Are you the kind of person who lives their life pay-cheque to pay-cheque? Who has asked to use people’s phones on numerous occasions because of your lack of phone credit? Are you the person who stays for the last fortnight of the month because you can’t afford to hit the town with the girls?
If you want to change your money habits and become more frugal, you need to change your attitude.
But being thrifty doesn’t mean giving up on all the luxuries and things which make you happy. We have seven top tips here for you that need to become part of your lifestyle for you to become a cash-savvy person.
1. Be Active In Your Goal Of Being Frugal
Take the first step and look hard at your finances and your budget. Understand where your money goes. Tell your friends and family your wish to become smarter with your cash. They might be less likely to pressure you into one more round of drinks or you could all choose cheaper alternatives for a night out.
Listen to your inner voice. We know, she’s far too sensible, but everytime you go to spend out of your budget, stop and ask yourself what you are doing. You’ll laugh at how shallow some of the reasons sound!
2. Begin With The End In Mind
Have goals. Those who are effective in achieving their goals can envisage the end result, despite any obstacles. Define your goal. Do you want to be debt-free, do you want to build savings or do you want to be able to live on your own? Now, decide how you will get there. Use your budget and be aware of any obstacles that might be thrown at you. Think of your daily spending habits and choose cheaper alternatives.
3. Put It To The Forefront
You need to spend time at it if you really believe in it. There might be something so much more important that you could be doing instead of drawing up next week’s budget at home but give yourself time to do just that.
Fill up your piggy-bank!
4. Believe You’re Bi-Winning
You might be sitting at home thinking it’s not fair so-and-so just got a new car and it’s not fair they’re going on their second holiday this year. However, make sure you realise you are only seeing a small part of your friends’ finances who seem to “have it all”. You will get there too and there will be plenty of holidays each year when you can afford the expense. Also, the flashy new car and holidays abroad could just be a façade to cover their mountains of debt.
5. It’s Not All About You
Oh, that’s harsh! But it’s true. The likelihood is other people will be affected by your decision to live a more frugal lifestyle. You need to listen to and understand the goals and behaviours or the other people in your life too. You need to find a way to be more frugal without them having to give up all of the things which are most important to them too.
Keep an eye on your wallet!
6. Find A Team-Mate
Surround yourself with other frugal people. To be successful in your goal, find someone else who are what you want to be. Whether you chat online to people or share ideas with that lady in the shop, it always helps to learn from others.
7. Go One Step Further Than Being Thrifty…
Why not frugally renew yourself at the next level too?
Physically: By eating better you will feel better and if you start your own vegetable patch for example you will be able to save at the supermarket and will be eating better at the same time. Exercising keeps you fit and healthy and it doesn’t cost you anything to go for a walk with friends or go skipping in the back garden.
Mentally: Exercising and broadening your mind through learning, reading, writing and teaching can be done frugally at your local library or even by volunteering at a school or retirement home to teach others a skill you may be taking for granted. All for absolute free.
For some top tips on how to be a rich woman this January and save on your winter utility bills this season click here…
