Has Frugality Helped You Lower Your Budget?

[marvholly]

I just looked back. In 2008 I was taking $45/week for personal expenses (clothes, gas, mani/pedi…..), $20/week for groceries/cat and $12.50/month for fun.

Today I am taking $30/week for personal, still $20/week for groceries & household/cat and $10/month for fun/entertainment.

Since I am no longer working gas expense is WAAAY down. I have been buying 90% of my clothes at resale stores & the rest on MAJOR clearance. I now get my mani/pedi at a school paying $15 vs. $35. I watch the ads VERY closely for house/cat stuff and stock up especially if I also can get/have a coupon. I limit my fun to FREE movies, concerts…..at the park district, town events and/or library. I limit my eating out to 1 fast food & 1 sit down (usually w/a coupon, senior special or Groupon) per month.

It is not so much that I am really spending less out of pocket but I SURE am if you compare the costs of stuff + inflation over the 6 years.

[George707]

Frugality is counting

That certainly is Frugal.

I can't say I do that well. But I have been amazed by the benefits that have accrued to me since I just started counting. Counting the money up at the end of the week has transformed the way I think about nearly everything. Old news to some I'm sure, but for me a revelation. Actually doing more of what I want to do with less.

A change of mindset that I only wish I had achieved earlier in life. I could be rich ! Doh

[midlifefinance]

It helped, but not that much compared to my personal experience.

[LeanneRob]

absolutely, It is a mindset to get in to. Once there, it becomes quite easy. Natural I'd say

[annamarie]

frugality really helps me in times of unexpected events where I need to cash out, I have the funds to cover for it. Like ants, when it's summer, work,save and when it's rainy season, you've get to enjoy the fruit of your labor

[CashUp Sammy]

Totally.

For the simple fact that a penny saved, is a penny earned.

I'm a big fan of "what gets measured gets managed". Using a phone app to drack all expenses is eye opening. You don't have to deprive yourself, but just see where the leaks are in your budget and block them to a trickle.

[pandacashback]

Hell Ya,

When I start applying this to my coffee alone, I start saving $200 a month alone on coffee