The Frugal Lifestyle
  • Blog
  • Tips
  • Cash Back
  • Savings
    • Home Decor
    • Housing
    • Health
    • Finance
    • Food
    • Utilities
    • Technology
    • Insurance
    • Auto
    • Shopping
    • Travel
  • Store
  • Freebies
  • Coupons
  • About

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

Less is More: Free Yourself from Stress and Unnecessary Stuff

3/26/2019

0 Comments

 
Anyone can make their lives a little less complicated and a lot more stress-free. I've listed some ways that I've personally done to simplify my life and in the process either saved money or even made some money!
Picture

Here are 13 ways on simplifying your life:

1. Declutter and Purge - We all tend to accumulate "stuff". When it becomes a bit overwhelming, it's time to declutter your home, your car, your closet, your purse/wallet and your office. I allow myself to purchase one new (or vintage) item as long as I've purged one item out aka the "one in, one out" rule. I usually have a garage sale (extra money, yay!) or donate it to charity once I've edited things I no longer need or want.

2. Organize - Now that you've gotten rid of unnecessary clutter, it's time to get organized! I've found that baskets are a great way to keep things neat and tidy. I use baskets for towels in the linen closet, for office supplies, I even use baskets in my refrigerator. Keep paperwork, bills, invoices, etc.. labeled and filed in folders. You can also save a lot of time by organizing your closet so that you can see everything at a glance. By having a place for everything it will make it easier and simpler to find things when you need them.

3. Consolidate Finances - Although I believe in having a diversified investment portfolio, I think having one or two banking institutions has made my life a little more simple. I only use one credit card (linked to my checking account) which I always pay off each month. Plus it's a cash-back rewards credit card. I keep track of all of my expenses daily, so there are no surprises  (like fraudulent charges). I have my savings and CD's with Ally Bank, which is a great online bank that offers one of the best interest rates around.

4. Make a List - I'm a big believer of writing things down. Whether it's a grocery list, an errands list, a 5 year goal list, etc.. I think it's important to visualize your tasks or goals. For example, by having a list when I go food shopping, I tend to stick to the list and in turn save money along the way. It's a great feeling to cross something off my list once I've accomplished said item on list.

5. Eliminate Cable & Phone Landline - I eliminated both my cable/satellite and home phone line years ago. It's so freeing to not waste time flipping channels looking for shows I don't really care about. I now only watch my favorite shows online for free when I want to. I got rid of my landline and only use my cell phone, because my cell plan is unlimited everything, this saves me a lot of money! My only home technology expense is the internet, which I was able to negotiate my rate with AT&T since I've been a customer for over 10 years.

6. Plan Errands Efficiently - When I run errands or go shopping, I try to do it all in one trip. Not only does this save me time and effort, but it saves on gasoline as well. If there's a coupon that's about to expire and it's something I am actually going to use, I plan my trip around that day.

7. Automate Payments - Most people already do this - by automating your bill paying online, you will never miss a payment, which means you avoid late fees plus you save money on postage. Set up auto payments for your mortgage, credit card, utilities, etc online. Make sure to keep track of your recurring expenses so that you know you're within your monthly budget. You should also automatically deposit a recurring amount to your savings account.

8. Don't Let Things Pile Up - The most overwhelming part of tidying up is when it's a big pile of mess! Don't let things get to a point where it seems too much to take on. For example, when the mail arrives, designate whether it's something to keep or toss in recycle bin. Also, when you have enough dirty clothes for a large load (in cold water to save energy) then it's time to do the laundry. Rather than waiting till there's a pile of dirty dishes in the sink, wash them after each meal. By doing chores when they need to be done will seem less daunting. 

9. Pay Off Your Debt - This is easier said than done, but once you've eliminated or at least reduced your debt, you will feel a sense of freedom that's priceless! One tip I've already shared is to pay off your credit card balance at the end of each month, which means you don't incur interest charges. I have a set amount each month that I try to not go over (barring emergencies of course). Tackle your lower balanced loans or debts first and try to pay those off right away. If possible, use cash as much as possible and only spend what you can afford to pay off.

