Living frugally is probably one of the most misunderstood concepts of the Human era.

Oftentimes, in this "shop-til-you-drop" society, frugality is made fun of. That's probably because fools outnumber the wise.

Movie makers know this. Television screenwriters know this. And their job is to write their scripts and screenplays to appeal to the broader audiences.

But you're required to do your own independent thinking.

Frugality is nothing more than the efficient use of money, in your efforts of meeting your personal and familial goals. It doesn't really require missing out on the pleasures of life. It does, however, require doing your own thinking and a little discipline.

My friend Anthony Robbins told me once: "Discipline may weigh many pounds, but regret weighs tons." He was right. I'd personally rather use some discipline, thought, and control than to look back on my life with that incurable regret.

So, with this in mind, I'm going to share with you three pieces of advice that my Dad shared with me at a young age (I only wish I'd taken his advice from a much younger age.):

1) Start a savings account and contribute 10%to it every payday...then forget you have it.-With this piece of wisdom you begin to master money rather than letting it master you. Learn to live on the remaining 90% of your income. You are, in essence, paying yourself. Think about it. You pay your house payment (or landlord), the utilities, the grocer, etc., but how much do you pay yourself? Your savings aren't "for a rainy day" either. FORGET YOU HAVE YOUR SAVINGS! They are what you allow yourself to keep for the investment opportunities of the future. Those who have a problem with the logic of savings should read "The Richest Man In Babylon" by George Samuel Clason. You'll be richer with wisdom from the first chapter. I promise.

2) Over-allocate for expenses.-"What?" You say. "How is OVER-allocating going to help me live frugally?" Excellent question! Let me put it this way: Round up. Anytime you make a purchase from your checking account, round the purchase up to the next dollar in your register. For example: If the purchase is $2.13, then write down $3. This method of saving your change will not only leave you with a little extra money at the end of each month, it's also the best overdraft protection on earth. Having worked in a bank before, I've personally seen an overdraft of one penny ultimately wipe families out after all the dust

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