Frugal Guide to Better Living

May 18, 2010

Author: William M. Davis

Is there a financial problem in your life? Can’t make ends meet? You need to do something to make your life better! Maybe you do not know how to make your life better. Here is a guide to a better life and to stretching your dollar.

Get Some Rest

Get more sleep and when you are up you should concentrate on peaceful methods to relax. Unwind by doing some inexpensive things, for example read, take a nap, just sit out on the porch or spend some time at the park.

Cut Out Meals That Cost a Lot

Can you eat inexpensively? I’ll bet you can, but you’ll have to think about it. Perhaps you could plan some cheap meals. Prepare your meals yourself. Take your lunch to work with you. Buy a recipe book or borrow get one from the library that has healthy meals. In the long run, eating cheaply makes you healthier and keeps your medical expenses down. Being fat is expensive. Think about it.

Try Some Free Things to Do

Do some free activities. Why not? Curl up with a nice book from the library. If you want to see a movie, borrow one from the library or from your buddy’s huge collection. Take the family to the local playground or do something at home with them, like finger painting. Taking a walk in the park with your family could be relaxing as well or take them for a drive in the country side. Just remember the hills have eyes.

Drop the Gym and Walk

Instead of joining an expensive gym, take the stairs and walk when you can. Do work around the house yourself like cleaning the yard, cutting the grass. Have you ever seen a fat gardener? It is a great way to keep weight off and save some dough on the gardener and gym membership. Walking also has many benefits, so instead of driving to 7/11 for that Slurpee, walk. As a matter of fact, skip the Slurpee, walk around the block and have an iced tea when you get back home.

Have a Reason to Save

Why can’t you save money? Maybe because there no goal! Have a goal for what you want to do with your money. Save for a big vacation or retirement, maybe new furniture. Save up and pay for it with cash. It is easier to save when you have a goal in mind. It also helps with impulse spending which is a real budget buster. You’ll think twice about buying that new gadget when it’s going to cost you your vacation.

This list is not exhaustive, but it will get you moving in the right direction. Maybe this will become a continuing feature. Check back in a couple of weeks.