Being frugal is more easily said than done, but there is a way you can lead a frugal life until it becomes the new normal. So how do you do it? It may take some sacrifices, but if you stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize, it can be done.

Start with what you eat. Too often you find yourself eating out, and to make matters worse, you may opt for fast food. This is not only damaging your finances but also your health. Make a concerted choice to stop the habit. Decide that from now on you’ll be eating at home and only eat out rarely, on special occasions. This may be tough, but once you get used to it, you’ll see the benefits flowing.

Eating at home has its advantages; you eat healthy and above all, save money. Eating out on the other hand, involves paying for both the food and the service you receive. When you eat junk food, you risk health complications in later life. To make eating at home simple, buy and prepare your meals in bulk. Purchase all the food you will need for the week and prepare large portions so you have left overs for the next few days. It’s as easy as freezing and reheating!

Food preparation takes patience, something that many of those who eat out don’t have. When you get used to the process, you’ll also be learning how to be patient, an attribute that comes in handy in life. It won’t only be a food preparation process, it’s a learning process, where skills and attributes which can help you manage your finances as well as other aspects of life can be gained.

Another way you can become more frugal is paying attention to what you wear. You’ll find that at times you end up buying clothes that you don’t even need. We buy clothes in the name of fashion only to discard them after a few months. Being frugal involves buying clothes that will last. It’s all about being presentable and comfortable rather than trendy and fashionable. Some may call it conservative, but you’ll be creating a class of your own. It may be termed traditional but you’ll have saved more and you’ll have enough clothes to wear. For those who choose to spend, loads of clothes will be filling their closet but their accounts will be dry.

It is possible to train yourself to be frugal, but it requires discipline, dedication and patience. At the end of it all you will see a significant change in your finances.