10. Eat Leftovers - I think it's a shame when perfectly good food goes to waste. Often times when we go out to eat, I or some of my friends have food they couldn't finish - I'm always the one packing it up to take home. By eating leftovers, it's just one more meal I don't have to worry about cooking, plus it's über frugal. Another simple tip that goes a long way is to make chicken soup in a slow cooker, this can make several cups of soup and clean up is easy!

11. Shop Around For Better Rates - Whether it's getting lower costs for your mortgage interest rate, mobile phone service, insurance rates, credit card interest rates or internet service, etc... it pays to shop around or better yet, if you are happy with your current provider, call them and ask to them to lower your payment. Most companies will give you a lower rate in order to keep you as their (happy) customer.

12. Sell Your Unwanted Treasures - When you are clearing out your home or office, you will most likely come across items that are a little more than "garage sale" material. I have sold many items on LetGo, OfferUp, Craigslist, etc that I do not need anymore such as furniture, electronics, designer shoes, plants, books, purses, etc.

13. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle - Instead of throwing away paper, cardboard, plastic, or glass... take it to your local recycling center. Not only is it good for the environment, but you get paid in cash! Make sure to have designated containers for each category at home, to keep things organized.

Share
       
0 Comments

Enrich Your Life With Less

2/7/2017

0 Comments

 
Do you or anyone you know have a hectic life? Do you feel overwhelmed at times? Anyone can make their lives a little less complicated and a lot more stress-free. I've listed some ways that I've personally done to simplify my life and in the process either saved money or even made some money:)
Picture

Here are 13 things you can do to simplify your life:


1. De-clutter and Purge - We all tend to accumulate "stuff". When it becomes a bit overwhelming, it's time to de-clutter your home, your car, your closet, your purse/wallet and your office. I allow myself to purchase one new (or vintage) item as long as I've purged one item out aka the "one in, one out" rule. I usually have a garage sale (extra money, yay!) or donate it to charity once I've edited things I no longer need or want.

2. Organize - Now that you've gotten rid of unnecessary clutter, it's time to get organized! I've found that baskets are a great way to keep things neat and tidy. I use baskets for towels in the linen closet, for office supplies, I even use baskets in my refrigerator. Keep paperwork, bills, invoices, etc.. labeled and filed in folders. You can also save a lot of time by organizing your closet so that you can see everything at a glance. By having a place for everything it will make it easier and simpler to find things when you need them.

3. Consolidate Finances - Although I believe in having a diversified investment portfolio, I think having one or two banking institutions has made my life a little more simple. I only use one credit card (linked to my checking account) which I always pay off each month. Plus it's a cash-back rewards credit card. I keep track of all of my expenses daily, so there are no surprises  (like fraudulent charges). I have my savings and CD's with Ally Bank, which is a great online bank that offers one of the best interest rates around.

4. Make a List - I'm a big believer of writing things down. Whether it's a grocery list, an errands list, a 5 year goal list, etc.. I think it's important to visualize your tasks or goals. For example, by having a list when I go food shopping, I tend to stick to the list and in turn save money along the way. It's a great feeling to cross something off my list once I've accomplished said item on list.

5. Eliminate Cable & Phone Landline - I eliminated both my cable/satellite and home phone line years ago. It's so freeing to not waste time flipping channels looking for shows I don't really care about. I now only watch my favorite shows online for free (on Tubi or Crackle) whenever I want to. I got rid of my landline and only use my cell phone, because my cell plan is unlimited everything, this saves me a lot of money!

6. Plan Errands Efficiently - When I run errands or go shopping, I try to do it all in one trip. Not only does this save me time and effort, but it saves on gasoline as well. If there's a coupon that's about to expire and it's something I am actually going to use, I plan my trip around that day.

