A Crash Course in Creative Frugality

Maybe your family has been struggling recently due to an unexpected layoff or financial crisis. Maybe you're tired of debt and would like to get rid of it for good. Or maybe you would just like to put away more money for the future in the coming year. 

Whatever the case, you can benefit from a crash course in creative frugality. Creative frugality is the art of using ingenuity and inventiveness in your efforts to economize. It's not merely saving for the sake of saving; creative frugality is making a game of getting the most for the least outlay of cash.

Here is a week's worth of challenges to stretch your abilities to think and act in creatively frugal ways:

SUNDAY - For at least one day this week, challenge yourself not to spend any money on anything. Enjoy the feeling of keeping your cash in your wallet.

MONDAY - When you do spend, put yourself on a "cash only" system. Give your credit cards and even your checkbook a rest by buying only what you can pay for with cash.

TUESDAY - Try not to purchase anything this week at full price. Use coupons, buy on sale, or simply delay your purchase until you can get the item at a discount.

WEDNESDAY - Put off a trip to the grocery store as long as you can this week. Be creative in using up what you already have in your pantry.

THURSDAY - Surf the Internet for new ways to save money. Sign up for a free e-mail newsletter or discussion list that will provide ideas and encouragement.

FRIDAY - For the next seven days, don't spend any money on entertainment. Brainstorm with your family to come up with things you can do that are free: visit a library, do some mall walking, or read some good books.

SATURDAY - Look for ways to save gas and give your car a break this week. Combine errands, do business online or get some exercise by walking to places that are within walking distance.

Copyright Nancy Twigg 2003