Being Green And Simple

This will not be a popular suggestion either. If you don?t like it, move on to the next one. It?s not for everybody. But think about this: 20 years ago, most people didn?t have cell phones. And miraculously, they survived. A cell phone is not a necessity. It?s a convenience. When people needed to make a call, 20 years ago, they either waited until they got to a destination (wait to make a phone call?! omg!), or pulled over and used a pay phone or a phone in a business establishment.

I actually don?t travel much, but if you do have to travel, some advance planning can save you money. Airfare is most expensive, usually, so look to buy your ticket in advance, and look for deals. Also consider train travel. Shop around for car rental rates, as they can vary greatly (or use public transportation). Look for cheaper accommodations, or stay with a friend or relative. Just a note: I do plan to travel, but not until I finally eliminate all of my debt.

Frozen foods, microwaveable stuff, junk food ? anything that?s packaged and prepared for our convenience is not only more expensive than something you cook yourself, but also most likely less healthy. I?m not saying to eliminate these completely, but reduce consumption.

I mentioned the interest of credit cards, and auto loans, and mortgages. I consider them a waste of money. I?ve talked about how to live without credit before, and I recommend it for a frugal lifestyle. Consider any other accounts or loans where you pay interest, and see if you can eventually eliminate as much of these as possible.

Instead of hiring someone to do something, try doing it yourself. Sure, it takes some time and effort, but it?s satisfying, and of course cheaper. It?s also educational, if you don?t know how to do it ? again, do an online search, read up on it, and give it a go. Frugality freaks are DIYers.

I won?t go into all the possibilities here, but many times we buy things when really, we could make them ourselves for much cheaper if we get a little creative. Now, this might take a little more time and effort, but it can be fun, especially if you make it a family project. We recently made our own (very simple) bookshelves with only a couple of pieces of lumber, instead of buying them. If you don?t know how to make something, search for it online. You?ll most likely find some instructions.

With the wealth of information and entertainment online, do you really need magazine subscriptions? With all the news online, do you really need a newspaper subscription? If you can get DVDs for free or cheap, do you really need a Netflix subscription? Don?t flame me if you think you do need any of these ? I?m just asking you to consider whether they?re really essential ? the answer might be yes. Also consider other subscriptions you might be paying for ? I?m not saying you should cancel everything, but seriously consider whether they can be canceled without much loss of value. Read more.

Credit cards are not evil. And before you flame me, once again, I realize that they can be used to good purpose. If that?s how you use them, then that?s good, skip this tip. For others, credit cards make buying too easy, and end up making them buy too much.Not only that, but if you don?t pay your bill in full each month, they will cost you a lot in interest. The average American with at least 1 credit card has more than $8,500 in credit card debt. Don?t make that mistake. Here?s my story.

Becoming a homebody might not sound like a lot of fun, but it really can be. I love staying home with my family. We can do all kinds of fun things at home. Or I can spend a day alone, if the family is at school, and really enjoy it. It?s quiet and peaceful, I can read or watch a good movie or respond to comments on my blog or write. Staying home can save tons, in eating out expenses, shopping expenses, gas, and incidentals.

Instead of running an errand or two every day, batch them into one errand day, and plan your most efficient route, to save gas and time. Also do as much bill-paying online as possible, to eliminate some errands.