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Welcome Frugalistas!

What exactly does frugal lifestyle mean?  I believe it’s being smart and savvy in your choices. Prioritize and take control of what’s important to you and you will come out ahead.

This blog and website offers frugal tips and money saving ideas to help you live a richer life. Save money on everyday living. Start living the "Frugal Lifestyle" today.

Spend Less  • Earn More • Live Better

Tips and Tricks to being Thrifty

2/27/2013

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Saving money requires some ingenuity and innovation. Shrewd spending habits take time to acquire, but they can be accomplished with practice. Believe it or not, some of the richest people have the strictest budgets. That is one of the ways they got to be rich. They learned self-discipline and how to cut corners.

Work on a Budget

The only way you will ever get ahead of the game is to know exactly how much money you really have to spend. Housing, utilities, taxes and other necessities are essentials for which you must plan. Go over your bills and see what you generally average on a monthly basis. See where you can cut back. The amount you spend on utilities can be lowered by shutting off lights, running efficient appliances and light bulbs. Installing high-efficiency windows, turning down the thermostat in the winter and winterizing your home will also save you money. Make a list of the areas where you can make these improvements. Keep track of what you are spending for your utilities and see where you can trim your expenses.

Figure out all of your expenses and make a weekly budget. Stick to the budget as closely as you can. Set a reasonable amount that is workable and don’t exceed it when you go out shopping. Whenever possible, use cash not credit. Monthly interest rates will eat up whatever you may have saved when you go on a shopping spree financed by a credit card.

There is a Difference Between Needs and Wants

Impulse spending is probably one of the biggest reasons people spend too much when they go to the store. Grocery shopping when you are hungry is also another big no-no. Set a food budget and look for the deals. Buy in bulk when you can and clip coupons. Don’t buy anything that you do not need. Stock up on the necessities you will use through the year. Buy them when they are on sale. Try to save 50% on sale items if you can. Anything at or above 50% is considered an excellent deal.

Look through your pantry and freezer to see what you absolutely need in your larder. See what clothes you have and what clothes need to be replaced. Look for coupons on clothing items. Make a list and don’t deviate from that. Shop for Christmas gifts ahead of time. Buy gifts right after Christmas for next year’s giving. You will be amazed at how much you will save.

Don’t Be Afraid of Thrift Stores

Some of the neatest clothes, accessories and other items can be found at a thrift store. Yes, these are usually used items. You would be amazed how many barely used clothes are donated to a thrift store like the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Sometimes, overstock items from local stores are donated. This merchandise is brand new and priced way below normal retail.

Shop the local garage sales. These are fun ways to get to know your neighbors while saving big bucks! If you have never done it, you will be amazed at the clothes, toys and collectibles you can find at a garage sale. These are virtual treasure troves, with prices that will make you salivate. Sometimes you even find antiques you can make money on by reselling them at a better price.

Coupons are a Saving Grace

Newspaper, magazine and Internet coupon clippings are the lifeblood of a frugal shopper. You will find a wealth of them in your local Sunday paper. Many times they are delivered in mailers by the postal service. If there is a product brand you like, check out the company website for the newest promotions and coupons. Look for websites that distribute printable coupons. Print them and take them with you. One good resource is CouponClaim.com. They offer coupons for groceries, clothing, jewelry, home improvement, electronics and even travel from major companies and retailers.

It will take time to play the discount game. With practice you will learn all the tricks of the trade and become a very wise and thrifty shopper. You will become an expert coupon clipper and amaze yourself on how much you really have saved. Good luck and happy shopping!

About The Writer:
Cynthia Waverly works as a writer for several online websites. She embraces a frugal lifestyle of sack lunches, recycled Tupperware, and daily coupon clippings. She enjoys saving money for her and her family.

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Home Decor on a Budget

2/20/2013

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These days people have been more budget conscious on how they spend their money on non-essential items such as home decor. 

It doesn't matter how much money I have to spare, I have always practiced the art of smart and savvy decorating. 

It will not only be more rewarding financially but creatively as well. You can proudly say to your friends that you've furnished your room for less than 3 months worth of coffee at Starbucks!  

Shop resources such as discount stores, thrift stores, outlet stores, garage sales, swap meets, flea markets, estate sales, Craigslist, even curbside discards! Let your friends and family know you are re-decorating, you'll be surprise what hand me down treasures they'll pass on to you. 

Check out the guest room below that I furnished for $160 total. Happy decorating!

• Floor Lamp - Rose Bowl Swap Meet $10
• Loveseat - FREE Curbside Discard
• Slipcover for Loveseat - Target $30
• Window Shade - Target $20
• Stool for Fan - Flea Market $10
• White Tray - Yard Sale $5
• Flower Vase - FREE Water Glass Bottle
• Pillows - Ross & Marshall's $15
• Vintage Fan - Antique Store $40
• Stack of Boxes - Michael's $20
• Guest Room Book - Gift from my friend Jeanine
• Woven Floor Covering - Sample Sale Prop $10

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Bargains and Deals Galore

2/13/2013

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I found some great frugal bargains in a recent Real Simple magazine issue that I would like to highlight. For more frugal tips and ideas, check out the Tips page.

RECYCLE REWARDS
  • Staples: Go go apple.com/recycling to find out if your Mac or PC is worth anything. If it is, you’ll get that dollar amount applied toward an Apple gift card.
  • MAC Cosmetics: Customers who return six used MAC product containers receive a free lipstick.
  • Staples: Bring any used ink or toner cartridge to a store and receive $2 in Staples Rewards for a future purchase.

