5 Easy Ways to Find Your Frugality (and Make it Stick)

by Alexa Mason · 5 comments

become frugal

Do you want to be more frugal, but have a tough time developing new habits?

The concept of frugality is simple: look for ways to cut costs, go for quality items you’ll use a lot, and be smart with your resources. The hard part of adopting a more frugal life? Sticking with the process.

It seems like some people are naturally gifted when it comes to frugality. Me? I am, and always have been, a borderline spendthrift. I’ve put a lot of effort into changing my ways, and I feel like I’m finally making some progress.

If you find yourself having a tough time adopting frugal habits, here are some tips to motivate yourself to stick with it.

become frugal1. Read frugality books & blogs

I’m always inspired by those who are naturally frugal and seem to thrive on a frugal lifestyle. When I feel myself slipping off the bandwagon, I’ll read a few of my favorite money-saving or frugality blogs for some inspiration.

Reading frugality-related material is a great way to motivate yourself and find fresh ideas.

2. Keep your goals in front of you

When you’re trying to adopt new habits, one of the best things you can do is think about why you’re working on them in the first place. If you’re working on your frugality skills, then you must have some big financial goals you’re trying to reach.

Write your goals down and keep them in a conspicuous area. Every time you feel yourself falling off track, take a look at the goals you’ve set for yourself. Reminding yourself WHY you’re being frugal should help you regain focus.

3. Track your spending

Now that I’ve found a good system, tracking my spending has become fun. It’s almost like a game to see if I can get my actual spending lower than my projected spending.

The key to successfully tracking your spending is to find a system that works for you. You can use spreadsheets, an online program, or pen and paper. Once you get a good system in place, you’ll be able to see the areas in which you really need to stretch your frugality muscles.

4. Find an accountability partner

When you get the urge to blow your budget, an accountability partner can do wonders. You probably have some friends or family members who are looking to save more money this year, so ask one of them to be your accountability partner.

When you feel like giving in and spending money on something you shouldn’t, just call, text, or email your accountability partner. They’ll walk you through it — just like you would do for them.

5. Have fun with it

Living a frugal life doesn’t have to be a miserable existence; instead, look at it as a test of self-discipline. Being frugal doesn’t mean you can’t ever buy yourself something nice; it simply means that you manage your money the smartest way possible, in conjunction with YOUR life and goals.

There’s no right or wrong way. Find ways to have fun with it, and enjoy your new frugal lifestyle.

How do you motivate yourself to be more frugal?

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{ read the comments below or add one }

  • roza says:

    I buy what is on sale at the grocery store. I am not picky so it is fun cause I am trying new product every time. Today I bought nuggets dip with barbecue or cheese. I took one package of each the second one for free. Four package of nuggets for 5 euros – it’s a good price. And I buy my meat when it’s about to expire (2 days prior) and I freeze it. With this saving I paid off 25,000 euros of credit, I travel a lot and now I am planning a move in another country with my family. So trust me it is worth it 🙂

  • property marbella says:

    Several good advice here, mine is to not have any credit cards and do not buy any impulse purchase. They are sometimes bad and they destroy your budget.

  • Alex says:

    I’ve always enjoyed being stubborn, but this is not the same as being frugal. A stubborn nature does help, you just have to use it more positively than doubtfully. Now I’m panicking about it my money as much. Reading PF blogs and my own writing has helped too.

  • Mark says:

    I agree that having strong goals is the number one way to help stay on track. Human nature is incentive driven. If being frugal is painful, then you won’t do it. But if it’s rewarding because it helps you reach a much more desirable goal, then you’ll do whatever you need to do to stay frugal.

  • William Cowie says:

    What works for me is an added dose of urgency. And these days that’s easy: downturns in the economy typically start 5-8 years after the last bottom (check it out, it’s true). The last bottom was 2009. When is 5 years after that? It may not happen this year, but we’ve entered the window. I’m counting every penny now, stuffing that emergency fund as fast as I can…

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