7. Automate Payments - Most people already do this - by automating your bill paying online, you will never miss a payment, which means you avoid late fees plus you save money on postage. Set up auto payments for your mortgage, credit card, utilities, etc.. online. Make sure to keep track of your recurring expenses so that you know you're within your monthly budget. You should also automatically deposit a recurring amount to your savings account.

8. Don't Let Things Pile Up - The most overwhelming part of tidying up is when it's a big pile of mess! Don't let things get to a point where it seems too much to take on. For example, when the mail arrives, designate whether it's something to keep or toss in recycle bin. Also, when you have enough dirty clothes for a large load (in cold water to save energy) then it's time to do laundry. Rather than waiting till there's a pile of dirty dishes in the sink, wash them after each meal. By doing chores when they need to be done will seem less daunting. 

9. Pay Off Your Debt - This is easier said than done, but once you've eliminated or at least reduced your debt, you will feel a sense of freedom that's priceless! One tip I've already shared is to pay off your credit card balance at the end of each month, which means you don't incur interest charges. I have a set amount each month that I try to not go over (barring emergencies of course). Tackle your lower balanced loans or debts first and try to pay those off right away. If possible, use cash as much as possible and only spend what you can afford to pay off.

10. Eat Leftovers - I think it's a shame when perfectly good food goes to waste. Often times when we go out to eat, I or some of my friends have food they couldn't finish - I'm always the one packing it up to take home. By eating leftovers, it's just one more meal I don't have to worry about cooking, plus it's über frugal. Another simple tip that goes a long way is to make chicken soup in a slow cooker, this can make several cups of soup and clean up is easy!

11. Shop Around For Better Rates - Whether it's getting lower costs for your mortgage interest rate, mobile phone service, insurance rates, credit card interest rates or internet service, etc... it pays to shop around or better yet, if you are happy with your current provider, call them and ask to them to lower your payment. Most companies will give you a lower rate in order to keep you as their (happy) customer.

12. Sell Your Unwanted Treasures - When you are clearing out your home or office, you will most likely come across items that are a little more than "garage sale" material. I have sold many items on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp that I do not need anymore such as furniture, electronics, designer shoes, plants, books, purses, etc..

13. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle - Instead of throwing away paper, cardboard, plastic, or glass... take it to your local recycling center. Not only is it good for the environment but you get paid in cash! Make sure to have designated containers for each category at home, to keep things organized.

​

​    
0 Comments

7 Ways To Find Happiness

2/14/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Share

​Happiness can be elusive when life is too complicated. I would like to share this great post from Happiness Tricks about what we all strive for ... to be happy:)

As daily commitments multiply, we find ourselves becoming conditioned to shifting between multiple tasks, creating lengthy to-do lists and juggling complicated schedules.  When we’re not overwhelmed, we may feel proud that we can keep up with it all.  It’s all part of making a living, but in the end it can stand in the way of making a life.

Does your schedule leave you time for things that bring true happiness?
These things vary for each of us, but for most people true happiness consists of spending time with loved ones and engaging in activities that reveal the richness and beauty of the world around us.

To get the most out of these activities, you must approach them from a place of stillness, peace and calm.
A busy life can be personally fulfilling, but it may leave you feeling too frazzled to achieve the stillness and peace that will allow you to connect with deep happiness and the underlying beauty of life.  You can’t just walk away from the responsibilities that fracture your time, but you can simplify your life so that your mind is calmer and more open to the hidden treasures in life.

