I keep getting asked, over and over, what is the single best frugal tactic. Considering so many different lifestyles and needs, there are countless ways to save money and one of them may be the best for you while it won't work at all for someone else.
BUT... since when did I let impossibilities stop me?
Here's what I think is the absolute best tactic ever: Do nothing. Absolutely nothing. Don't go shopping. Don't go anywhere. Don't turn on the TV or snack or do anything to run up your water bill.
In other words, don't consume anything.
I don't mean that you should sit staring out into space with an empty tummy and an empty head. Have a meal, but make it simple and inexpensive. Borrow a book from the library and read. Go outside and watch the birds, the traffic... watch the grass grow. Just don't consume anything that costs money.
Try it. You might actually like it.
I also have found the best way to save money is stay home!! Even going to thrift stores and yard sales can really add up to a lot of money.
ReplyDeletethat's so true, Linda - I think 'thrifting' is a sort of hobby for many people and not as cheap as they realise! I'm trying to steer clear now unless I'm after something in particular. I think most things have an 'expensive' path and a 'frugal' path. Around every activity has sprung up a myriad of money-spinning attention-grabbing possibilities.
ReplyDeleteFor instance, to write a novel you need paper and pen - $4 or maybe an old computer that runs a word processor - $150 ? But by the time you collect umpteen how-to books, grammars and dictionaries, bought 'reference' books written by other authors, joined your local writer's chapter and attended the national conference... there's your first publisher's advance cheque spent!
Music: an old guitar, a pack of strings, and a bread-bag-tab pick. Or........
My greatest weakness as far as spending is buying things because they are "such a great deal" or "such a bargain," even though they don't fit correctly or I won't ever have the time or motivation to use them, etc. The dollar price of thrifting can quickly escalate.
ReplyDeleteI've also noticed that one tends to be marketed from a 'frugal path" toward an 'expensive' path on activities. With sewing machines I prefer the simpler ones that do straight and zigzag stitches, and a relative actually prefers the old-fashioned treadle style. However, I know people who have upgraded through a series of ever more complicated sergers. And it amazes me how complicated and expensive scrapbooking can become and how much a skein of yarn can cost!
I agree, Pat, whole-heartedly! But when are you going to post again? It's been several days. I hope you are not under the weather! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI've had out of state company, plus extra work to do. Sorry... it takes me awhile to recover any more. I'll be back at it soon, I promise. :)
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