Living Frugally Can Be An Interesting Challenge

By Martin Lukac

When it comes to saving money it doesn't have to be all work. It can also be a little fun. I know that living frugally brings to mind all sorts of unpleasant things to many people. But those that live frugally often have a zealous approach to frugal ideas. They are actually excited by the idea of saving a little money. And it doesn't matter how little it really is.

Too many people think that frugality is for those without money. I grew up in a fairly poor family and the idea of frugal living never really appealed to me. I like to spend money. I like to have what I want when I want it. I never thought I'd be a frugal person.

But somewhere along the way I realized that to have everything I want, I have to stop buying and using things I really don't want. That almost makes sense, doesn't it? Basically, I set some goals. And to fulfill your goals, you have to take action.

And I became hooked on living frugally.

Frugal living becomes a game you play against yourself. You are looking for ways to save. I started out simply looking to see if I could really lower our electric bill. And I did with very little effort. Then I looked to our heating costs. Hey, I did it again. Then I looked to our driving expenses.

Okay, you just get hooked. Now I'm working on cutting our food costs. I've been trying several methods, so we'll see what works. In fact, I've become so good at cutting costs, my husband is taking a lower paying job that will bring him more time at home with us.

Frugal living isn't something that is easy on a family when you take the attitude on that you must do it. It is like cleaning house. It is something that has to be done. You can either make it a good experience or a bad one. With the wrong attitude you will probably fail.

Consider frugal living as a challenge. And the best thing is that you are improving more than just your financial situation. I've heard many, many financial counselors and advisors say that when people gain control of their money, they gain control of their lives. That is because self-control bleeds over into other things. You simply begin to look at things differently.

Whether you are looking to a frugal life out of necessity or out of a wise money management plan, start by simply tackling one area of your expenses. Then move on to another. Over time, you will find that your attitude changes and you look at things differently. And you start seeing that you can save money (to spend on things that really matter) without much effort at all. And that's the best thing about the frugal challenge -- you save money.

Martin Lukac represents www.RateEmpire.com, an Internet consumer banking marketplace. RateEmpire.com is a destination site of personal finance, investing, taxes and mortgage rates. RateEmpire.com provides mortgage guides and financial rates and information. RateEmpire.com also operates a financial portal #1 American Financial, found at www.1AmericanFinancial.com and San Diego loan portal www.LendingSanDiego.com