by Laura Sullivanlyndall

Created on: December 17, 2010   Last Updated: December 22, 2010

In today’s tough economy many people are having to change their spending habits. Many households just don’t have the money to spend. This has created the need for many to learn how to live cheaply. So, how does one live cheaply?

Living cheap is easy if you’re a frugal person. However, many people don’t know how to be frugal. So here’s tips on how to live cheap that can be broken down to each of your different living expenses.

FOOD

When shopping for groceries you can reduce your bill greatly by doing a little planning and smart shopping. First, you should plan your meals for the whole week or month. For example, you can plan hamburgers for one day and meatloaf for another. You can plan BBQ chicken for a day and homemade chicken and dumplings for another etc. Once you have all your meals planned and a grocery list of what you will need then the key is to shop where the items are on sale and buy in bulk. Buying a large family pack of ground beef on sale for a buy one get one free deal will allow you to make your hamburger and meatloaf cheaper. When you make one meal you can zip lock or prepare and freeze the meat for the other. One great way to save on your food bill is to grow your own garden and save on vegetables year round. If you don't have a yard to grow a garden in you can grow vegetable pots in your windows, on your balcony, or make hanging baskets outside your home.

UTILITIES

Utilities is usually one of the highest cost of living. Going green, saving energy and conserving water are not the only reason to watch the consumption of our resources. Saving money is the big deal for most folks to save on their utilities these days.

Electric

First, turning of all lights, appliances, and accessories when they are not in use will cut down on the power bill. In addition, what many don’t know is that certain items draw power even when they are turned off such as computers and stereos with lights. Therefore, it is best if you unplug any thing in your house that you are not using. Second, turning down your water heater a few degrees will cut down on your electric bill. Solar panels will cost in the beginning, but will save you in the long run. Additionally, if you upgrade to energy efficient appliances your electric bill will be reduced month after month.

Phone, Internet and Satellite

Many phone and satellite bills are tied together. Either way you can reduce both. If you have satellite or cable you can by reducing your packaging

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>