photo by kk+

The first step on the frugal path is different for everyone, but a handful of immediate lifestyle changes are popular for people just beginning the journey. These simple changes show quick results and easily become a force of habit. Try one or try them all, and you’ll be well on your way to saving money painlessly. Do the math and you’ll soon recover money you didn’t know was falling through the cracks.

CUT BACK ON DRYER USAGE: Even if you don’t hang your laundry on a clothesline every time you wash, you can still save a nice chunk of change each month by doing it every other load. Don’t want to hang clothes outside? No problem. Get a drying rack or hang a retractable line indoors. Many people hang clothes for half the drying time and then soften, fluff and finish drying them in the dryer.

STAY OUT OF STORES: If you’re used to running out daily for this or that, combine your errands into one outing. You won’t be tempted as often, and you’ll waste less gas, too. While you’re working on this, cut down on the amount of advertising you’re exposed to. You won’t be as enticed into impulse shopping. It’s time to prioritize and stop unnecessary spending.

CANCEL ADD-ONS: Do you really need all those premium TV channels and extra phone features, such as call waiting and forwarding? Cancel them or reduce your account to a basic plan and watch the savings add up.

PACK A LUNCH: Who knew something as simple as packing a lunch could add up to so much each month? Add additional savings for drinking more water (pack your own instead of buying bottled) and fewer soft drinks. Back away from the vending machines by bringing your own snacks, and don’t buy convenience-sized lunch snacks. Buy larger sizes and package them into smaller portions yourself.

USE LESS: Consider using less of items such as dish soap, shampoo and laundry detergent. Try cutting the amount you use in half. Simply being aware of how much you are using and wasting helps. Think about how much is actually needed to produce good results. Take this principle further by using less electricity, less water and fewer brand names.

CUT DOWN ON DINING OUT: If you can’t imagine not eating out, then try breakfast or lunch out instead of dinner. Consider skipping appetizers and desserts. Think about that ice-cream dessert at the restaurant and how you could easily get all the fixings at your grocery store and enjoy dessert several times versus just once. Go through the same process before buying daily mochas and lattes.

PAY YOURSELF FIRST: Track your spending and pay yourself first. Once you can see where your money is going, you’ll be more prone to staying on track with savings. Learn to separate your wants from your needs, and learn some new ways of finding happiness in the moment that doesn’t require spending money. While you’re at it, end that sense of entitlement. Be flexible and willing to make a single sacrifice. If you frequent salons often, go less frequently. If you smoke or drink alcohol, quit or consume less. Everyone has something they can sacrifice, even if it’s only once a month.
The small stuff nickel-and-dimes away your savings, and it all adds up.

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