Let's face it. Budget consciousness isn't particularly sexy, but for many of us it is no longer optional. Gas and house and health prices, oh my!
But by employing a little patience and some creativity, even frugality can be clever. Here are 5 money-saving tips that won't make you (or your family) crazy:
1. No Shop. No Buy - I'm not a disciplined sort. Not at all. But one thing that helps me avoid those last-minute clothing or shoe purchases is to avoid shopping anywhere hocking adorable wares. Even an innocently inexpensive place like Target.. the clothing section of which lures me onto the rocky shores (especially in spring and summer with all those innocent little tank tops and bikinis singing to me).
2. Chicken - Yes cooking at home is far less expensive than eating out, but try and pull that off on a Wednesday night when everyone is hungry, cranky, and mommy and daddy need a drink. Sunday roast chicken can help with that. Roasting is easy for even non-cooks like me. Buy a 5 pound chicken, rub it with paprika, salt, and throw some rosemary sprigs inside the body. Bake at 350 for a few hours and dinner (and fabulous leftovers) is served.
3. Pack Up - Packing lunches and snacks may seem intimidating and time consuming but it's really not that bad if you add a few extra items to your grocery list. By buying a few extra granola bars and breakfast cookies, we save money on those drive-by purchases. On the West Coast you can drop serious dosh at all those drive through latte stands. But a carful of snacks and some hidden cans of caffeine save us from the perils of overpriced coffee.
4. Life is Free - The old saying goes "the best things in life are free" and for the most part, there is no better season to test this theory than summer. Water parks and children activity centers and Gymboree can be expensive, but parks are mostly still free. A little lead-based paint on some 70s structures never hurt anyone... For all the hardworking parents out there, summer can be mega-expensive. Why not send the kids to grandma's so you and the spouse can catch up on some personal free time? Who needs Club Med and Family Disney Vacations when a shag lock properly administered provides ample relief from the daily grind?
5. Waste Not. Want Not - Americans are a wasteful bunch. We suck down resources faster than anyone else in the world. Using less stuff one category at a time is an easy way to cut back. Pick a weekly theme and follow-through. This week, I'm focusing on reducing our grocery bill. So, for the first time in my adult life I brought coupons to the store and used them. We saved about $20 and then about another 20% by shopping at the less slick store in town. The one without the Starbucks inside.
Many people have wisely been careful with their money all along. But if you're like me, sometimes it takes a recession to get you to change your profligate ways.
