As the United States suffers through an economic crisis and household budgets across the land are forced to shrink, there has been an increased interest in frugality. Many people are, to varying degrees, seeking a more frugal lifestyle.

What are some tips for living a frugal lifestyle?

- Don't mistake a low price for a good bargain. If the item wears out a lot faster than its slightly more expensive counterpart, it is a waste.

- Cook from scratch. It is almost always cheaper and healthier to do this.

- If you don't know how to cook, learn. Really, it isn't that difficult, and your finances will thank you for it.

- Don't mistake inexpensive nutrient-poor foods for a good deal. It may be cheaper at the grocery store, but a diet high in cholesterol, sodium and sugar will quite likely cost you a lot more at the doctor's office and pharmacy.

- Don't assume that a two-income household is necessary. If the costs for childcare, transportation and other expenses are too great, it may end up being cheaper to be a one-income household.

- If you aren't using the internet for work and/or educational purposes, consider dropping your connection and using the free internet service provided by your local public library.

- Borrow books from the library rather than buying them. The same holds true for movies, music and games. Most public libraries, even small ones, offer a nice assortment of books, movies, music and games, and, if they don't have it, they can get it through interlibrary loan for you.

- Garden. Even if it is just a small container garden, growing your own food will help to decrease your overall food costs.

- Quit using shopping as a social event. Find other ways to spend quality time with friends and family.

- Turn off the television. No, you don't have to completely give it up. There are several reasons to do shut off the tube: reconnecting with family and friends, building stronger community connections, spending less money on electricity, getting more exercise. Another major reason is that watching a lot of shows and advertisements can breed discontent and unhappiness regarding your own lifestyle as a parade of the rich, thin and beautiful parade across the screen with promises untold happiness if you just keep on trying to keep up with the Joneses.

Additional Resources:
Affluenza (2005) by John De Graaf, David Wann and Thomas H. Naylor: This book is dedicated to battling "the all-consuming epidemic" of affluenza, which the authors define as being "a painful, contagious, socially transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety, and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more."

Mother Earth News (www.motherearthnews.com): This magazine is the "original guide to living wisely."

The Complete Tightwad Gazette (1998) by Amy Dacyczyn: This is a magnificent resource for anyone starting out on the path of frugality.

Learn more about this author, Heather Mckim.
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