My Frugal Life: Stop Looking At The Jones

Everyone starts their frugal journey for their own personal reasons. Either it is to simplify or their hand is forced. I for one, fell into the latter group.

After my now ex-husband walked out never to be seen again, leaving me with two children, I realized that I had to figure out how to make life work. My one child has a severe disability and the other was a toddler at the time.

I went from making a very good wage to making it work on less than a $1000 a month in 24 hours. A bit of a shock to say the least!

I sat down and started by separating everything in my life into two groups. First, was the need group. Hydro, telephone, heating and food. Those are really all anybody needs.

Next was the want list. To my surprise about 80% fell under the want list. I then broke it down into three groups. Really want, nice to have and can survive without. Again I was very surprised to find how much is just nice to have. Everyone's list will be different.

To me cable is a big want to the point of almost a need. I have a child that is confined to bed, he does NEED television. I like having TV because I don't go out much, never to movies, never eat out. I could justify the expense because that is basically all that is spent on entertainment.

I decided to forgo a car because to me it is a waste of money. I instead moved to a place that is on 9 bus routes, I can walk to 75% of the places I want to go and if need be I can take a cab back with groceries. Making the switch has a lot of personal reflection involved. It took me several years but I managed to stay at home with my children full time and provide them with an excellent lifestyle. I will share with you the things that worked best with me.

• If something is on sale and it is an item that you use a lot of or regularly, BUY CASES. School is about to start and apple juice was on for 50% off. I bought three cases to fill their juice boxes.
  Advertisement

  
  

  NOTE: Always check the expiry date, always rotate stock and make sure you don't over buy.

• Buy second hand clothes for the majority of clothing. I get name brand, price tags still on for $2 a piece. I also buy two to three sizes ahead in basics like long sleeved t-shirts, jeans, sweaters, sweatshirts etc. I also buy neutral colors like gray, black and navy so that both the kids can wear it.
• Freebie sites are great. I get samples, free full sized products and all sorts of other goodies. It is a treat opening up the mail box and finding a little something in there every day. There are many great sites out there that allow you to collect points for your opinions or trying a product and giving feed back. This year I have received over $2000 in free items. Starbucks gift cards, a $25 value each will become teacher presents. All the soap and shampoo samples are for the gym. I make really nice gift baskets for free!
Advertisement


• When grocery shopping always try and leave the kids at home and shop late in the day, before close if you can. This is when all the mark downs happen. Meat 50% off, same with produce. I have taken this to the level where other shoppers come up and ask me how I do it. I leave a high end grocery store with so many bags they don't all fit in the cart and I have to carry some by hand as well. Most I have spent was $98.
• Make using coupons an art form. Always try and use the coupon on the item when it is on sale and then on the smallest side. Some places allow you to stack coupons or will offer double coupon days. Collect coupons from news papers, ask friends or call the company directly. Find a good coupon in a flyer or newspaper? Go out and look in the recycling on garbage night. I know that nobody used them. Have too many or ones you don't use? Many online communities have coupon swapping clubs.
Advertisement


• Many museums and art galleries offer free evenings. Libraries always have things on for the kids, especially during the holidays. There are toy lending libraries where I live. Moms get together and clothing swap. Need a tool? Ask a friend to borrow or rent one. Look on your city's web site. Free fairs, events and did you know that many Parks classes, like swim lessons, are free if you are below a certain income level.
• Adopt a greener lifestyle. Think about how much money you spend on cleaning supplies. Add it up and I promise you that you will be shocked. All you ever really need is hot water and soap, maybe some bleach (being careful to NEVER mix bleach with anything else) and baking soda. All very cheap items. Composting not only is better for the planet but saves money. Less garbage bags, less time cleaning out the bins and you will get amazing results in your garden. We have a bumper crop of pepper squash this year, didn't even plant it. A seed sprouted in the compost bin and found its way out. Talk about frugal! I have neglected it and so far we have 50 pepper squash. I will be selling them at the farmer's market come fall.
Advertisement


• The biggest money saving tip I can give you all, one that will save you money and make you happier as well is: STOP LOOKING AT THE JONES. They are in debt anyway, don't spend time with their families, are overworked and for the most part miserable. My true friends don't even notice what brand of jeans I wear!

Meg from London, ON