13 Ideas for Cheaper (and Better!) Living

We all know that small things that we do can, over time, add up to big savings. When you view frugality as a lifestyle, it becomes easier to find ways to save money every day. Here are 13 every day things you can do to save money and live more frugally:

1. Use public transportation: If you have public transportation, use that instead of driving yourself in to work. You can get good exercise on your way to and from the stops, boosting your health and reducing those costs — on top of saving money on gas.
2. Look for discounts: Clip coupons, find promo codes, and comparison shop, to get good discounts on a number of items that you normally buy.
3. Avoid buying things you don’t need or want: Periodically go through your home and see what you have. Before you buy something, make sure that you really need or want it. Double check to make sure you don’t already have it stashed away somewhere, and then really think about whether you will use. You can also declutter and simplify your life by refusing to bring unnecessary items into your home.
4. Use the library: Books, music, periodicals and movies can all be found at your local public library. A great way to entertain yourself without spending a lot of money.
5. Go online: You can find free TV shows online, and you can watch streaming movies for cheap. Get rid of the cable or satellite subscription and get your entertainment for a low cost online.
6. Switch to VoIP: If you’re getting high speed Internet for movies and TV anyway, get rid of your landline and use VoIP. You can get phone service for a low price, or you can use Skype and pay even less. I love Skype; it’s how I make international calls. Bonus: Get your friends and family on Skype, and you all talk for free.
7. Plan around leftovers: My husband and I make enough for two dinners, and have leftovers. If you are feeling really ambitious, you can cook extras and freeze them for later. Meal planning will help you grocery shop more effectively, and reduce the panicked run for takeout because you didn’t plan for dinner. You can plan healthier meals as well.
8. Stop using the dryer: Hang your clothes to dry. This can be done outside, or done using drying racks in your home. We have a large, seldom used bathroom downstairs near the laundry area just perfect for this purpose. You’ll save on utility costs, and your clothes will last longer.
9. Put change into a savings jar: Then every couple of months, take it to bank, invest it, or just use it for a “fun night”. This can help you get into the habit of saving, and provide you with a little extra.
10. Ask for stuff when you need it: Let people know when you are looking for something specific. You might end up getting something on second for free or really cheap, just by getting the word out.
11. Learn to change your own oil: It doesn’t take that long, and it’s not that hard. You can save a lot when you do this. Check with your city’s waste department to learn how to discard the oil. Many towns have free drop offs that will take care of the oil for you.
12. Plan family game nights: Instead of going out to dinner or the movies, consider having a family game night once a week. This is an inexpensive way to have a lot of fun, and spend quality time with your loved ones.
13. Bring your lunch: Prepare your own lunch for work, and prepare your children’s lunches for school. This will save on buying lunch. Many offices have fridges and microwaves, so it is possible to bring leftovers for lunch. I did this frequently when I had an office job, and still do it now that I work from home. We make enough for two dinners, and there is usually some left for a lunch — which I enjoy the third day. Plus, the food you bring is often healthier than what you buy.