My husband is one of those people who are just naturally frugal, on the other hand, I had to train myself to become that way.

Frugal people tend to be savers and “what if” people, and generally happy with financial decisions they make. They are also the type of people of are comfortable going “without”.

Here are ten habits that all frugies can relate to. If your not one of them, you can take some of these habits off the list and start incorporating them into your life as well.

1. Set Financial Goals

This is a habit that we ALL need to get into doing. People who are frugal like my husband, tend to value their money; so they know what they want to spend it on and where they want to spend it. And if they don’t want to spend it, they hold on to it.

Having a written set of financial goals allows you to visually see what it is you want to accomplish. This gives you a plan of what you want to do with your money and ways of achieving it.

2. Live Below Your Means

While there is nothing wrong per se with “keeping up with the Joneses”. you have to make sure you can afford to do so.

Those who fall into the frugal category tend to enjoy having a cushion with their funds. This is commonly referred to as a “financial margin”. If you want to start living a better life and stop living paycheck to paycheck then I recommend starting with a budget.

3. Have A Plan

Financial goals and budgets; if there is one thing you need in order to be successful financially, you must have a plan; and all frugal people understand this.

Budgeting templates are great for creating a plan. There are tons on the web that you can find, but you can also download them here.

4. They Make Financial Decisions Together

In order for a family to achieve financial security and goals as a family, they understand that it is important to discuss the goals with one another. In order to be successful, you have to be open to your plan and everyone has to be on board. When it comes to finances, one bad apple can spoil the bunch.

5. They Appreciate A Home Cooked Meal

I’m not saying frugal people never eat out, they just know that it’s cheaper to eat at home. If they are truly frugal then they may even commit a line item within their budget for eating (and will not go over it).

6. Do Not Spend is Their Mantra

If they have second thoughts about a purchase they tend to err on the side of caution and will not spend anything. Frugal people know when to say no, and always look for ways to either not spend money, or spend a little as possible.

7. Deal Diving

Shopping for deals and coupons isn’t something frugies do just to say they do it, it’s a way of life. Since they understand the value of money, they understand that they can always find what they are looking for slightly cheaper if they just keep looking. This goes from clothing to groceries. Saving money every chance you get is a great way to jumpstart frugality and financial freedom.

Saving money doesn’t come easy. You have to find creative ways to spend less money, which isn’t always easy, but it can be done. By incorporating these steps into your daily lifestyle, you will begin to save more money, begin your journey to becoming debt free and decreasing your overall expense.m

Natasha Brown

Love of impromptu dance parties, 80’s cartoons, and horizontal life pauses (aka naps); Natasha Brown is a stay at home mom of 4 kids, and wife to one lucky guy! In her spare time, she is co-editor of Grits & Grace, as well as editor for The Mother Hustler Blog and Creative Director for the Mother Hustler podcast.

www.themotherhustlerblog.com