AAA MEMBERSHIP DEALS
  • Best Western Hotels: Up to 20 percent off room rates
  • Hard Rock Cafe: 10 percent off
  • Lenscrafters and Pearle Vision: 30 percent off eye exams, eyewear, sunglasses and accessories.
  • Hilton Worldwide hotels: At least 5 percent off room rates
  • Hyatt Hotels: 10 percent off room rates
  • Target.com: 10 percent off online purchases (via AAA.com)
  • Starwood hotels: 5 to 15 percent off room rates
  • El Torito restaurants: 10 percent off, up to 4 adult entrees

PAY LESS FOR COFFEE

  • Einstein Bros. Bagels: Coffee in your personal mug costs just $1 – that’s 40% off regular price
  • Peet’s Coffee & Tea: 10 cents off with a refillable cup
  • Starbucks: Save 10 cents when you bring a mug. Bonus: Free refills with a Gold card.

STUDENT OR TEACHER ID PERKS

  • Apple: Students, teachers and school administrators receive $50 to $450 off computers.
  • Club Monaco: 20 percent off for college students and professors.
  • J. Crew: 15 percent off for college students and professors.
  • Topshop: 10 percent off with a valid high school or college ID
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Free Caribbean Vacation

2/6/2013

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Who says there’s no such thing as legitimate free stuff. I found this awesome website that gives away complimentary travel certificates to the caribbean. Most hotels and resorts are never booked to full capacity, except perhaps during the holidays and long weekends.

Some of the exotic locations include Cabo San Lucas, Puerta Vallarta, Cancun, Bahamas, Dominican Republic and many more destinations. Check their website for updated information.

Check out this website, they truly give you a free trip to the caribbean! The only thing you and your guest(s) need to do is attend a 90 minute no-obligation presentation and pay the room tax.

Go to RedeemTrip.com and mention the certificate promo code: GFF750 to receive your free exotic vacation! 


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    What does living frugally mean to me? Well, it does NOT mean being cheap, quite the contrary, I believe it’s being smart in your choices, such as how you spend your money everyday. Prioritize and take control of what’s important to you. I always strive to spend less on almost everything.

    In this challenging economy, some of us have had to cut back on our expenses. Wouldn't it be nice to still have the things or services you want and need but not have to pay full price or even better, get them for free? 

    Choose value and quality over quantity or fads and you will come out ahead. The great benefit of being frugal is that it eliminates waste and clutter which in turn helps our environment.  By doing simple changes towards more “green” and frugal ways, together we can make an impact on our planet. 
        

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     Hi, my name is Marissa Winfrey and I have been living the frugal life ever since I can remember. I have always looked for great bargains and getting the best value for my money without compromising style and quality.

    My background is in visual display and interior decorating. It’s always been my objective to recommend cost effective solutions to my clients. I, of course, practice what I preach! I have furnished my own homes mostly with furnishings and decor items from my own little vintage boutique, estate sales, discount stores, flea markets, yard sales, thrift stores and even curbside discarded furniture!

    My frugal practice goes beyond the home. I offer money saving tips on just about everything, from shopping to travel and everything in between. I hope my blog and website will inspire everyone to be their own Frugalista.

    Follow me on Facebook, Google+ 
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Read and learn about useful tips and tricks from experts on how to live "the frugal lifestyle" everyday!  Check out the books below, to see more of my top picks of frugal and financial savvy books, please visit The Frugal Book Store.
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Living The Savvy Life:
The Savvy Woman's Guide to Smart Spending and Rich Living
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It's Not About Being Cheap.  Living the Savvy Life isn't about being a cheapskate, a miser or a tightwad.  It's about having security and peace of mind by spending less than you make.  It's about knowing where you stand financially on a daily basis so you can make intelligent fiscal decisions. 

​It's about being penny-wise on the things that are less important to you so you can spend money on the things that are important to you. It's about choosing to purchase only the things that you love and make you happy.  
It's about finding, attaining and maintaining balance.  Are you ready to start Living the Savvy Life?

   
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​Thrifty: 
Living the Frugal Life with Style


Best-selling author Marjorie Harris offers a timely and entertaining guide to living the richly frugal life. From tips on how to haggle to becoming a frugal fashionista, maintaining your home on a budget, and thrifty gardening, travel, and entertainment, Harris provides essential guidelines to living a quality life on less. Written in her trademark witty, engaging, and accessible style, Thrifty is packed with simple and savvy tips drawn from Harris' own fulfilled, thrifty experience. Bonus tips come from renowned experts such as best-selling author Margaret Atwood, chef Jamie Kennedy, actor R. H. Thomson, travel writer Sylvia Fraser, and The Globe and Mail's style columnists.
  
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How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: 
Retirement Wisdom That You Won't Get from Your Financial Advisor
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How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free offers inspirational advice on how to enjoy life to its fullest. The key to achieving an active and satisfying retirement involves a great deal more than having adequate financial resources; it also encompasses all other aspects of life -- interesting leisure activities, creative pursuits, physical well-being, mental well-being, and solid social support. 

What sets this retirement book apart from all the others is its holistic approach to the fears, hopes, and dreams that people have about retirement. This international bestseller (over 110,000 copies sold in its first edition) goes way beyond the numbers that is often the main focus of retirement planning in most retirement books.
   
To see more of my top picks of frugal and financial savvy books, please visit The Frugal Book Store.

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