Living frugal, it is easy with no sacrifice

Living frugal is second nature to us...that is why I could retire in 1994 and am still retired...you can too.

Up front there is a difference, mostly semantics, from frugal living and living cheap, let me explain.

Living cheap is adopting a lifestyle that has low costs for shelter...sailboat, RV, retiring overseas, downsizing...we have done them all...so can you.

Living frugal, IMHO, is a mindset that does not waste a dime...we have done that throughout our marriage of 36 years, living cheap or otherwise...giving credit mostly to my frugal wife.

Frugal living means spending only what is necessary with no waste...this is not about investing better...there are enough financial planners around...this site concentrates on controlling expenses.

Living frugal is not about sacrifice

We retired early by using lifestyles that require less spending...they were not living in a tent, eating beans. Here is what we have done since 1994, you decide if this involved sacrifice...we don't think so.

• Living on a sailboat in the Caribbean
• Living in an RV
• Living overseas
• Downsizing
• Living off the grid

These are lifestyles that are living cheap...with low, sometimes free, housing costs...choose one of these lifestyles and you will spend less.

What is frugal living?...no waste

In any of these lifestyles we had the same spending habits...you can adopt these anytime, anyplace...among them are:

• Eat most of your meals at home
• Using coupons should be a way of life
• How to earn extra money
• Do your research online before any purchase
• Use free services first before spending
• When you do go out to eat follow this advice
• How to save on the big three credit cards, groceries, your house
• Buying a car?...use these proven tips
• When you vacation...use these tips
• Do not waste money on this big ticket item
• How to save money at Costco

These are not theories, they have worked for us for over 35 years...saving money is our DNA...you can save too.

If you hav enjoyed these tips, got some ideas I have missed...or think I am nuts...write us.

Conclusion

Living frugal is something we do everyday...it is why we have been retired since 1994 (when I was 49)...these are easy to learn and do...they will quickly become second nature ...and they are fun, it is a game to us, we are constantly telling each other about how much we saved today...you can do this too I guarantee it.

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