5 Ways to Live Frugally During the Pandemic

I have to say that 2020 has not been quite what I expected. With the coronavirus wondering the streets, many of us are still on lockdown. Millions of Americans are on unemployment and if yours is like mine, it comes when it wants. So, I have had to go back to some OG money-saving tips to make sure we have something to make it through. I have a couple of posts here and here if you like to check out some ways to save. Combined with what I know I have 5 ways to live frugally during the pandemic so, we all can make it out of this with our heads up.

1. YOUR EYES VS YOUR STOMACH. Every cent matters and just because you see it does not mean that you need it. Try to avoid going grocery shopping on an empty stomach. This just causes you to pick up way more than you need because you’re hungry and it all looks good.  The extra money you could spend belongs in a better place. Like your piggy bank. So stay away from Kroger when you are hungry or your check out price will have you looking like you saw a ghost.

2. STICK TO THE BUDGET. Most people don’t create a budget for fun. So, if you have taken that time to plan your money out stick to it. You have a budget for a reason and you should remember that. Think of the goal or goals that you have in mind. The thought of achieving that and coming out on top will keep you in line. Don’t let yourself or anyone else take your eyes off of the prize. There are apps like Truebill Budget & Bill Tracker, Mint: Personal Finance & Money, and many more that can help you with building a proper budget.

3. PUT AWAY EVERY TIME YOU ARE PAID. When you create your budget be sure the subtract the amount that you will be putting into your savings account. Doing this every pay period will help your savings grown. As you save you create a cushion for life’s unexpected expenses. This means more now than ever. Being at home so much means I am not doing much traveling. So, we can save the money that would normally be spent on getting back and forth to work each day. As long as you’re disciplined, it will all add up in a big way.

4. WALK INSTEAD OF DRIVE. Most people I know aren’t going far. Just home, work, and grocery stores for the most part. Since I am not doing much traveling I have been doing more walking to save. This has been great for me. On top of wanting to save money during a hard time, I’ve been working on my weight. So, whenever I need something from the store I take a walk. It’s fun to see how far you can go without being tired and I’m getting some great exercise. So, open your fav step counting app, I use the My Plate, and start walking.

5. MAKE DON’T BUY.  Since we are trying to maintain a frugal life, there isn’t much room for waste. We may Uber Eats a meal once a month depending on what deals are available, but for the most part we eat at home. If you can make a decent meal, you don’t have to worry about buying one. Take out usually only last for a night and then it’s back to figuring it out the next night. However, if you take the time to cook you can be sure to have leftovers for tomorrow. This way no one has to cook every time and we save some money for something else.

Our new normal has changed the way we operate. I hope these 5 ways to live frugally during the pandemic will help you adjust and save some money while you do it. How do you save? Is this something you have had to worry about? What’s your thought process?