Being frugal or pinching pennies, or whatever you wish to call it; is a lifestyle. I grew up with the premise of ?a penny saved is a penny earned?. For me it was very natural. Before I buy anything, groceries, a television, new computer, new or used car; I compare prices and options. If you stop to think about the concept, it makes a lot of sense. Why overpay for something if you don't have to?



Don't fall into the trap that the cheapest is always the best buy or the most frugal, because often times it isn't. You want quality for your money as well. So look at the price and look at the features. Compare the two and make up your mind from there. The cheapest may not be the best value for your hard earned dollar. You want to purchase a product that will last and give you the value you are seeking. Just because it is cheaper, it is not always the best product.

There is another trap out there; the item you are looking for is ?ON SALE?. Take some advice and do comparison checks at other stores before you rush out and buy. Look at other sale flyers, call stores that might carry the item, go online and look up the product. If you know the brand name, put that in and chances are good that the search engine will bring up the company and you can look at their online catalog. All I am saying is take a few minutes to make sure the item on sale is the product that you are seeking and has all the bells and whistles that you desire for the best price.

I tend to stock up on things, especially groceries. I admit, once in a while I go overboard, if it's a really good buy. I never buy more than my family will use, or there's room for in my cupboards. I also watch the expiration date. If I am not going to use the product in that length of time, I am careful about stocking up. If you belong to a warehouse club, be careful there as well. Usually you can only buy in bulk and it may be more than you really need or want, for that matter. Also weigh the cost of the membership fee to see if you are really saving money.

I always go shopping with a list and unless I know I forgot to write down that I am almost out of green beans, I won't buy green beans. I will not buy extras that are not on my list unless something is so good a price I can't turn it down. Now this good price had better be on something I normally buy or use. Don't buy something just because it's a really good buy. That's foolish and not good value for your money. Also, when you are shopping for groceries, try generic brands. They are usually made by the same company that puts on the major brand label. Also look above or below the eye-level shelves for best prices. Major brands pay the stores to be put at eye-level.

Clipping coupons can save you a lot of money, but you have to use them. My problem with clipping coupons is this: The coupons are almost never for the products that I buy. Coupons are meant to introduce you to new products or reintroduce you to a product that is a slow mover and that is a good idea, sometimes. Sometimes it is simply a come-on. The product the coupon wants you to buy may be more expensive than the product sitting next to it on the shelf even with the cents off coupon. Don't buy the product just because you have a coupon. The other problem with coupons is you have to take your time and cut them out. Your time is valuable, so don't make light of it. You are better off choosing a grocery store of your liking and shop that same store all the time; you will save money and time in the long run. So again take this advice and be careful with coupons.

Being a penny-pincher or being frugal is simply the practice of looking for ways to save money without sacrificing your life style. You can be frugal and not have to go without what you want and need. You just figure out how to pay less. Cooking at home can save you money, enough to go out to dinner one in a while. Wouldn't that make dinner out a bit more special?

You will save the most money on big items that you purchase, if you are careful. Buying a house, a car, etc. The most important advice I can give you is to shop around. Now I do not mean get in the car and drive all over town. Check the local newspaper, call the stores.

On a house, call a Real Estate Agent, let him/her run around to find the property; don't waste your gas or valuable time. You can shop for a house online. This is extremely helpful if you are relocating to a new state. It will tell you what sort of house you can expect for the money you are willing to pay. You can choose an R.E. Agent out of state, too.

Shop your mortgage. You can do this over the phone or online. Your good credit is your negotiating point here.

For a car, go online. There are several good search venues on the web that will help you to narrow your search and don't be afraid to haggle.

I hope I have made good sense to you and maybe, just maybe, you will try being a bit more frugal and a really smart shopper.

For more ideas on saving money and living a frugal lifestyle, see my website Penny Pinching Grandma.com