As the world continues to cope with the global pandemic, the impact of the flailing economy is even more frightening for many families. As a result, many people are learning the importance of frugality. Granted, it can feel really counterintuitive to consider purchases before making them. However, when you’re in a recession, it’s important to do so.
There are plenty of ways you can make frugality feel more like fine art as opposed to a negative chore. Consider the following seven tips for living frugally during Covid-19.
1. Homemade Meals
By meal planning and preparing food at home, you’ll save so much money. Get into the habit of preparing amazing meals at home. Yes, the process will take time. However, you don’t have to spend every waking hour in the kitchen. Take two hours out of your day to make a few large casseroles.
After freezing a few of the casseroles, you can enjoy easy dinners for a few days. After popping a casserole into the oven, add some bread and a side salad for a complete meal. Make your coffee drinks at home. Learn how to make simple desserts like banana bread, pound cake, and chocolate chip cookies. By preparing your food at home, you can save tons of money as you still enjoy delicious recipes.
2. Freezing Efficiently
As you purchase ingredients for a particular recipe, take note of how you can freeze those ingredients in order to preserve them. If you’re purchasing fresh herbs, freeze them to guarantee usage for the long haul. If you know that you’re not going to use the entire can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, learn how to freeze the rest of the peppers for the next time you’d like to make chipotle mayo.
3. Utility Usage
Your utility usage will go up since everyone is spending more time at home. However, there are ways to keep the home cool without shifting the thermostat all the time. Keep the blinds closed during peak sunlight hours. Keep the doors open to allow the air to circulate. Shift the direction of the fans in your home to allow them to push cool air through. Notice leaks in faucets and windows to prevent wasting energy or water.
4. Efficient Systems
Develop a household that’s more self-efficient. Start a garden to produce your own produce. As you all eat according to the season, you can also sell produce and baked goods to others as a source of income. Be intentional about teaching your children how to clean up after themselves. If they can learn how to avoid wasting, this will be a major accomplishment.
5. Coupons
Always remain on the lookout for interesting ways to save money. One of the best ways to do this is through coupons. Right now, it’s a lot better to use digital apps and online coupons due to sanitary reasons. However, subscribe to the email newsletters of your favorite companies to learn of any discounts. Whether you need to purchase prescription eyewear or pizza because you need a break from cooking, check for online deals first.
6. Healthy Lifestyles
The last place anyone wants to visit is the hospital right now. Medicine and health care bills can be pretty expensive. In order to avoid those costs, do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Develop a healthy diet that’s filled with healthy fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. Drink plenty of water. Drink herbal tea. Take daily vitamins and supplements to boost your immune system. Get lots of rest every night. Exercise daily. As you and your household work on improving your healthy lifestyles, it’ll be a lot easier to remain well and incur the costs that come with being sick.
7. Recycling & Upcycling
Find ways to reuse, recycle, and upcycle your resources. If you’re planting a garden, use leftover food as compost and fertilizer. Instead of spending tons of money on disposable masks, purchase seven reusable masks per person. Once someone uses a reusable mask, wash it by hand, and hang it to dry. Instead of throwing away old jeans, use old fabric to make a new mask.
As you become more efficient with home management and resourcefulness, you’ll develop a new way of thriving. Even though you’re opting to live frugally to preserve your resources, you can still thrive in the midst of it all.
By saving more money, creating new income streams, and being more intentional with your spending, you’ll be able to get on a positive path towards financial management and financial freedom. Maintain these habits as they will serve you well right now and in the future.
