When it comes to living frugally, there is no one-size-fits-all. Facing the harsh reality of living in the modern world means that things cost money — much more than they used to in plenty of cases. This includes cost-of-living expenses, such as food, housing, transportation and healthcare.
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That being said, if you really want to live a thrifty life but are unsure of where to begin, we’re here to help. There is hope on the horizon, with dollar bills remaining comfortably in your wallet and bank account.
GOBankingRates reached out to Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at TrueTrae.com, to find out the four easiest frugal living tips that are perfect for beginners.
Make Tweaks To Your Monthly Expenses
The foundation of frugal living is knowing where your money goes and tracking your spending. This helps you identify unnecessary spending and areas where you can cut back.
“Comb your credit card bills for any recurring subscriptions or memberships that are no longer serving you and cancel them,” said Bodge, who noted that you should try to target other recurring expenses, like your phone and cable bills.
“Mobile is easy — switch from your overpriced provider to a budget-friendly provider, like Mint Mobile,” Bodge added. “I did this a few years ago and saved my family $100 a month with their Unlimited plan, which is $15 a month per line.
“Cable is another target. Are you really watching all those channels or could you cut the cord and do it with a Roku device and some streaming channels? This switch could save you at least $50 a month,” Bodge explained.
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Put Money in Your Savings
As the saying goes, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” Or another way to think of it is that if you put money from your paycheck into your savings, that’s money you won’t be spending on things you do not need, only adding to your frugal lifestyle.
“Open a high-yield savings account and set up automatic withdrawals that work for your budget,” Bodge said. “Even if it’s $5 a month, that money will add up over time especially if you start young.”
Spend Smarter
Bodge urged those looking to live a frugal life to consider how they pay for what they need.
“Some credit cards offer cash back or points when you make purchases in select categories,” Bodge explained. “Another option, which is particularly good if you are struggling with credit card debt, is to use a debit card that has benefits.”
Other ways you can cut back when it comes to shopping is by writing down a list ahead of time, mapping out a budget at the start of each week so you only buy what you need and ditching high-end stores for discount ones.
You could even try buying things secondhand instead of brand new. Thrift stores, online marketplaces and local buy/sell groups offer quality items at a fraction of retail prices. Not only does buying secondhand count as shopping savvier, but it is one of the easiest ways to live frugally.
Cut Down on Grocery Bills
“Make sure to join any available free loyalty programs so you can earn points on your shopping, commit to buying store brands versus name brands and buy in bulk when it makes sense,” Bodge said.
“Start switching over from single-use items (like paper towels, plastic wrap, baggies and foil) and switch to multi-use dupes,” Bodge added — that way, you are saving money in a way that doesn’t feel like a heavy lift.
“You want to create a balance between enjoying life and saving money,” Bodge said. “I suggest setting some parameters around your ‘fun’ spending, like creating an allowance or setting limits for the number of times per month you go out for dinner or drinks.”
Keep in mind that eating out can drain your budget quickly, so meal planning and cooking at home are still your best bet financially. It not only saves money but also allows you to eat healthier and reduce food waste.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Easy Frugal Living Tips, Perfect for Beginners
