My Frugal Life: Being Mentally Thrifty

I have always mentally been a thrifty person. As a child, I was confused by the other kids who would spend all their money on candy, toys, or other little things. I might buy one thing, whereas my sister or friends would buy two, three, or more! I used my money to buy cooler clothes than my mom would pick out or a few books (although now I live for a good book from the library).

My favorite ways to save today, is to prioritize what I want to spend my money on and what areas I feel are wasteful. I don't like to waste money on heating bills, so we have a thermostat installed to regulate the temperature all year long. I have a pay as you go cell phone shared between my husband and I. While he's at work, I have it, and when he's home, we share it (since were together most of the time anyways). We figure we spend no more than $20 a month on cell time. We use Skype (internet calling) to avoid long distance calling as well.

I've organized my grocery shopping into categories - produce/meat and bulk shopping. Our produce/meat store is only a five minutes drive (which I sometimes walk with my daughter who's 2 years old), but our bulk grocery store (where we buy all of our canned goods and typically more expensive elsewhere products) is a 20 minute drive away. So I organize the bulk shopping trip only once a month, whereas I shop produce/meat once a week. The bulk goods generally don't go bad right away, so this works well for me. I figure I save at least $5 in gas money a trip, by not regularly driving 20 minutes away for our weekly grocery needs.

We bag/pack our meals or eat them home. If we do plan to eat out, we try and share a meal, appetizer, or dessert and drink only water to avoid paying excess for a social occasion. I have been known to eat a small meal at home early, to avoid going out with an empty tummy. This way its easier to share a meal, etc.

I have a budget that is set, not to limit our spending, but to show exactly what we DO spend our money on. This is meant for a reality check, and that way if we don't like how our money is being spent, we can plan to change it!

I coupon of course, but here in Canada it's hard work, with very little reward. Since I always shop primarily the outer perimeter of the store, there are few coupons, but I try and usually save $5 a trip.

One thing I have yet to venture into is washable diapers. I know, I know! This is the ultimate money saver, but I know my weaknesses and laundry is one of them! So I save money by buying the superstore brand diapers or coupon the other brands.

I have caught myself spending a fair bit of money on travel, reference books (gardening, cooking, etc.), and higher end products for the household. But I prioritize these items and only spend what we can afford.

Besides, money comes and goes.

By Sonja from Nanaimo, BC, Canada

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