Have you really made a commitment to frugal living, or do you just think you have?  See how many of the following strategies you already have in place.

1. Do you have a budget?  Written down and up to date including all expenses.
2. Do you have clear savings goals?  Written down, with a deadline.
3. Do you know exactly what is in your pantry or freezer?  Ensuring you use it before the expiry date.
4. Have you called your insurance, telephone and internet companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal?
5. Do you make a list before you go shopping and stick to it? (And of course you have a bite to eat before you go, so you’re not shopping on an empty stomach.)
6. Do you have a cooling off period for all non-essential purchases?  Waiting 24 hours before purchasing anything will often be enough to realise you don’t really need it.
7. Do you tun the light off as you leave each room?  Do you turn appliances off at the wall when they’re not in use?
8. Do you have a separate account for savings, that comes out of your pay before you see it?  Or an automatic payment for bills?
9. Do you compost your kitchen scraps?
10. Do you save your empty jars for storage?
11. Do you bypass the cleaning aisle at the supermarket, to make your own household cleaners?  Put lemons, white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and borax on your shopping list.
12. Do you take advantage of discount coupons (only if you were going to buy it anyway of course), and wait for offers like “Cheap Tuesday” at the cinema?
13. Do you buy in bulk to save money on non-perishable items? e.g. toilet paper, soap, laundry powder.
14. Do you shop for Christmas and birthdays throughout the year, when sales are on?
15. Do you sew on buttons and mend your clothes to make them last?

If you’ve already implemented all of these strategies – congratulations, you are indeed a Frugal McDougall!  If you haven’t, why not challenge yourself to implement at least one of these a week (or month) and reap the rewards.

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