Top frugal living tips from the web

January 14, 2014

Here are some popular frugal money saving ideas that can be applied to us Malaysians

The internet has a wealth of tips for living on a shoestring budget. Though they’re mostly geared towards American audiences; here are some popular frugal money saving ideas that can be applied to us Malaysians.

Ideas for frugal living – NetmumsOpt for generic brands
More often than not, the generic brands are just as good as the branded products. There may be some exceptions and it may take a few test tries, but you’ll be surprised by how well the cheaper versions work and it could save you a lot of cash. You’ll find many stores here in Malaysia carrying their own range of products that are significantly cheaper.

Cook in bulk
You can cook large meals such as curries and vegetables and refrigerate them for the rest of the week. If you want more variety in your meals, cook certain meats, veggies or sauces beforehand so you can whip up quick dishes using the sauces when you need one!

Ten simple frugal steps that save money without skipping a beat – The Simple DollarCut down on sugary soft drinks
Not only is this good for your wallet, it’s also good for your health. While there are cases where you’ll need your isotonic drinks, especially if it’s hot or you’ve just exercised, keep them to a minimum and try not to indulge too much. You’ll be surprised how much money you save, and how much healthier you’ll feel too.

Pay attention to expiry dates
Look through your pantry and cupboards to make sure you use up all the food that you have before they expire. It’s possible that when you buy bulk items on sale, you’ll forget them later on as you continue to buy more, so just make sure you know how much you have to reduce wastage.

31 Ways to be frugal and save money – Money CrashersSkip the snacks at the cinema
A lot of the snacks offered at movie centers are overpriced and often leads to overeating. Eat a filling meal beforehand, and with enough resistance, you’ll be able to watch a movie without the popcorn and save money.

Forego gym membership
Gyms are everywhere these days, and they’re great if you use it constantly. But there are always cheaper options, like going for a jog or cycling. Or if you’d like to stay indoors, you can do your own push-ups and sit ups, or follow a Youtube workout video to stay in shape on the cheap.

75 ways to save money every month – Affordable Schools Online

Have a no-spend weekend
Maybe it’s time we Malaysians try to spend our weekends doing something other than being in shopping malls, as we’re bound to spend more money there. Get your family to cook a fun meal together, pull out an old DVD or borrow one from friends. You could also just try spend the weekend chilling out at home. While keeping your spending on a minimum can be quite hard to do initially, you may soon discover it is very possible and likely more fun than you think.

80 ways to be frugal and save money – The Art of ManlinessUse it up; wear it out; make do; or do without
It’s an old saying, but always try to make your items last as long as possible. If a pair of your pants is torn, get it sewn up. If your t-shirt is too small, donate it or use it as a wiping rag rather than buying new ones. Your phone screen cracked? If you’re still fond of it and it’s cheaper than buying a new one, just change the screen.

Keep your freezer full A refrigerator uses more energy when it’s empty, so keep it filled. If you have nothing to fill it up with, just make loads of ice and cold water. In that way, you’ll have extra water ready just in case a water shortage happens!

There are tonnes more tips where these came from. Take a gander through these sites for hundreds of tips to help you save.This was brought you by Michelle Brohier from RinggitPlus.com. RinggitPlus compares credit cards, personal loans and home loans to help Malaysians get more for their money.