Is this you? Telltale signs of a penny-pinching saver
<p>There are plenty of telltale signs of those of us focused on saving pennies. See from the examples below if you fit the bill.</p><p><strong>Old fashioned DIY –</strong> It’s a good sign if you spend more time in the kitchen or shed than in the supermarket or hardware store. One of the best ways to save on your household budget is good old DIY. Whether it be a fresh batch of home made cookies, a nifty home built outdoor table or starting your own veggie patch, making or growing it yourself will not only save you money, you also get the added bonus of personal satisfaction and the ability to impress friends and family while keeping busy and active.</p><p><strong>Sticking to your plans –</strong> Having a compelling reason for doing something can help make you stick to it and that means knowing what is most valuable and worthwhile to you. It's a lot more difficult to say no to something if you don’t know why you're saying no and not focused on what’s important to you. Keeping in mind the long-term goal behind your monthly budget always helps when looking at that fancy new restaurant for a casual social dinner, or not wanting to wear the same suit to a function two years in a row. Sometimes it's important to be able to just say no.</p><p><em><strong><a href="/finance/money/2015/02/what-to-do-with-your-money-in-2015/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Related link: What to do with your money this year</span></a></strong></em></p><p><strong>Coupons and sales –</strong> You’re constantly on the lookout for bargains and deals on everything. Clothes, petrol, food, household goods, airfares, whether it’s being vigilant on end of season sales or making sure you’re always stocking up on Shop A Dockets, you’re always prepared to ensure you make the most of those handy savings.</p><p><strong>Recycling and reusing –</strong> With so many things being prepackaged and disposable these days, your vigilance here supports the environment as well as helping your hip pocket and monthly budget.</p><p><strong>Ditching the car –</strong> Deciding to jump on your bike or take a brisk stroll for those local errands instead of using the car not only saves you on petrol and vehicle wear and tear, you also get the bonus of exercise, fresh air and maybe a bit more local community interaction at the same time.</p><p><strong>Sharpening the saw –</strong> As per above,in order to maintain good habits and achieve any goal in life it's important to look after yourself physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. This can be done frugally too with examples such as eating better by starting a vegetable patch; exercising simply by going for a walk or jog; interacting socially to make you feel better emotionally; exercising your mind by reading or volunteering; and spending time close to nature while expanding your spiritual self through meditation, music, art or prayer.</p><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/finance/money/2015/02/how-to-get-things-for-free/" target="_blank">Clever ways to get things for free</a></strong></em></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/finance/money/2015/01/supermarket-savings/" target="_blank">Six strategies to save money at the supermarket</a></strong></em></span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/finance/money/2014/11/great-money-saving-hacks/" target="_blank">Great money saving hacks</a></strong></em></span></p>
