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How to Become Motivated to be Frugal

You might really want to save money and be frugal, but just can't seem to get started. How do you jump start yourself into a frugal life?

Saving Money How to Find Your Starting Point

I confess. I didn't always do such a great job with saving my money. In my younger days, I got off track. And it took me a while to get with the program again, even though I knew it was in my best interest to save.

Tips for the Truly Frugal

Whether you are frugal by choice or by necessity, here are some tips for saving money when money is very tight.

Shopping Seasonal Sales

Raising teenagers can be very expensive. There are a lot of added expenses as your children grow up. Clothes are more expensive, there are added fees for extra-curricular activities, not to mention the social events that are a "must" for many teens.

33 Basic Smart Shopping Tips

4 Remember to ask for a "raincheck" if an item is sold out. 5 To avoid crowds, do not shop after work, on paydays, or just before holidays.6 Buy items before you run out of them. Buy at clearance, or sale price, instead of regular price when you must have the item. 7 Know the sales cycle in your area. 8 Just because an item is on sale, doesn't necessarily mean it is a good deal for your family. If you won't use it, don't buy it. 9 Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.10 Your emotions affect your shopping. Be careful of the "I deserve it" mentality. 11 Buy at the end of the season.12 Stock up when prices are low. 13 Try alternative shopping: Shop salvage stores, thrift stores, consignment shops,warehouse clubs, yard sales, and garage sales. {mosgoogle}14 Remember that no particular store has the lowest price on all items.15 Create a "shopping pool". Agree with family and friends to shop sales for each other. 16 Shop alone. Other individuals will only help fill your shopping cart. 17 Check the entire store for specials and alternatives.18 Get to know your favorite store's employees. Don't be afraid to ask questions. 19 Know your prices, keep a price book. 20 About Prices: Compare, Compare, Compare. This is how your price book helps you. 21 Larger is not always cheaper. Smaller is not always cheaper. 22 Look at unit prices.23 You pay more for fancy packaging. Beware.24 Remember the "Rule of Three":If an item has three different ways it can be used, you will not be wasting your money. 25 Never pay full price.26 Shop defensively. 27 Try store and generic brands. 28 Watch as the clerk rings up your purchases. Check your receipt. 29 Shop for gifts year round. 30 Return purchases that do not meet your expectations. 31 Complain if it is genuinely warranted. 32 Call before you go to confirm item is available. 33 If you must, leave the checkbook and credit cards at home or in the car.photo by jsmjr Sandy is a freelance writer and webmaster of TheFrugalShopper.com. She enjoys living the frugal life, saving money, and helping others to do the same. Subscribe to her newsletter to receive more money-saving ideas and frugal tips.