Leading a frugal lifestyle, after years of excess, can be incredibly difficult at first. But with enough time and with enough work you will start to see that the benefits can be remarkable. Here are some tips from a mother of four who now lives, quite happily, off of less than a quarter of what she was earning two years ago.
1. Don't be afraid of cloth diapers, even the cheap ones are at least as effective as most off brand disposables.
2. Look for deals everywhere you can, the internet is full of them.
3. Learn how to coupon effectively, if you do it the right way you'll never pay retail again.
4. Make a budget and stick to it
5. Avoid shopping for entertainment, go to the store only when you need something and try to limit your trips
6. Learn to cook from scratch
7. Breastfeed it's free
8. Walk and bike when you can
9. Cut and dye your own hair
10. Splurge on the important things, and know what the important things are
These things alone can save you thousands of dollars a year and they aren't really that difficult to accomplish.