Written By: The Green Crunchy Mother
As we all know, not every household has someone bringing in a six-figure income. Living well on a modest salary can be a challenge, but it certainly isn’t impossible.
Try out these tips for living well, regardless of the size of your income or bank account:
- Forget about the neighbors. The social world can be highly competitive, and it’s completely natural to strive to maintain appearances with the neighbors.
- When a neighbor purchases a new car or remodels her kitchen, the urge to start making comparisons can be strong. Take control of your life and resist the temptation to compete with others.
- Focus on the real necessities and set aside the extras you’d like to have in a perfect world. It takes practice, but anyone can rise above this type of thinking. This simple exercise will make you happier and more grateful for the things you already have.
- Think smaller. Everyone seems to be under the impression that bigger is better. However, by making a conscious decision to live in a smaller home, more money will be available to spend on more meaningful purchases.
- Many families have already made this decision, as evidenced by the trend in new construction. For the first time, the average square footage of new residential properties has decreased.
- Others are living successfully in apartments or condos. Perhaps you could downsize a little and just focus on being happy.
- Cook at home. Eating out is one of the surest ways to ruin your budget. Cooking at home can be just as good, but it does take some practice. Consider purchasing a good cookbook and experimenting with some new recipes.
- Groceries are always going to be cheaper than eating out.
- Instead of meeting friends out for dinner, invite them over. You can even request they bring a dish or dessert to share.
- At home dinner parties are a great way to be more social and keep some money in your bank account.
- Shop in the classifieds and at thrift stores. Stay out of the department stores and malls as much as possible. In many instances, secondhand items are 99% as good as new and theyβre a fraction of the cost. Keep an eye out for great deals.
- If you’re not in a hurry, you’re likely to find exactly what you need and save a ton of money in the process. Websites like Craigslist even have items available for free. Nobody else needs to know where you purchased your furniture, car, or clothing.
- Check out the local library. Instead of purchasing movies or books that you’re likely to only use once, try borrowing them from the local library for free.
- Some smaller libraries may have a limited selection, but most libraries are part of an interlibrary loan program with other area libraries. You might find that even your small local branch can find just about anything for you.
- Go outside. Many outdoor activities are free or inexpensive. Take a trip to the local beach or park. Go hiking. Nearly every area has its own type of natural beauty. Kids love to get outside and explore new places. For the cost of little gasoline and a few sandwiches, your family can have a great day. How can you beat that?
Living frugally doesn’t have to mean being miserable. Although it might require a little thought and planning, it’s really not difficult to live well on a modest income.
Consider how you can incorporate these tips into your current lifestyle. You might just find that you can live an even better life than you are now β on less money!
Are you living a frugal lifestyle? If so, please share your best tips on how to be frugal with my followers.
Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/greencrunchymother
Join our Facebook Group! It’s free! https://www.facebook.com/groups/2428581467207387
I did a lot of these tips for our bedroom make over. It is fun to me, like a game of sorts to find ways to save money. I even found some items our neighbors tossed out during large pick up day. Sometimes perfectly good items end up in landfills because it is hard to get rid of and pass them onto others.Most people want everything new now days. Those items I got were an old wooden tool box and and IKEA craft table with a little scratch on the top that is barely noticeable. I am going to put the table in my sewing room because I needed a small craft table (and it’s white so it matches the room) and the old 1950’s tool box I painted and am using it as a storage box.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow! That is amazing! I agree, a lot of people want to purchase brand new. It sounds like you found some real gems!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much fun, so happy to run across other people that share the same interest in saving money and repurposing items. I am sure I drive some people crazy with my saving tips but I love sharing how easy it is to be debt free and do things ourselves.
LikeLike
I love thrift shopping! Itβs fun to find unique items and items to use. Nice post π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thrift shopping can be so much fun. Thank you for taking the time to read my post π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course π!
LikeLike
Very nice, thanks for the info! Take care and thank you for following.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank yo for taking the time to read my post π
LikeLiked by 1 person