One of the things that has always scared me a bit about leading a “frugal” lifestyle is that it would mean I would have to sacrifice quality and go cheap.  What I have learned however is that those who are frugal aren’t necessarily cheap.  You do not have to be cheap to be frugal.

Instead you can:

Put off purchases. Sure, the styles are in and in now, but if you buy it now you pay the price.  Waiting a few weeks on the sale is what a frugal shopper would do and will help you to get the quality goods at a lower price.  This can also apply to purchasing items when you really cannot afford them, wait until you can, save up until you have all the cash you need, then purchase. 

Be flexible. This applies well when it comes to cutting back, using coupons and other practices that frugal people do.  In order to truly save you must be flexible, flexible in your meal planning and in your purchasing.  Substitute less expensive ingredients for the more expensive ones in the recipe, buy the off brand or use a coupon for the brand that is on sale.  Remember you often cannot be brand loyal and remain frugal, so  put that behind you.

Be willing to do what it takes. Sometimes being frugal means extra work on your part, whether it means not using paper plates and thus having to wash dishes or it means waiting that extra time for the sale.  No matter what if you’re going to truly be frugal, you must be willing to do what it takes to get there.

Photo credit:  Tim Parkinson