Frugal Living and Lifestyle

coolpeopleifb (12)in #life • 6 years ago

Frugality is the quality of being frugal - sparing, thrifty, prudent or economical in the consumption of consumable resources such as food, time or money, and avoiding waste, lavishness or extravagance. Frugality has been defined as the tendency to acquire goods and services (procured) in a restrained manner, and resourceful use of already owned economic goods and services, to achieve a longer term goal.

It’s easy to be frugal when you have no money. Frugality by choice is much more interesting. You have to know what matters and if it costs money, spend it. However, figuring out what matters is the true hard part.

Most of us out of school, bunker down with that 9-5 job, earning that meager salary and working our way up. As time passes, the bucks flow in and flow out just as easily, without much thought.

When you reach that point of wondering when you will have time to enjoy life and have that money to do it with, you start to realize some change is needed.

Common strategies of frugality include the reduction of waste, curbing costly habits, suppressing instant gratification by means of self-restraint, seeking efficiency, avoiding traps, defying expensive social norms, detecting and avoiding manipulative advertising, embracing cost-free options, using barter, and staying well-informed about local circumstances and both market and product/service realities. Frugal Living is mainly practiced by those who aim to cut expenses, have more money, and get the most they possibly can from their money.

F.I.R.E:

It stands for Financial Independence Retire Early or FI/ER . You'll learn how to make some significant lifestyle choices immediately to try to achieve financial independence as quickly as possible. For most followers it’s actually more about mindfulness, frugality and simplicity – not just about money and financial independence.

Here are our Top 12 Best Suggestions to Live a Fruitful Well Balanced Life.

Create a Plan. Set milestone goals for your 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's.
Set Goals and a Budget. Create an outline for each phase of your life. Keep a Journal and Track your Budget vs. Actual to accurately monitor your progress.
Cut Expenses. Don't spend more than you have to on housing. Clip coupons or use coupon codes. Reduce your expenses. Pack your own lunch and make your own coffee. Join Buyer's Clubs.
Control your Impulses. Sure there will be times you're saving up for that work suit or handbag, but catch yourself when you're on line holding a pile of things that weren't on your "List".
Earn more Money. Ask for a raise. Get a side hussle going. Tutor, Open an eBay store, Uber, Have a Garage Sale, etc.
Take Advantage of Free Money. Start a 401k with a portion of your Salary. Start early.
Pay off Debt. Stay away from Credit Cards and Pay off Student Loans. Pay only in Cash. What you have, is what you have.
Invest Wisely. Shop Growth Rates. Avoid fee's and added charges that rack up quickly.
Take Time to Learn Finance. Attend a Course. Study online. Speak with your parents and grandparents. They sacrificed to provide you with a better life. Seek out mentors. Sign up now to AARP and learn from people who are Trying to Retire now, with the state of Economics as they are now in the US. Become an e-Advocate. Sign up to join at American Association of Retired Persons AARP.com
Comparison Shop. Learn to get a few prices on the Large Purchases you want to make. Choose the best price, quality, time balanced purchases you can.
Invest in your Future. Purchase a House if you can Afford to. The Long Term Equity will provide a large portion of your Early Retirement, whether it be in your 30's or 50's!
Lastly, but not Least: Find and Indulge yourself in Hobbies and Leisurely activities. Not only are they Free but they are Beneficial to your Overall Health. Mind, Body, Spirit and Soul. Take a walk on the beach. Bike ride in the park. Workout with friends. Not only will it take your mind off your finances, it will steep new life into your day.