Things you can buy to increase your frugality

So when we talk about frugality, of course that inevitably calls to mind not spending money. But there are things you can buy that make you more frugal.

So today is a little bit of light reading. But I think it’s an important concept. Frugality, and the Financial Independence, Retire Early movement itself, are often characterized by not spending money. But those in the know, know that frugality and FIRE are really about optimization.

Sometimes that optimization involves spending some money. Here is what I mean:

Things you can buy that make you more frugal: a list

• Bicycles: Well, come on. You knew that one was coming. I’ve already talked about how Riding my bicycles earns me $42,000. You earn a good solid 50 cents per mile, not to mention the health benefits. Plus it’s fun. As I have said before, start with trips within two miles, and branch out from there. Also? If you get in the attitude of bicycle first, it makes it harder to just hop in the car to go buy things impulsively.
• Crockpot: One of the first things I did when I decided to be more frugal, is I started making my lunches every day. I was eating out every lunch, and even at a lowball $10 per day, that’s $200 per month or $2,400 per year I was spending on food I could just make at home. The crockpot was a gamechanger — making delicious food in it is simple. This is much like the crockpot I own, by the way, but I’m sure any will do nicely. Want an easy recipe? Buy a package of chicken and two cans of salsa, cook on high for five hours — the chicken will pull apart and you can use it on a sandwich, with chips, or just eat on its own. Add an apple and some nuts and boom, lunch time!
• Cell phone: Wha??? Surely I’m joking. Well, I’m not. Phones seem frivolous, but hear me out. They replace a number of things I might need. My iPhone has helped me launch my YouTube channel, replaces the need for a tape recorder (I’m a journalist), negates the need for a GPS navigator (I am TERRIBLE at finding places), provides a camera in a pinch (one that is now in a lot of ways better than my out of date DSLR), provides music for $10 per month (I used to spend a ton of money on music). That’s just a few examples. For a journalist, my phone has become an indispensable tool. Caveats: I only upgrade when my previous phone is completely kaput, I don’t get the brandest newest model, and I save a ton by using Ting Mobile.
• Tools: I don’t mind buying a tool here and there, because they help me repair things, saving money through the frugal badassity of DIY. I installed a new toilet in my house with the help of a friend, saving me several hundred dollars. And I’m currently working on re-walling my shower/bath area in my bathroom.
• BJJ classes (and other fitness spending): OK, this one is a little more indirect, but just as important in my opinion. Spending on health and fitness is something I don’t mind doing, because it saves me money on health care. Even with insurance, health care still costs a ton. Anything that prevents you from seeing the doctor is, in my opinion, worth it. So I spend the money to go to Brazilian Jujitsu classes, I spend the money for yoga classes here and there, I spent the money to build myself a home gym with an Olympic barbell set — all because I feel it benefits me in the long term.

By the way, I made this video from my iPhone for my YouTube channel, something I’m hoping will be a money maker some day.

<iframe width=”560" height=”315" src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/N41TLUFtevk" frameborder=”0" allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>

Sometimes you gotta spend a little

Life isn’t all about saving money, and even saving money isn’t always about not spending a cent. Frugality is optimization, and sometimes that means spending a little to gain a lot. I hope some of these items helps you on your journey, or at least gets you thinking about this concept.

Hey guys, if you like this post, check out my website www.frugalwheels.com for more tips and strategies to become more frugal, save and invest more money and become financially independent!