Frugal living does not have to be about a life of deprivation. The frugal life consists of thrifty shopping, careful choices, and a saving mindset. Making just a few adjustments in five areas of your everyday life will help you become a frugal person.

Food

Groceries are one of the most expensive items on any budget. Be sure to take a list with you to the grocery store; this will help to cut back on impulse items. If you are still concerned, why not take a friend shopping with you? Exchange lists at the store, and you can gather the other’s groceries, virtually eliminating all impulses. And don’t forget to cut out coupons. It may take some time, but it will add up.

Vacations

Frugal people still vacation; they do it wisely. You can stretch the vacation dollars by traveling during the shoulder or off-season, although it’s a good idea to check to see if local attractions will be open if you want to attend. Since much of a vacation budget goes to housing, why not spend your vacation visiting family? There is the joy of bonding with relatives, but you also get to stay for free.

Entertainment

Being frugal doesn’t mean you have to stay home all the time. If you look around, you will find that many museums, zoos, botanical gardens, and other places offer free or discount days. For those that don’t offer the free days, you can check to see if a group discount is available and then call your other frugal friends for an outing. For movie nights, check with the local library to see if they have movies available to check out. There are lots for you to do, and you can do much without spending a dime.

Clothing

Clothing is one of those items that civilized society has deemed necessary. The clothing manufacturers, who realize our dilemma, often charge outrageous prices. Buying out of season (buying winter clothes in the summer and vice versa) will help to cut this item from your budget. Instead of buying new, check out your local thrift store or the second-hand store where prices are a fraction of the retail (and sometimes the clothes still have the original tags). An even better way is to trade with friends. Hand-me-downs are the frugal person’s best friend.

Cars

One item that it is not always wise to buy new is the automobile. While there is nothing wrong with having a nice car, it is probably not worth it if you can’t pay for it with cash, Drive what you have while you save up, and then purchase with cash. Having the money in hand will give you much negotiating power. Today, many used car dealers include car warranties, making the purchase even more secure.

The frugal lifestyle can be more enjoyable than any other. There is money for the things you genuinely want to do, and there is no worry about how the bills will be paid each month. By being a little thrifty here and there, thinking about your choices before you make them, and developing a mindset of savings, you can live a fulfilled, frugal life.