Frugalista’s Guide to Cheaposity

Hi there! I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Roux and I am what I like to call cheap, but my mother insists I refer to as frugal. I am aware of the other connotations of cheap so let me just be clear and say I have enjoyed saving money for most of my life. I was pretty much born to save money. My grandmother recently informed me of an example of my frugalness that occurred when I was five or so. Apparently I was with her at church and the collection/offering plate was being passed around. My grandmother offered to give me a dollar, but no no no I had my little pocketbook and insisted I share my own wealth. I apparently pulled one entire penny out and proudly placed it in the collection/offering plate. Obviously my grandmother and I had a laugh about this tale, but it definitely speaks volumes. I was blessed to be born with the uncanny ability to want to save money! How many people can say that? You probably also noticed I also have a little problem with sharing, but I’m working on that….Really, I promise! Anywho I have always naturally gravitated towards the sales rack, and been the annoying voice of reason to a friend in the mood to splurge. I am proud to say I have rubbed off on some of my dear friends like Crème and Tangerine. I completely understand and respect people who spend more money than me, but I would like to proudly say that even on a “fairly low by most standards income” I was able to buy a home in my mid-twenties! If you are interested in some tips from a “Frugalista” here goes:

1. Ask yourself if you will utilize the item you want to purchase. I often stop myself from buying small, and occasionally big, items I don’t actually need by doing this. Remember small items add up! Clothes are a great example. It is definitely better to pay a larger amount for something you love and will wear rather than lots of sale items you will forget you owned!

2. Don’t live beyond your means! I am a pop culture junkie so I understand the desire to look good, and have the “latest” whatever it is. However celebs have WAY MORE MONEY THAN YOU! Ummm most of the time they do at least (insert cheap dig at Lindsay Lohan)……Look at your take home pay, not that lovely salary number because frankly my dear Scarlett they are not the same! I am realistic about the amount of money I make, so that definitely helps me to control spending. Even Frugalistas get the urge to splurge sometimes ; )

3. Utilize coupon and freebie offers! As Crème mentioned combining coupons with store sales can add up to mucho savings. I have received full size bottles of shampoo, lotion and razors in the mail, and coupons for free products such as cookies, hot dogs, and cereal! I have even gotten a free meal or two! Some of our favorite websites for coupons and freebies are:
www.freebies4mom.com

www.totallyfreestuff.com

http://www.frugalfreebiesanddeals.com

www.coupons.com

4. Finally go outside the money saving box, and reward yourself while becoming more aware of your saving and power as a consumer. Use my tips above to save up those reward points from your debit/credit card company and exchange them for money (I usually go for the moolah or gift cards) or whatever you like! Become a member of a program that offers incentives for completing surveys or sharing information. You can apply to be a member Vocalpoint (http://www.vocalpoint.com/), Ipsos-I-say (http://www.i-say.com/) or the National Consumer Panel (https://www.ncponline.com/panel/US/EN/Login.htm) and be rewarded and share your opinion! I am a member of all three and I can truly say I enjoy sharing my honest views as a consumer.

Go ahead grasshopper and try out some of my Frugalista tips. Dare I say saving money can be fun? Heck even if you don’t want to save money you probably should….we are in a recession after all! Go for it, and enjoy the rewards!