Frugal Living: How to Live Well without Spending a Lot of Money

You may have heard of a phenomenon spreading across America thanks to tough economic times; it’s called frugal living. While today’s proponents of frugal living are hardly the first people in history to simplify their lives and spend less money, they are the first Americans to focus on this kind of living on a grand scale in many decades.

You can find tips for simple living all over the place. The increased attention on couponing and so-called extreme couponers is one example of America’s new focus on frugal living and how to live well without spending a lot of money. But the money-saving trend, this simple living philosophy, is much larger than just coupon clippers.

Every day I come across a new frugal living blog or a new site dedicated to simple living. People around the world, facing an economic downturn and high unemployment, are learning to simplify their lives to save money without sacrificing all creature comforts.

Here’s on example of how one woman used some basic frugal living ideas to improve her financial situation without living like a monk, skipping meals, or staying bored all day.

Frugal living doesn’t have to mean boring living, hungry living, or living in a constant state of desire for the finer things in life. Want to try out the frugal living philosophy and see how it works for you and your family? Here are three ways you can still live well without spending as much cash.

1. Rely on just one car for your entire family.

For many people, car expenses are right behind housing expenses in terms of their budget. Between the rising cost of gas, expensive car repairs, and car payments, reducing the number of cars in your family to one can save you a significant amount of money. It will require some carpooling, nifty scheduling, and some sacrifice, but it is the easiest way to save cash.

2. Stop eating out.

According to the National Restaurant Association, the average American spends $2,000 a year on fast food and eating out at restaurants. Cook more meals at home. You’ll bond with your family, learn a valuable skill, and save thousands of dollars a year.

3. Have a (thorough) garage sale.

It’s time to round up all the clutter in your house (anything you haven’t used in a month is probably clutter) and get rid of it. You’ll make a little bit of cash and simplify your home all at the same time.

Frugal living, also called simple living, doesn’t mean you live in seclusion and silence like a monk. The trick to frugal living is making a simple living plan that allows you to be happy and frugal at the same time. Start with the above three tips and work towards living the simplest (good) life you can.