Being frugal is a good thing but there are also downsides to it that only frugal people will understand. Living a frugal lifestyle can be fun especially if you are new to it and you are just starting to learn the ropes. Many successful people live frugally because there are a lot of things that they could not afford in the past like branded bags, shoes and clothes. Frugality is a kind of lifestyle where you spend less in order to experience more savings than other people. Some people think that living frugally is cheap but those two words really have different meanings. Being frugal involves optimizing what you have by being creative. You basically want a suitable lifestyle where money is less involved and obtaining more material things are just a means to be happy and content. Frugal people usually value experiences over things but do not sacrifice their health or their family just save a couple of dollars in their savings account.
Here are some things frugal people generally do not do:
- Throwing away leftovers – I hate it when there is leftover food in the fridge that we forgot to eat because of a busy schedule at work. Wasting food is something that everyone should avoid even if you are not living frugally. Throwing away food is similar to throwing away your money in the garbage. Frugal people usually eat all of what they buy and cook.
- Parking fees – Frugal people do have cars! Being frugal does not mean one can’t afford to buy car! When frugal people use their car and roam around town, they always avoid those parking lots who charge fees per hour. Just make sure that the parking space is near your destination as well.
- Coffee Shops – This is by far one of the places that frugal people avoid, expensive coffee shops. The alternative way for frugal people to have a delicious cup of coffee is to buy an entire bag of beans worth $5. The coffee that you can make at home can be way better than expensive cafes.
- Salons– I always appreciate people who spend a lot of time and money just to make themselves beautiful. A single haircut for women usually is a minimum of $30 and who pays $30 for a haircut? That is a big no to frugal people. You can always find some tutorials online on how to cut your own hair with your desired hairstyle. That includes nail cleaning and polish, massage, sauna and hair waxing, all of those can be easily done at home if you are willing to learn how, you will definitely find it more convenient and practical. Buying a bottle of nail polish for $5 is easier than asking someone to do your nail polish,same for hair waxing. Do it your self sugar wax is composed of white sugar and lemon. Simple.
- Monthly financing – If possible, do not go for financing because it adds up to your monthly bills and you don’t want that to happen. If you want something, save money for it and buy it with cash instead of financing it. The secret behind financing is lenders add up money to its original price and they usually promise you for a 0% interest but once you miss your monthly payment, you might be shocked because the new amount that they want you to pay is higher than what you expected. I am talking about all aspects of things that can be financed , not just limited to cars, which is a common item that people finance. Be content on what you have right now and that is what frugal people usually do. They don’t want to have a luxurious lifestyle and they do not go with the new trends of today.
- Branded Products – Frugal people often avoid branded products. When it comes to medicines, frugal people go for the alternative brands or the so called “Generic Brand”. Please keep in mind that the fda would not approve generic brands if it was not deemed safe for the health of the people. Give generic brands a try and see it for yourself . Most of the people go for the top brands because of TV commercials that they have seen over and over, that much marketing is passed on to the consumer.
- Sales – Okay, the word “Sale” is very hard to resist especially when you see a sign that hangs on the glass wall of the department store, you might feel like they are calling out your name.F or frugal people, they avoid going to the malls where sales are happening because they might feel guilt once they spend and buy things that they don’t even need. Frugal people love to go shopping at thrift stores rather than going in the department stores where all the branded clothes, shoes, bags and makeup are on the rack waiting for you to pickup. Do not underestimate the power of flea markets and thrift shops. There are unique finds in the flea markets and thrift shops that can’t be found in the department store.
- Brand New Electronic Devices – To all the electronic enthusiasts out there, how does it feel to have brand new electronics every year? Keeping up with the newest version of electronics every year is exhausting and expensive. Frugal people tend to keep up with their electronics for a few years at the very least. instead of buying new ones. When one of your electronics break, instead of throwing them out which adds more waste in the environment, frugal people will try to fix it up or sell their old electronics for a very cheap price or they sell the parts of the electronics. Please note that a dead iPhones can be worth a lot of money because of the parts.
- Choosing Wants over Needs – Wants and Needs are very different. Being frugal will help you prioritize your needs which are the most important to you. . Spending money every single day is not a first priority to frugal people and there are some days that you don’t have to spend a single penny at all. Having a “no spend weekend” should be implemented to every family because it is a financial challenge that will require creativity and a clear minds. You don’t have to worry because the more you do it, the easier it gets and it will be a piece of cake to you!
- Vehicle Maintenance – The best way to avoid paying thousands of dollars to fix big things later on with your vehicle is to do maintenance and repairs. Failing to maintain your vehicle can result to negative things. The frugal way to keep your car running and in good condition is to not avoid maintenance and repairs. The trick to this is to save the expenses ahead of time. This way, you can take care of them right away without causing a financial strain to you and your family. Treating your vehicle as your second home is the best way to do it.
Are you frugal? Or do you consider yourself frugal? Did we miss something or can you think of anything else that frugal people hate to do? Please let us know with your comments below!
