Part 1 – A Shopaholic’s Frugal Living Tips

I am not frugal. I am opposite of frugal. Living with a frugal husband has not really rubbed off on me but I am trying. If you are in the same boat as I am who wants to save more, join me as I share my attempt to go from shopaholic extraordinaire to the Mother Theresa of simple living.

Here are the first 3 frugal habits I have embraced so far:

1. Using the Library.

I’ve mentioned in the past that I have recently re-discovered the joys of borrowing books from the library. On average, I buy at least 3-4 new books a month. At $20 a book, that’s about $60 a month. Borrowing books from the library is free. You do the math on how much I am saving.

2. Buying second-hand or pre-loved products.

As the eldest daughter in the family of 3, I always had brand new stuff. Come to think of it, even my younger sister rarely got hand-me-downs so using or buying second-hand or pre-loved stuff is something we didn’t really grow up with. Now, I am realizing how much I am saving by buying second-hand goods. Now, a trip to a thrift shop (mostly to scour for vintage stuff) is a regular occurrence. When books are not available in the library, I also resort to buying books second-hand rather than going straight to the bookstore.

3. Selling Stuff I don’t Need

Just as I discovered buying second-hand stuff, I also discovered the joy of selling stuff I no longer have a use for or those that I haven’t worn for more than 6 months. I like it when I sell my stuff, it means more moolah to buy other stuff that I need!

What about you? Are you a recovering shopaholic too? C’mon, do share me your “discoveries”! I’d love to feature them here on Bliss Tree.