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I’ve been thinking for a while that I need to get back to basics-go over some of the basic philosophies & skills that can help folks who are just beginning a frugal lifestyle.
Think of it as sort of a primer to the budget lifestyle.
Of course I have ideas (when haven’t I had ideas?) but I’d like to get all of your input as readers as well.
So far I’ve got:
Why be Frugal? (ie benefits of a frugal lifestyle)
What does a frugal life look like?
Setting Priorities
Make more or spend less
The 3 ways to save
Conscious Spending
How to make a budget in 5 easy steps
Saving for the future
Make it yourself
Menu Planning
Sale Shopping/Stocking up
Avoiding Takeout
Gift Giving
Resisting Temptations
To you, what are some “Must Have” topics in an intro to Frugal Living?
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
How about the trap of the all or nothing mindset? If you’re unsure of what I mean, it’s the oh, well I failed here so I’m going to splurge here rationalization.
I’d be interested to see your take on needs verses wants.
Maybe something like “Frugal for YOU” or “Frugality without Judgment”, some kind of discussion on how to figure out the right way for you and your family to pursue frugality, without falling into looking too much at how others pursue it, or don’t pursue it.
I think some emphasis on not needing to get every deal would be great to include. So many get burn out from feeling the need to run out everytime someone blogs about a new deal.
When I first started I had that feeling. There were times I was so excited/anxious about an upcoming deal or making sure I got in on something where stock is limited that I literally did not sleep at night. I’m so grateful to be past that point, but thing it’s something new frugals should be aware of!
I look forward to seeing the final product!
I would like to hear more on keeping the cost of gift giving down and remembering the difference in need and want.
How about the importance of getting/staying organized when beginning a frugal lifestyle?
Frugal investing – indexing and low fees the winning combination.
How about writing about teaching your children that being frugal is going to benefit them and that you are not depriving them of all the other junk other kids get.(I sure you will word this much better, but you get the idea).
I would love to see frugal kid ideas – from crafts to birthday party ideas. Thanks!
Great ideas guys! Keep them coming!
I second all of the above.
How about an article on cooking from scratch basics? Like making your own gravy or what all you can do with flour and other basic staples (like there’s an article I have taped to cupboard door – 101+ uses for vinegar).
And maybe an article on what to do when you goof cooking from scratch – i.e. how to save money by rescuing dinner when something goes wrong? Or maybe an article on “what not to do” or what to beware of – just the little things that can frustrate so many folks (and have caused my dogs to eat well several times).
When I was first starting out on the frugal thing I wasted a lot of food because I didn’t know how to “save” it and turn it into something edible – so it went to the dogs (to kinda save money on dog food). Now I save meals when there is a goof up without thinking and I think nothing of it. I did it the other night @ my son’s friend’s house and the Mom was amazed for some reason (added water to food that had adhered/burned to a stainless steel pan – making a rue/gravy to go with the meat).
Make more AND spend less…..
I think the hardest part is getting folks to not be scared and to realize they won’t be sitting home watching paint dry.
Learning to COOK–and cook real food not commercial mixes–is probably the #1 skill for saving money. That and forcing yourself to put back any clothing that says “dry clean only” unless you are FORCED to wear suits to work!
Another is the TRUE COST: i.e. Satelite tv is “only” $50 month but how much PER YEAR–that REALLY hits home!
Another is letting yourself have what Dave Ramsey calls “blow money”–a little pocket change even in the worst of times.
Finally–use the LIBRARY [and be nice and vote YES to funding for them!] the public library, the internet and Youtube can provide how-tos for just about anything in any learning “style”.
How about how to be happy with your frugal ways? Be confident that it IS the right way for your family? Count your blessings…
I would like to learn some of the old homemaker secrets like gardening and crocheting. My mom cooked from boxes/cans just like I do, but I want to cook from just ingredients. Thanks for all of your great info.
Amanda in NC
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