The people I know that have mastered their finances and spending are those who have turned being thrifty into a game.
They don’t see being thrifty as being cheap or feeling deprived. They see being thrifty as a challenge and something that is life giving.
For when you think of it who is often happier: the person who overspent and is mired in debt or the person who was thrifty and now doesn’t have to worry if they can pay back their loans.
Being thrifty and living within your means is a way to be good to yourself and your family.
So you might as well make it a game.
- How little can you spend on groceries this week?
- Can you make it through the weekend without spending on anything but necessities?
- Can you create something out of what you have instead of buying new?
- Be a bargain hunting detective if there is something you need.
- Go shopping with a thrifty friend to learn from them.
- Make a point to tell a friend how much you saved and you can support them in their thriftiness.
- Cut out one restaurant meal this week or coffee or find something else you can cut one of.
- Save change in a jar to go to debt reduction so you can pay more than the minimum.
- Give yourself a pat on the back when you save or don’t spend.
- Play the “date your hubby with “5” game. Try spending just $5 or less on your next date.
- If you want something, play with some ideas to get it without paying for it. Like get it from the library, borrow it, barter, swap, ask for it.
- Make a list of fun things to do that cost no money.
Do you have any ways that you turn saving money into a game?
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I remember when I first realized that “thrifty is fun”. I had just had my second child and become a SAHM. We were still living off the money we had saved when we were both working, but that was running low. It was time to change our lifestyle. I checked vol. 1 of the Tightwad Gazette out of the library. It was revolutionary! I loved the challenge AND the rewards of a thrifty lifestyle. It’s been 18 years and 4 more children and the only debt we have is our van loan.
College students become so good at “thrifty” living!
I avoid carrying cash or my debit card on a regular basis. This way, I’m not tempted by impulse buys. Also, I keep a change jar near the door and have made a habit of emptying my purse and pockets into it regularly. For quick meals on a budget, don’t underestimate the satisfaction of a good PB&J! When it comes to school, we always print two sheets per page, double-sided, to save money and paper, and reuse notebooks that aren’t full. Shop for used books online, and sell back books you don’t need at the Half-Price Bookstore for decluttering and quick cash. For entertainment on a budget, my friends and I rent movies from the library for a fun, no-cost movie night. Keeping an eye out for local events that offer free shows or free food can turn into a great date night requiring only the price of gas.
Perhaps the biggest motivator for saving money is the bragging rights of a good deal and free entertainment.
i love being thrifty. if only i could get my husband on board