Frugal living is essentially about only a few things, it is amazing how we can take those few points and expand on them though.

Step 1) ‘œUse It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do’ – This saying was from WW2 days that pushed people to use what they have and leave more for the war effort. It is about using up what we have before buying more, wearing out out clothing before we replace it and making what we already have work for us. It is the thrifty persons mantra!

Step 2) ‘œDon’t be afraid’ – This means that you don’t want to be afraid of what others think or say. You don’t have to be afraid that you will end up penniless; you have been reading all this information and now you can act on it. You don’t need to be afraid that you will become the clutter queen of the neighborhood because you are afraid to throw something of use away, because you will set a limit for yourself. Don’t be afraid, jump right in and do it!

Step 3) ‘œLess waste, more money’ – Specifically the less you waste in energy/utilities, the more money you have at the end of the month. There are the easy things like turning out lights and turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth to more complicated issues of replacing old appliances that would suck up energy than a newer model or sealing up leaks around the house. Less waste bring more money in your pocket!

Step 4) ‘œDo it yourself’ – This includes cooking your own food, fixing something around the house or changing the oil. So much can be done on your own that will save you money than having someone else do it for you. A step beyond cooking for yourself is to raise the food yourself as well. Sometimes the best satisfaction comes from doing it yourself!

Step 5) ‘œLive on Less’ – All these can be summed up by living on less. Less than what you make in money, less than what you think you need, less than what others think you need. Ultimately, saving that extra bit will help you in the future.

Frugal living is not:
Living a life you dread waking up to
Thinking that money controls you. Instead, you control it

Frugal living is:
Being conscious of your spending
Giving yourself time
Seeing treasure in items, using your creativity

‘œMost people have it all wrong about wealth in America. Wealth is not the same as income. If you make a good income each year and spend it all you are not getting wealthier. You are just living high. Wealth is what you accumulate, not what you spend.’ ‘“ from The Millionaire Next Door

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Dawn C. is site owner of Frugalforlife.com where this is a repost from: Frugal Living Simplified in 5 Steps. Dawn is residing in Colorado with her spouse, Teri, of 11 years.