Living a simple and frugal
life has a different meaning for every individual. A common understanding of
the phrase “living simply” translates to eliminating everything except the
essentials in life. However, adopting a simple lifestyle isn’t as easy as it
seems. Here are a few tips to get you started if you’ve decided to simplify
your life and live more frugally:
1.
Identify what is important to you. Figure out
what is most important to you in life, and what is essential to living. Food?
Shelter? Yes. Cable TV? 12 different social media sites? Not so much. Figure
out what you need to have, and devote most of your money and time to those
particular things. Eliminate everything else.
2.
Evaluate your commitments. What do you have
going on in your life? Lunch out with co-workers on Mondays? Girls’/guys night
every Wednesday? Figure out what you just can’t give up and what those
commitments cost. Then allot yourself an allowance and curfew for these
particular commitments and stick to them! Drop everything else that doesn’t
give you value.
3.
Evaluate your time. How do you spend your
day? As in, what do you do the moment you wake up until the moment your head
hits the pillow? Figure out your priorities, and see if what you do every day
is in line with those priorities. If it’s not, eliminate the things that aren’t
and focus on what’s important. Then, redesign your life!
4.
Spend on what you need, not what you want.
Sure, once in a while it’s fun to treat yourself. But do you really need that
new pair of shoes? You have plenty of perfectly good pairs sitting at home. Do
you need to eat out again, or could you go home and make a delicious meal from
what’s already sitting in your fridge? Learn the differences between want and
need.
Remember- simplicity and
frugality in life is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and
commitment. So make sure you’re ready to take the steps necessary. It’s better
to take one step forward than two steps back!
Don’t forget to follow Honor on Twitter @honorcu! Tweet us and let us know what you want to
hear us talk about on Mason Jar Monday next week using #askhonorcu!
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