Often, when living the frugal life, there is a tendency to get behind on bills and therefore have to struggle throughout the year. This year, try to live differently. The tips below should help you to plan for a frugally successful year.
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Plan to keep current on your bills. Call the Bangor Hydro, the oil company and other utility companies to see about being put on a monthly or weekly payment plan.
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Earmark a portion of money each month to pay down a debt, be it to the electric company or another company that is owed.
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Try to get fuel assistance, if you haven't already.
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Keep receipts for every purchase and bill paid, as well as copies of bills. You will need these if you have to get emergency assistance from your town or city.
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Clip coupons. Even if you do not usually purchase something, but it is an item someone will eat or otherwise use, save the coupon. You may never use it, but sales do crop up.
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Check the discount shelves and bins at all stores.
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Read Frugal Recipes: Spending Less to Eat Healthy for recipes and tips on saving money in the kitchen.
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Read Living the Low-Income Life for frugal living tips.
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Cook from scratch. Make this a family activity. Everyone should have these skills. Think about what will happen if we slide into a full-blown recession. We will all need to know basic cooking skills.
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Use less heat. Pile blankets onto beds and dress warm. Turn the heat way down at night.
Share your tips in the comments section below. All tips are welcome, and will be helpful to someone.
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