| Date: 03/31/2012 3/31/2012 IMPORTANT NOTICE: Only use trusted sites when using banking services online
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| How did you first become interested in saving money? When I was laid off from well paying jobs twice, became a single Mom and most importantly realised 'Materialistic items are not a necessity in these times." Also, I wanted to try to save for a home and have a small savings which is very hard when your paycheck is cut in half due to companies hiring on at minimum wage. Finally I had NO extra money, no credit cards and I had to survive. So, I became penny pinching and frugal and I love it.. What does being frugal mean to you? Cutting corners everywhere and I mean in all areas. I don't go to the Malls any more just to shop. I make a list and menu for the week before I go shopping. I cook double meals from scratch which is so much healthier and cheaper for me, then I freeze leftovers. I go to the library if I want a book of movie. I CHECK out all the saving and frugal websites online for more tips. I walk as much as I can for exercise ( no gym fees for me ) There are endless ways to save, just for example use plastic containers instead of plastic bags for your lunches or snacks at work, wash out and reuse. Use your plastic bags from the stores for your trash. Use coupons only on what you normally purchase and match from other stores when you shop. Go to Thrift stores if you need a new item first..you can find good deals there sometimes practically new. How has your life changed since you started living frugally? My life has changed for way better. I enjoy knowing that I am not wasting my money like I used to. I have more than enough clothes from my frivilous spending from before, I have the necessities to live, I have a car that gets me to where I need to go. I also realise that now I live simply I am happier because I have no credit cards to pay, and only have a set amount of bills each month. I enjoy knowing and learning new ways to be frugal. It is great to save in all possible areas. I don't have designer stuff any more, I have only what I need for me AND my family. Its great getting older and being wiser with your hard earned money. What is your all-time favorite money-saving tip? Tossing all my change in a jar at the end of the day, sometimes slipping a 1, 5, or 10 dollar bill in when I can. When it is full I count it all out and then put it towards a trip OR something I really want. At this time it will go in to savings as I am trying to save for a home. Every little counts towards something so make a goal and work towards that goal. Do you have any advice for fellow penny pinchers? Just SAVE for the future, its very important in this day and age.. We don't know what will happen in these economic times. Always have a surplus of essential items on hand. There are many frugal and survival websites online that you can go to and receive many tips. Save and save as much as you can and anyway that you can. |
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