Tuesday, February 13, 2008
For a while now I’ve wanted to do a series of blog posts about practical ways to become more frugal. Years ago I prayed a simple prayer, “God, help me become a more frugal person.” Over time, the more I prayed that prayer, God slowly helped me find ways to cut expenses, save money, and give sacrificially towards some pretty cool God-led stuff.
So starting today I’m going to begin a series of posts on this subject, and I’d like to consider them a conversation more than anything else because I’m by no means an expert in this area. And, quite frankly, part of the reason I’m doing this is to steal great ideas from you. So as I share some things I’ve learned over the years please share your good ideas as well.
Live frugally. Give generously. Live well.
Brian
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3 comments:
Brian,
Being the youngest of seven kids from Depression era parents, frugality became second nature to us growing up. We call our 80 year old mother Penurious Pat to this day. She would darn socks, iron on knee patches to our blue jeans, and stretch regular milk with powdered milk. Although she still vehemently denies sending me to school with cold hot dog sandwiches for lunch. But we didn't know any different at the time. It's just the way it was.
Today, I know I drive my wife crazy turning lights off right after anyone leaves a room. She has the leg bruises from walking into tables to prove this can be a painful habit. But there are a few things we do to save (make) money that are fun as well as profitable.
During the Spring and Summer we spend a few Saturday mornings a month going to yard sales looking for items we can use or resell on ebay. I take my two boys ages 8 & 4 and they have a dollar or two of their own chore money to spend as they wish. They are becoming aware of what it takes to earn a dollar and also what it can buy for them. We also inventory the house occasionally and ebay stuff that we no longer use or put it out at our own annual garage sale. A good month could yield over $300 and a good garage sale over $500. That's grocery money or a car payment for some. I also frequent thrift stores, antique shops and used book stores for resell items.
Speaking of groceries; coupons and store cards are a must. If you can double dip, all the better. Check out online coupon sites for grocery stores as well as the Targets and Wal-Marts of the world. They usually have 5-10% off total bill coupons. We also belong to Costco for the non-perishable bulk items which saves over the standard stores.
We like movies so we joined a video club through the mail. We save a lot with this service. When we go out to the movies we try to do matinees and bring in our own food. It was pretty funny telling my 8 year to wait until the lights went down to break out his snacks. I still buy a coke and popcorn so they get their's too.
I contribute as much as I can to my 401K and we pay extra each month on our mortgage. Our family car is 10 years old and our TV's are even older. I can't seem to get rid of something that still works.
I do have one credit card and it yields rewards points so we did get a new dvd/vcr combo and a digital camera with the points recently. I don't carry a balance on the card; ever. I also have a hotel card which saves when I need to travel out of town.
As a sidenote, we accepted the tithing challenge a few weeks back and above and beyond the NY Giants Super Bowl win,(I had to get that in) which was more than enough for me, my wife contacted the State about unclaimed monies. Turns out we have a large sum coming to us from insurance companies when we moved from one house to another. I don't think it is a coincidence.
The way I was brought up has a lot to do with my lifestyle today. Basically, if I don't need it, I don't buy it. Hope this helps people save and make some money.
Jim Henson
Jim,
This is just great information. Thanks for sharing.
Brian
P.S. I was rooting for your Giants a few weeks ago. I expect the favor to be returned when OSU plays the Nittany Lions this fall.
Sears scratch and ding. Awesome prices, great appliances.
boscov's has the same thing.
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