10 ways to save money OR 10 ways to survive on very little....
1: Live in a place you like if at all possible. Then stay home. It really pays off. You'll spend less money if you stay home. Your vehicle doesn't really use much fuel if it spends most of its time parked. Insurance is less expensive that way. too. (IF you can afford insurance in the first place) Walk a lot or ride a bicycle if you have one. If you want to travel, check out books and videos from your local library of the places you are interested in.
2: Don't get caught up in the selfishness of constant entertainment. Let little things entertain you, like a smile from your spouse. Or a walk with him/her, holding hands. Make a conscious decision to be happy with your husband/wife and your surroundings. Play with your children. They will be much happier with your time than with more 'stuff'. Don't watch TV. All that advertising is intended to make you disatisfied with what you have. Read more. And read to your children, even if they are teenagers. Read quality books. Use audio drama and audiobooks from the library instead of TV. For boredom, use your time more wisely by helping others in need.
3: Don't use plastic. (ie credit cards) Stay out of debt. Debt is slavery. If you are in debt, get out of it as soon as possible and stay out. Use cash. That way when your wallet is empty, you can't spend what you don't have. You can see cash physically passing through your fingers. It doesn't just disappear. And you don't have to pay interest on it.
4: Buy used or make it yourself if at all possible. If not possible, are you really sure you need it anyway? Don't buy it just because it is cheap or on sale. If you don't need it, don't buy it. Buy good quality when you can. It pays for itself in the long run. But it doesn't have to be designer, either. Shop at yard sales and thrift shops for quality goods. Save for it. Make Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, or Do without, your motto. Can you make it yourself? Consider learning new skills to make things at home using what you already have or can acquire inexpensively.
5: Just about everything boils down to fuel: fuel for yourself (food), fuel for your car, electricity (or generator) if you have it. So before you buy it ask yourself: Can I eat it? Will I die without it? Do I really NEED it? Necessities can't wait, wants can. Think before you spend.
6: Learn to cook. Then eat at home. Prepared food in any form is more expensive. Grow and prepare it yourself if possible. Eat to live, not live to eat. You'll have better nutrition, save money and keep your weight down. Have a 'treat day' once or twice a month (but no more). Budget it in and be reasonable, even if that means everyone sharing a single can of soda pop. Remember that it is quality of time, not quantity of sugar (or the like). Just about anything can be a treat, it's all in your attitude.
7: Turn it off when you are done with it, lights, heat, etc. Conserve on everything (even food, see #6). Close off any rooms that you really don't absolutely need to heat or cool to save on these expenses. In the north, you can use these rooms in the wintertime for things like food items that need to be stored cool.
8: Save, but don't be a miser.
9: Give more. Be generous with your money, time, possessions. You own them, they shouldn't own you.
10: Serve God. Don't try to make Him your servant. God is the real Provider. Remember that. Give thanks more. Pray a lot.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.
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I have been asked to expand on this and write a small book (or booklet) to help others live on less, to live simply and frugally. What do you think of the idea? Feedback or suggestions?
The above article is copyrighted by J & D! Please do not steal it!