Some people believe that being frugal and being cheap are the same thing, and these two traits have an unfortunately negative connotation in some circles. The common assumption is that frugal people do not want to spend any money unless absolutely necessary.
However, the reality is that truly frugal people avoid wasteful spending. This means that spending is on things that add true value to their lives in some way. When they do make purchases, they take time to research the options so that they maximize the value or benefit that the purchase provides to them. These are some of the smart things that frugal people spend money on
Internet Access
A cheap person may not have Internet access because of the belief that it is a waste of money. After all, you do not need Internet access as a necessity for survival. A frugal person, however, sees the many benefits associated with having Internet access.
For example, this service enables you to shop around to find the best deals on the items that you truly need. You could even earn money through some remote work opportunities if you have Internet access at home. Online bill payments and email may save money on postage. While there is true value associated with having Internet access, remember that you can shop around to find the best rate available for this service.
Education
Paying for higher education can be expensive, and the reality is that some education is simply not financially worthwhile. It may take you decades to pay off student loans associated with an expensive education and relatively low income. On the other hand, a well-chosen educational path at an affordable school may provide you with the opportunity to earn more money over the years than you otherwise may be able to earn with only a high school diploma. Frugal individuals may look beyond a traditional college or university setting for educational opportunities and career advancement. For example, certifications may be an effective way to progress along your career path and may cost a fraction of the cost of a college education.
A Fuel-Efficient Car
In many areas, it is feasible for frugal individuals to use public transportation, walk or ride a bike to get around town in the most affordable way. However, this is not always practical. In some cases, living in an urban area close to your workplace is actually more expensive than living outside of town and commuting into town in a fuel-efficient car. Remember that you could even use your car to make extra money, such as by being a ridesharing driver in your free time. Frugal individuals will analyze all options to find the most cost-effective method of transportation available. In addition to focusing on the fuel economy of the car, frugal individuals who decide that driving is the best transportation option for their specific circumstances will also comparison shop for auto insurance, properly maintain their car by completing as much work on the vehicle themselves as possible and find the lowest auto loan rate possible.
Healthcare Services
There is considerable value associated with staying healthy. Frugal people understand the importance associated with eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise as a means to ward off conditions that may require expensive medical treatments and specialized care.
They also may have a solid health insurance plan that helps them to reduce the risk of having to pay for huge medical bills if they do get sick or injured. Health insurance plans may pay for the entire cost of a well-check, and frugal individuals take advantage of this benefit. Through a regular well-check, you can learn about underlying conditions that you may not be aware of and that could have a great outcome when addressed early.
Credit Score Improvements
You certainly cannot buy a higher credit score, but there are ways to spend your money so that your credit rating improves. Keep in mind that a higher credit score may qualify you for a lower interest rate on car loans, credit cards and home loans. This could save you money for years to come. It may also help you to get a better rate on car insurance and even to qualify for a new job that has higher earning potential.
There are several ways to spend money intelligently to bolster your credit score. For example, if you learn that your credit score is lower because your credit card debt balances are too high, you can spend money making larger payments on credit cards until the balances are lower. Truly frugal people will work diligently to pay off all debts, but remember that some strategic debt is necessary to maintain a high credit rating. Getting loans with payments made in installments like online car title loans
Frugality is not defined by a lack of spending. Instead, it is characterized by a focus on making smart purchases that conserve funds as much as possible. You can see that each of these types of expenses have true value for individuals in different ways. If you are ready to become more frugal, remember to ask yourself what the cost of the purchase is as well as what you can expect to get out of it. Ensure that the benefit is truly advantageous rather than frivolous if you want to be as frugal as possible. Then, take the additional step to shop around for the best deal on the item that you have decided to purchase.