Real Estate Investing

Actually, I’d really struggle if I lived a frugal life at all times.  People can be perceived as pretty crazy with the things they do to save money.  While saving money is a terrific objective, when you get to the point that you buy two-ply toilet paper and separate the plies to double the lifespan of one roll… well that’s a bit much for me.

A guest writer at beingfrugal.com wrote about how he went to far to be frugal.  He was put in a very difficult situation when he lost his home in 2007 and did what he had to do to survive, but at one point he realized that his frugal lifestyle had turned into an obsession.

I spent 2 months living in my office before a family member lent me a $1000 to help me put down a deposit on a small apartment. No more office living for me. About twice a week I was sleeping in my car anyway because it was easier than trying to hide my living presence in the office building.

But my manic frugality started to take a toll on me.  Every penny that left my pocket was painful. Even buying food, which I knew I needed to survive, made me feel ill.

His story is fascinating and he offers some wise advice on how to know when you’re being too frugal.

If you’re a homeowner, there are ways that you can be more frugal.  For example (and this should be common knowledge by now), by turning the thermostat down in the winter and up in the summer you’ll save some big bucks.  Make sure you turn off all lights in the room when not using them.  Turn off your power strips because there is an electric current just waiting to surge as soon as it’s needed (same goes with toasters, coffee pots, etc.).

Use coupons when you shop!  An agent in my office tells me her weekly groceries cost about $20.  She buys two newspapers on Sunday (from Walgreen’s because they’re only 50 cents each there) and uses the two sets of coupons for buy one get one free day.  She tried to teach me how she does it once, but to this day I don’t understand her little secrets for savings.

Explore the internet for sites that feature stories and tips about how to live frugally. There are some wonderful ideas available if you’re willing to spend the energy to take advantage of the suggestions.

Photo by me of the free items my friend got through her coupon expertise. She donated the products for my daughter’s baton fundraiser - a silent auction.