Here are 7 ways to get started with simplifying your life and working towards a more peaceful state of mind.
  1. Question your dependence on material possessions.  Recognize the difference between things you need and things you want.  Our culture bombards us with messages about material things that will make our lives better.  The reality is that most of these things will clutter our lives without bringing true happiness.  Free yourself from the culture of excess and learn to be content with fewer possessions and greater simplicity.
  2. Think for yourself.  If you spend your life playing out a role that society or someone else defines, you’re missing out on the chance to follow your own desires.  Your inner life is diminished when you are limited by conformity.  Why give up your freedom and allow all of your decisions to be defined by what you think you “should” do?  Become a non-conformist and think for yourself, letting your passions be your guide.
  3. Rethink your commitments.  Life is full of opportunities to earn money, give service, learn new skills and make new friends.  Some of us want it all and fill up our calendars with activities and obligations.  Over-committing is the surest way to banish stillness and calm from your life.  Rushing from one activity to another leaves you with no time to slow down, observe and let things happen.  No matter how worthy you think your commitments are, rethink and prioritize them.  Keep the ones that are most important and eliminate the ones that are adding to the hectic pace of your life with little return.
  4. Create more free time.  Once you’ve balanced your commitments, find ways to increase your free time.  Eliminate time wasters and re-evaluate your chores.  If you spend hours each week cleaning house, see if you can do a little less and have more free time.  Eliminating clutter from your home will make it easier to clean.  Once you’ve created more free time, fill it with activities that develop your inner self.  Spend some time alone and spend some with the people you care about most.  Focus on calming activities.
  5. Savor the simple pleasures.  How often do you prepare a healthy and delicious meal and then savor every bite of it?  Instead of rushing through meals, barely tasting what you’re eating, take time to enjoy them.  Invest time in other simple pleasures – work in your garden, take a relaxing soak in a hot tub or bath, bike or hike through a nature preserve.  Unless you’re retired, you probably can’t do these things every day, but fitting them into your schedule even once or twice a week will have a calming effect on your life.
  6. Focus on the present moment.  When you’re over-committed, you can end up rushing from one thing to the next without enjoying or even being very conscious of the world around you.  There’s always the hope that when things slow down you’ll have time to enjoy life.  Maybe you look forward to the weekend or an annual vacation, thinking that you’ll be able to find a way to slow down.  Instead of looking to the future, learn to focus on the present moment.  Enjoy what you’re doing in the here and now.  You can find serenity in even the most mundane task if you really give it your attention and do it mindfully.
  7. Give up some control.  No matter how much we plan, we can never predict what the future will bring.  Trying to exercise too much control can just lead to frustration, in addition to frustrating the people around you.  Since you never know what the future will bring, it’s futile to try to control events.  Instead of attempting to control the outcome of events, learn to relax and enjoy the journey.  Letting go of the need to control will give you more freedom to live in the moment.  By planning less, you’ll be more open to unforeseen opportunities that come your way.  This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still have goals, but that your focus shifts from the ends to the means.

Remember that simplicity is a process, not a destination.
For most of us, there is no escaping the inherent complexity of our lives.  However, by deciding to simplify your life and spend more time seeking true happiness, you’ve started on a road that can lead to profound changes in your life.
​
There is no final destination at the end of this road.
Because life is forever changing and evolving, and you are evolving along with it, you will never reach a point of perfect simplicity and endless happiness.  But each moment you spend on the path to simplicity does have the potential to bring more serenity and happiness into your life.
​
Share

Related post:
13 Tips To Simplify Your Life

​

0 Comments
        
         
    Picture

    ​Subscribe Here

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

        

    Trending Posts

    Some of our popular articles
    Picture
    • 13 Ways To Make Extra Money At Home
    ​
    Picture
    • Save a Life and Get Paid to Foster a Rescue Dog
    ​

    Picture
    • 8 Ways To Save Without Compromising Your Lifestyle
    ​
    Picture
    • 13 Money Tips From The Amish
    ​

    Picture
    • Top 10 Thrifty Travel Tips
    ​

    Picture
    • Frugal Picnic Tips & Ideas
    ​

    Picture
    • 6 Ways I Save Money On Hair Care Costs
    ​

    Picture
    • Enrich Your Life With Less
    ​

    Picture
    • 13 Ways to Save Money On Everything
    ​

    Picture
    • Rich Yet Frugal Athletes
    ​

    Picture
    • 5 Bridal Shower Tips
    ​

    Picture
    • My Top 5 Flea Market Decorating Books
    ​
        
    Saving Money Blog Awards 2017 ​


    Blog Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013

       

    RSS Feed

         
    View my Flipboard Magazine.
         

