Being Frugal

How does one save money with the increasing cost of living?First things first – there is a cost to everything. . Unless you have an infinite source of time or money, something has to go! If you want to save money, then you have to do more work. If you have no time to do the work, you have to pay someone to do it for you. In other words, you can’t have your cake and eat it too!

Here are certain things we do to cut down unnecessary costs. I am fully aware that there are certain seasons in our lives where we have to adjust our spending pattern – eg when mom is ill/pregnant/just had a baby and so need to spend money to get outside help. Then other costs has to be trimmed so accommodate this extra but temporary expense.

I will just share a few that has worked for me without taking up too much of my time.

1. Never buy at full retail price
I try my best never to buy at full retail price on items such as clothes and even toiletries. But I also do not go all the way out to shop at sales. I cannot be bringing all 5 children with me just to save some dollars . So I weigh my pros and cons. If the savings are going to be huge (either because of the number of items to be bought or because the item is a big ticket item) then I may arrange for babysitting for the older kids and bring just the baby or get dh to shop for me.

If it is for the smaller items like toiletries, if I see something on sale, I would buy as much as our finances allow for at that time. Things that get used up fast (toothpaste for 5 children get used up really fast!), would obviously be bought in greater quantities.

2. Shop at the auctions
I am a fan of online auctions! Yahoo and eBay offer lots of bargains for one willing to spend time trawling it. Just use the search button to get what you want. Narrow it down if possible to be more efficient. Eg. I often have a budget for an item I am looking for. So I use the Advance Search button to narrow down the thousands of similar items placed on the auction site for a faster search.

If I do not need an item urgently, I can place it on the search machine and let it notify me when the item is available! No need to waste any time!

Just remember to check that the seller has great feedback and do email the seller to see how fast he/she responds to you to get a gauge of his/her sincerity.

Just 2 weeks ago, I bought an almost new maternity swimsuit for just below S$19 from a US seller! Yep! Including postage! And 2 years ago, I bought a never used, 3 + 1 L-shaped, simulated leather sofa for just $200. But I had to spend money to transport it. But even then, it was still a steal! In this case, dh went to check it out before purchasing it.

And if you are hardworking, you can even make money by selling your unwanted stuff on the auctions as well! I know there are moms who have a tidy profit buying and selling on eBay. And if you need more information on this, check out the library for books to help you.

3. DIY
And the easiest way to save money? Do It Yourself! From sewing to baking to making your own books for your children! Yep, with a little creativity and time, you can do all and more of those things I mentioned. Not only will you save money, you also get a sense of satisfaction when you and your loved ones enjoy your handiwork.

4. Cut down the unhealthy stuff
Stop drinking juice, Ribena and the like. Switch to water. It’s healthier in the long run. Save the juice & stuff for special occasion. Eat out less. Again, healthier in the long run. You don’t really know what goes into your meal when you eat outside!

5. Use the Free facilities
Make full use of free facilities like the library and parks and playground. And nowadays there are even free concerts and orchestra performances!

These are just some of the things I do that help me be a better steward of our money. We have been very blessed with the Lord has blessed us with but that does not mean we do need not to be careful with what we have.

Just a word of caution (for myself as well!) : We need to be careful that our frugality does not become an expression of a fear that God will not provide for us or that we become stingy pokers! Happy saving!