This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
I do love a good beer. Right now, I’m sitting with my husband, getting ready to do some work on the computer (late, yes, I know) while he’s playing video games with some friends in California. We are both enjoying a Rogue Mocha Porter. One of the things I’ve come to appreciate more than anything since adopting a frugal lifestyle is joy in simple things.
I love that our balcony from our tiny apartment overlooks a creek, and that all of the trees give me a great sense of privacy and expanse. I love sitting back and having a good beer. I love getting Lindt Dark Chocolate truffles when they’re on sale (like on February 15th). I have fun surprising my husband with a used video game on sale. I love planting herbs each year so that we can have fresh, tasty food without paying an arm, leg, or my firstborn.
Doing these small, special things keeps me from blowing a wad of cash on unnecessary things. Purchasing a $5 sale item when it’s on sale (as long as there is room in the budget) keeps me from going out and spending a bunch when it’s not on sale.
Also, frugality for frugality’s sake is without merit. We utilize frugality to help us get out of debt, and to keep our lifestyle in check. I know it sounds ridiculous, but lifestyle inflation does keep me up at night. If you don’t put small rewards into effect, those long term goals never feel within reach and easily get blown.
Andi B.