I was asked to do a class the other day on money saving ideas. I thought today I would share some of the information that I put together with you guys! I hope that some of these ideas will be helpful to you! I will share some of the handouts this week and some next week. 

Be sure to check out my site on The Coupon Navigatorfor weekly match up of grocery store ads plus daily deal postings and hot coupons! 

Being frugal does not equal mean or cheap. It is looking after your hard-earned money and not being wasteful. In today's world of high prices and uncertain job situations it has become more important than ever to take care of our earnings and the answer is to cut down on expenses where we can and to be a frugal person.

   Being a frugal budgeter will help you to keep your head above water as others sink into debt.

These days frugality is not seen in the same light it perhaps once was and has become more acceptable to many. There are millionaires and you would never guess that they are because they are living a frugal life.

   A Few Reasons that it is OK to be frugal:

* Living a thrifty life means you will have the ability to save.

* By reducing expenses you will have more income available to pay off any debt.

* Your financial life will be stress free.

* The satisfaction you gain by finding and purchasing a bargain.

* More money to put towards your goals.

* You learn to use what you have and appreciate them more.

* As you are being less wasteful you will be helping the environment.

   Areas to be thrifty in your budget:

* Food and groceries

   - Use coupons.

   - Make a shopping list and plan your weekly menu.

   - Never shop when you are hungry, you only buy more.

* Entertainment

    -Have friends around at home rather than dining out.

    - Rent movies via Netflix, Redbox and/or Blockbuster Express

    - Do cost free activities like walks in the park, on the beach.

* Utilities

    - Check out the competition and see if you can negotiate a better deal for phone,                                                        

      Internet and cable television.

    - Switch off lights when you are not in a room.

    - Switch off power to items not being used.

These are only some of the things you can do in your thrifty life and yes, it is OK to be frugal.