There is a list of items that you could probably live without — especially if you want to simplify your finances.
If you’re wondering how to get to the end of the month before you get to the end of the money, or if you are saving for a goal and wondering how to get there faster, here’s a few things to think about. Five of them, actually.
Getting rid of some of these things could help you simplify your finances, and could also save you money, contributing to your savings goals or just helping you live within your means.
- Magazines: I do not subscribe to magazines anymore. I do online surveys and one of the benefits is free magazine subscriptions. Also, many magazines make much of their content available online, so again, high speed Internet pays for itself.
- Paper books: I love reading and I love books. A few years ago, I discovered the joys of half.com and amazon.com for used books. I have found books that sold for $45 new, available for $3 plus shipping. And, when I’m done reading them, I can donate them to a library or sell them on to the next reader.
- Clutter: I am on a multi-year battle against clutter. I have been practicing more mindful spending, which basically means I don’t go to any store without a specific list of what I’m going to buy. I used to shop for entertainment, and that greatly increased my clutter. These days, if it doesn’t have an immediate use, I don’t buy it, and if it’s above a set limit, I make myself wait to buy it.
- Meat: I’m not saying I’m going vegetarian. But I have found that I don’t need so much meat. Meat is expensive, and it can affect your health if you eat too much of it. I found an excellent ethnic market that sells produce from local farms, so I’m looking into preparing more meatless dishes.
- Christmas presents: With the holidays just around the corner, many are already preparing for holiday shopping. But do you really need more stuff? You can save money by purchasing fewer, more thoughtful, presents. In my family, the adults don’t exchange presents any more, and I don’t buy toys for the children any more, instead buying them savings bonds. The kids are not deprived, they have plenty of other relatives who love to shower them with plastic crap. The parents actually appreciate having less stuff to store and maintain in their home.
So, dear reader, what are your frugal five?
