Ever wonder where the phrase pinching pennies comes from? I have, as well as lots of other phrases like “penny saved is a penny earned” and the old superstition about not picking up a penny that was face down, or it would be bad luck.
You don’t have to know the origin of a phrase however, to know what it means and to make use of it. For example pinching pennies simply means to be frugal of course, and I’m going to outline a few things you can easily do to save money.
- Learn to be content
While I know this might sound like a strange way to think of saving money, it really isn’t. For example, don’t buy a new car every four years; pay off your car and then save to pay for a new (used) one which you can pay cash for. Certainly this means you won’t be driving the newest model, or perhaps even the prettiest one, but if you are content with what you have, you will easily be able to pass the car lot and smile knowing that you are content with what you have.
- Make it yourself
Cook more meals at home, from scratch, not a box. Using fresh ingredients and not a pre-packaged artificial ingredient, sodium packed “helper” kind of meal and not only will you be saving money, but you will help the health of both you and your family.
- Fix it yourself
Become familiar with the general working functions of your appliances, both large and small, electronic or not. If you know how they work it will be easier for you to be able to identify the potential problem. If you cannot find out how to repair the appliance either through word of mouth from someone you know, or the internet, then either replace the appliance or call a repairman. One thing’s certain, the repairman will be thankful that you know enough to point them in the right direction when they go to repair your item.
Doing just these three simple, relatively painless things will help you save money, as you take pride in knowing you’ve learned to be content.
RSS