Money is constantly on our minds. We have to save money for the future, we need money to pay our utility providers, and we need money to put food on our table. It is unfortunate, but if we do not think about money and try to be financially stable, then we will not have a roof over our heads for long. This is why it is important to try to be as frugal as possible in life—to obtain financial freedom and feel like we have control over our situation instead of living paycheck to paycheck.
Frugal living is a fantastic way to save money, but it is not the only way to keep your money in your wallet. As most people know, you have to spend money in order to make money, and that’s why investing in a greener lifestyle has become a popular choice over the past couple of years for families that want to be environmentally friendly yet still have some money left over for their personal hobbies.
There’s a common misconception that going green means that you have to spend a lot more money and it’s a lifestyle that inherently isn’t frugal, but this article will hopefully explain that going green can save money in the long run and that being frugal doesn’t mean being cheap.
Saving on electricity
There are many ways to go green and save on your electricity bill. The first, and most obvious, way is simply to cut down on electricity usage. Do not leave your devices on standby, turn off your computer and television when they are not needed, and switch things off via the mains in order to guarantee they are not sucking up electricity while you are away.
The more expensive option is to invest in a long-term solution such as solar panels for your home. These are rather costly and can end up being a very expensive investment, but the savings will add up over the course of several years. If you are currently living in a rented home then a solar panel is not a wise investment, but if you have bought your home and you plan to live in it for few decades, then it is a good choice as a long-term frugal plan.
Getting rid of your car
Most people cannot live without their cars. It is their main source of transportation and having one is simply just convenient. However, most people spend thousands a year maintaining their car and paying for fuel, making it a costly expense. However, by getting rid of your car, you not only save money in the end, but you also improve your health and contribute to saving the environment by not polluting the air with car fumes.
For starters, you could replace it with a bicycle. These are much healthier and cheaper options, allowing you to add exercise into your daily routine at a low cost. It is a great method of transportation and biking could even contribute to lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke. If you need to travel long distances, then nothing is wrong with using public transportation, be it a bus, train or even a taxi. If you only make the occasional long distance trip, then it is still a huge money saving to get rid of your car.