MAKE PEACE WITH YOUR POCKETBOOK DURING NATIONAL CREATIVE FRUGALITY WEEK, 
JANUARY 25th - 31st, 2009

The holiday season is a time of happiness and good cheer. However, that good cheer can quickly become post-holiday depression when the credit card bills arrive in January and overzealous Christmas shoppers realize how much they now owe.

If holiday spending left your pocketbook or wallet feeling empty this month, there is a solution. Why not participate in the eleventh annual National Creative Frugality Week, January 25^th – 31^st? Occurring one month after the week of Christmas, this event encourages those who overspent and even those who didn’t to have fun as they experiment with new ways to be resourceful and make their money go farther.

"Christmas is a time of giving," says Nancy Twigg, founder of National Creative Frugality Week. "Now that Christmas is over, it’s time to give yourself a gift: the gift of thrift." 

Here are five ways Nancy suggests you can jumpstart your frugality this week:

1. Write it down. – For at least one week, record every single penny you spend. This will help you see exactly where your money is going and how you can cut back.
   
2. Cut out extras. – Once you see where your money goes, try to eliminate one or two of the non-essentials such as that cappuccino on the way to work or those extra goodies at the grocery store.
   
3. Put off spending. – For items that are necessary, challenge yourself to delay that spending as long as you can. Try to use up what you already have in your pantry; walk instead of driving when running errands nearby.
   
4. Lighten up. – In addition to saving money, look for ways to make extra money. January is a great time to declutter. Pad your wallet by selling your extra stuff through the classified ads, at a consignment store or through an online auction like eBay.
   
5. Enjoy free fun. – Cut corners but don’t cut out all the fun! Do something fun this week that doesn’t cost you a dime such as curling up with a good library book or visiting a free exhibit with someone you love.

Does your frugality need a boost? Are you looking for motivation to help you get back on the thrifty living bandwagon?
 


If so, click here to learn about an audio presentation in which Nancy Twigg  explains what creative frugality is, what it isn't, and how to incorporate more of it into your life. 

To schedule an interview with National Creative Frugality Week Founder Nancy Twigg, email her at nancy@countingthecost.com