We’re supposed to be frugal with our finances, but we don’t want to be cheap or miserly. Frugality is often seen as a negative trait because it makes people appear greedy and too strict. However, being frugal isn’t a personality trait; it’s a lifestyle choice that can keep you from going broke. That said, changing your lifestyle is not easy, but that’s why you’re here today. Here are some tips for being more frugal without giving up too much.
Swap Out the Car with a Bike
You can save money on transportation, exercise, and even parking when you get a bike. You might have to spend more on insurance than you would if you were driving a car, which can put more of a dent in your finances than you realize. There are additional benefits of being outside in nature with your bike instead of inside in traffic with your car. Research the different bike types out there and determine which type will work best for what kind of riding. It’ll also help to check both widths and lengths when trying on bikes at stores so that they fit correctly. Furthermore, check out reviews online before buying anything. Reading reviews can help prevent buyer’s remorse later down the line when things break unexpectedly or don’t work quite right.
Ditch the Student Loans
The most powerful tool in every woman’s arsenal is their education. What you learn in college is applied to the career path you choose. However, the cost of college can put a huge financial strain on you. No matter what degree you pursue, you will face a price in the ten-thousand range. In some cases, you could see a price of $100,000. Many people finance their college education with a student loan. This loan can assist people with covering the costs, but the interest rates can make it extremely difficult to budget.
Fortunately, there’s a way not to have to pay anything and still make the most of your college career; scholarships. Scholarships are financial rewards given to people who were at the top of their class in high school. However, that doesn’t mean they’re exclusive to ace students. On the contrary, anyone can apply for a scholarship online through a search and application platform. You can take advantage of Going Merry scholarships for college as a fantastic place to look because of their personalized matching. Personalized matching lets you filter out the thousands of different scholarships, so you have an easier time finding what you need.
Find a Low-Cost Gym or Exercise from Home
A physical fitness routine is a great way to invest in your self-improvement, but gyms can be a significant expense, and if you’re not careful, they can drain your bank account. To combat this, look for a gym that offers a free trial membership. By trying out a gym in advance, you’ll see if it’s the right for your needs without paying anything upfront. If it isn’t suitable for you, you lose nothing by leaving. Next, compare the rates at different gyms and see if they’re worth it. What does each gym offer? Do they have many classes and machines? Do other people say good things about them? Is it close enough to your home or work that driving there won’t be an issue? These are all questions to ask yourself as you go through your options.
Alternatively, you don’t have to pay anything to exercise in your house. Though they are places dedicated to fitness, there’s no need to waste valuable money on something you can easily do, like walking, running, and lifting weights. Exercising at home is a great way to see frugality in a different light. Rather than run on a treadmill, go for one around the neighborhood. Instead of lifting weights, use jugs of water or something equally as heavy.
Cut Eating at Restaurants Out of Your Budget
Cutting out restaurants is one of the easiest ways to save money, but it’s also one of the most difficult because life and work get so busy. Try prioritizing meal prepping every Sunday night or Monday morning. That way, you have food ready to go on nights when it’s too late to cook something. You’ll eat healthier as you throw fruits and veggies into every meal.