Frugal Shopping For A Thrifty Life

Frugal shopping. I can quite honestly say that both my partner and myself are experts at this. We have been shopping this way for years and now it’s second nature to us.

In fact I find it so hard to buy anything that I feel is over priced or unnecessary, as I know that what I do buy is perfectly good and in fact is less wasteful.

Today shopping is entertainment to many people rather than just a necessary function. We can all enjoy going shopping, whilst spending our money frugally and still being able to buy the things we need as well as some of the things we want as well. It is possible to have a great time shopping and still have money in your bank account every month.

Are you a squander bug?

Is this you?

• You have all the latest gadgetry but can’t afford to fix the leaking roof!

• You think that buying frugally means buying inferior goods.

• Like to eat takeaways several times a week but wonders why your food budget is so expensive every month!

• You have mounting debts but you just can’t resist buying designer labels because you think they are the best!

• Always buys something new for the house when you visit the shops but complain about the clutter in the house and how hard it is to keep clean.

These are just a few examples of spending in a less than frugal way and if you are one of those people who want to break the cycle of shopping and debt, we will show you how to change your spending habits with frugal shopping and still have fun along the way.

Be a smart frugal shopper

There are two main keys to successful frugal shopping.

The first is to really think about why you want to live a frugal life. Make a list of all the reasons why living within your means will make your life better, for instance:

Get out of debt

Be able to buy those luxury items you’ve always wanted but could never afford

Be able to afford a better home

Save for your retirement

With these ideas firmly in your head your whole attitude to shopping will change. In fact I guarantee you will start to really get a thrill out of finding those bargains and will pat yourself on the back every time you come home with the weeks shopping and money in your purse.

The second is planning. By planning ahead what you need to buy and where to get it from will stop you wandering around the shops being enticed by all those marketing gimmicks and temptations. A friend of my doesn’t even check her cupboard before going for the weekly grocery shop, so she ends up buying items she already has. You should see her groaning cupboards and you wouldn’t believe just how much she ends up throwing away.

Top Tips for frugal shopping

Cash Not Cards – Always leave your credit cards at home unless you know you are going to need to use them for a particular item. This will remove the temptation to buy anything unplanned for.

24 hours grace – If something catches your eye, never make that purchase straight away. Always give yourself at least 24 hours to think about it. One of the biggest dangers is the impulse buy. How many times have you bought an item of clothing, only to feel guilty the next day when you realise you don’t really need it after all.

Coupons – it amazes me why so many people don’t use coupons, It’s free money. But be warned only use coupons for the things you would normally buy, or for things that you will use. You won’t save money if you end up using coupons just because you have them.

Bulk Buying – You’ll be amazed how much money you will save when you buy in bulk. However make sure that you have enough storage room for the items and that you will be able to use them. If the item is food based make sure that it can be frozen for later use. Don’t be tempted by the buy two get one free offers if it will only get wasted. Plus you might end up gaining weight and that’s a whole new kettle of fish to deal with.

Buying wine in bulk is one of those items that can save you lots of money over time and should always be considered if taking the odd tipple is something you like to indulge in. After all you don't have to drink it all at once and may even get better ovfer time.

Second hand – there’s absolutely no shame in buying from a second hand shop. I have done it for years and the amount of times I have been complimented on my clothes or some other item I have purchased from a second hand store.

I love the look on peoples faces when they find out I bought it from the local charity shop for a few pounds. I know many of my friends have been converted to frugal shopping and visit charity shops themselves now. Buying online is another good way to buy second hand items cheaply.

Shop around – Shopping around is a much under used tool for frugal shopping. Yes it takes a little time but once you get used to doing it you’ll find that the savings that can be made far out weight the extra effort. The Internet now provides an easy tool for comparing prices, plus it does save your aching feet.

Lets not forget the simple things

Frugal shopping is also about living a simpler less cluttered and more economical way of life. So lets not forget the simple pleasure of window-shopping. Matt and I have spent many happy days wandering around town glancing in windows and chatting about all the weird and wonderful things you can now buy.

We also enjoy the many fantastic window displays, especially at Christmas and stopping off for the occasional cup of coffee (our vice) in a friendly café. It doesn’t cost a lot and keeps us fit at the same time. Now what can you say that about these days?

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