isn't. I have always said that if everyone knew how easy cooking is, no one would be impressed when I do it. Delicious, nutritious meals can be created with just a few basic ingredients. Instructions and how-tos for beginner cooks abound in bookstores and online. There are even cooking how-to videos on YouTube. Learning how to cook from scratch will definitely pay.
* When purchasing sheets and towels for your home, buy white. Trust me, this will save on so many levels, including time.
* Prioritize needs and wants. Be brutally honest with yourself. Most things considered necessary really aren't.
* As contradictory as this tip will seem, it isn't. Don't rid your life of all special pleasures. No matter how low your resources become, retain one special pleasure. Maybe it will be a weekly bubble bath, one day of using paper plates, an hour spent reading or writing, or one piece of chocolate a week. Whatever it is, always keep at least one personal reward in your life. When every pleasure in life is removed, the temptation to feel deprived and become bitter can overwhelm us. Now, there may come a time when our special pleasures will need to change. A trip to the spa or a massage may no longer be an option. You may have to learn to give yourself that weekly manicure and pedicure. Figuring out how to make your own specialty coffee drink may need to take the place of those from high-end coffee houses. I have found that somedays, the richest reward is simply being able to take a long walk all by myself. Those few moments spent in solitude are often more refreshing than any other indulgence could possibly be. Yes, the walk is free, but the renewal I receive from that time is priceless.
* Don't be bound by what everyone else is doing. Remember, "everyone spends their money on something" Just because so and so spends theirs one way doesn't mean that you have to spend yours that same way. You are a unique individual with your own, special life to live. You cannot afford to spend the gift of life copying someone else. Nobody else can live the life you have been given to live, only you can do this. So LIVE IT! as you are meant to do. If you are a quilter, you may spend more money on quilting supplies while a scrapbooker will spend hers on paper. Neither of you have erred or been wasteful with your resources. A chef will not purchase the same items that a writer will and THAT'S OK. Each of us must be wise with what we have been entrusted. A lot of us find ourselves pressured by what we read in blogland. If you don't enjoy attending garage sales and finding a great buy, don't feel odd or like a failure. Just do that best you can with what you have and enjoy being you.
* While following the crowd is rarely the best choice, missing out on a new adventure because you refused to try something new is just as binding. The advice from that vintage Life Cereal commercial is perfect for this tip "Try it you might like it". Many a person has been surprised by how much they enjoyed making their own laundry detergent. Even more have been completely shocked at how relaxing and satisfying cooking a meal can be. There is an undescribable satisfaction in doing it ourself. I guess we never really get over the "I do it myself" stage.
* Just because it is a good buy doesn't mean it will save you money. Many a well-meaning thrifty shopper has spent too much money on "good buys". If you don't need it, it probably isn't a goody buy---for you. Not every great deal in the store needs to go into your cart or home.
* Think simple, not small. Less doesn't mean poverty. It can mean more, much more. Less hassle, less stress, less responsibility, more peace, more time, more freedom to live fully.
* Less does not mean inferior quality. Cheap is not less, it's just cheap, and inexpensive doesn't necessarily mean cheap.
* Expensive doesn't always mean quality. Some of the most expensive items I've seen have been the most cheaply made.
* Buy or collect dishes that are the same color or coordinate with that color. Dishes of different sets will work together beautifully when of the same color.
* Keep a notebook or file of your favorite ideas. They can be sketched onto paper and placed in notebook or file or removed from magazines. Separate files or notebooks can be kept for decorating, fashion, and crafts or place all ideas in an attractive box or basket for filing at a later date. It's like a visual wish list. When "someday" arrives, you will know exactly what you want. Knowing what you want ahead of time will save time and money because you will have avoided any those excess purchases that accompany trying to figure out what you like as you go.
That's enough for now. I'm trying to remember a couple of great, yet easy tips that flew out of my mind with the first crying preschooler whose little brother was tormenting her. (with delight I might add) More tips for a future post, I guess. Have a great day Living Large!