"A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone." - Henry David ThoreauI am often regarded as cheap. I don't go out to eat a lot (hello free samples and work party leftovers for lunch), I walk whenever I can, I get the bulk of my groceries at bargain warehouses, and I haven't had a TV since I moved to Philadelphia about two years ago. I enjoy living with this (modest) level of simplicity that includes not relying on ludicrously expensive city parking garages when I know that Septa will suffice, and not needing to be in first class when coach will get me there in the same amount of time. And I like knowing that my paycheck is going to buying stamps to send homemade cards to my family abroad instead of feeding my old addiction of frequenting Starbucks once (okay fine, sometimes twice) a day. (This article on how to crack the specialty beverage habit was key.)
Here are some super easy, incredibly basic ways to add frugality to your life while ALSO adding significant value to your routine:
1. Get rid of your TV - I promise, between Hulu and the abundance of ways to stream shows off the web you will save money AND have the added incentive of not wasting an afternoon on mind-numbing reality shows
2. Instead of going out to eat, allow each of your friends $5 to spend on groceries and then prepare a meal with only what you guys purchased and what you have in your kitchen already
3. Instead of going to the movies rent one instead and then post about it on an online movie-rating forum (like Rotten Tomatoes)
4. Don't just "go to the mall" - the temptation to make unnecessary purchases will go through the roof, instead go to a free museum
5. Ride your bike instead of driving (extra points if you wear a helmet and smile at old people as you go by)
These are just a few ideas. Come up with five of your own and share them below if you'd like.
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