    Blog Categories

    All
    Bargains
    Bridal Shower Tips
    Budget Renovations
    Budget Travel
    Cash Back Rewards
    Cash Back Shopping
    Cash-back Shopping
    Coupon Tips
    Deals
    Decorating Ideas
    Discounts
    DIY
    Dollar Store Buys
    Earn Money
    Freebies
    Free Money
    Frugal Beauty
    Frugal Celebrities
    Frugal Gifts
    Frugal Health
    Frugal Home Decor
    Frugal Ideas
    Frugal Living
    Frugal Savings
    Frugal Tips
    Frugal Travel
    Frugal Wedding Tips
    Fun Ideas
    Garage Sale
    Gift Ideas
    Giving Back
    Happiness
    Healthy Living
    Home Based Business
    Home Decor
    Make Money
    Money Savers
    Money Saving Tips
    Network Marketing
    Picnic Tips
    Recycle
    Retirement Tips
    Rewards
    Richer Lifestyle
    Save Money Eating Out
    Savvy Ideas
    Savvy Money
    Side Gigs
    Simplicity
    Smart Tips
    Spend Less
    Tax Tips
    Thrifty Ideas
    Thrifty Tips
    Travel Tips
    Wealthy Living
    Wedding Tips
    Work From Home
    Yard Sale Tips


    Subscribe Here

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

          
    Saving Money Blog Awards 2017
       
    ​
         
    Picture
        
    Follow Marissa on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.
       
    Visit Marissa's profile on Pinterest.
        
         
         
    BeFrugal.com Members
         

    Site Search


    Site Categories

    • Spend Less
    • Earn More
    • Live Better

    • Auto
    • Cash-back
    • Coupons
    • Deals
    • Entertainment
    • Finance
    • Food
    • Freebies
    • Giveaways
    • Health
    • Home Decor
    • Housing
    • Insurance
    • Money
    • Rebates
    • Retirement
    • Resources
    • Rewards
    • Savings
    • Shopping
    • Technology
    • Tips
    • Travel
    • Utilities
    • Websites

    Picture
    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. 
        

    Real Savings 
    +
    Extra Earnings =
    A Richer Life

        
    Picture
         
         
    Saving Money Blog Awards 2017
         
    Picture
        
       

    About Me

    Picture
     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+ 
    and Twitter.
        
    Picture


    Subscribe Here

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    RSS Feed

         
    Picture
         
         
        

    My Fave Links


    • Amazon 

    • GoDaddy

    • Groupon

    • LivingSocial 

    • MrRebates 

    • Priceline​

         


    Site Categories

    • Spend Less
    • Earn More
    • Live Better

    • Auto
    • Cash-back
    • Coupons
    • Deals
    • Entertainment
    • Finance
    • Food
    • Freebies
    • Giveaways
    • Health
    • Home Decor
    • Housing
    • Insurance
    • Money
    • Rebates
    • Retirement
    • Resources
    • Rewards
    • Savings
    • Shopping
    • Technology
    • Tips
    • Travel
    • Utilities
    • Websites
        
        
        
    Endless Vacation Rentals
         
        
    Picture
       
       
        
        

    Real Savings 
    +
    Extra Earnings =
    A Richer Life

        
    Picture
        
    Mr. Rebates
          
        
    Weebly - Websites, eCommerce & Marketing in one place.
       
    Picture
         
        

TheFrugalLifestyle.com

Real Savings + Extra Earnings = A Richer Life

      

Sign Up To Receive Updates Here

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

     
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.
​
Picture
Living The Savvy Life:
The Savvy Woman's Guide to Smart Spending and Rich Living
​

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?

   
Picture
​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.
  
Picture
How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: 
Retirement Wisdom That You Won't Get from Your Financial Advisor
​

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.

​

Sign Up To Receive Updates Here

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner