Article By:Christine Roberts -Kelly
Contributing Writer

As the new year unfolds, ushering in a wave of resolutions and positive changes, what better
way to kick off the month of February than by embracing the art of frugality? This month we willdelve into the concept of Frugal February, providing practical tips and insightful guidance to help you navigate this budget-friendly journey. We will look at making small, but meaningful shifts in Mindful Spending, Meal Planning and Batch Cooking, DIY Projects, Thrift Store Treasures, Entertainment on a Budget, Digital Detox and of course Financial Planning. Take heart February is a short month, therefore in a blink of an eye Frugal February will be over before youknow it!

Frugal February initiates with a fundamental shift in mindset. Mindset is 90% of the battle in many areas of our life! Money mindset maybe the most valuable and yet the most daunting to conquer. Take a moment to reflect on your spending habits, dig deep to identify areas where cutbacks can be made without compromising your overall well-being. Consider reducing
discretionary expenses, such as dining out or impulse purchases, paving the way for a more
intentional and considered approach to your finances. I don’t know about you guys, for me the check-out area is impulse purchase central! This is where I see all the little things that I don’t need but want to buy! Anyone else need a car air freshener?? No just me …
Do I have a solution or sage words of advice for you? Sadly, No.
All I can tell you is you’re not alone, remain focused on your financial goals and don’t shop at the checkout!

A significant portion of our budget often goes towards food. During Frugal February, considerthe power of meal planning and embrace the practice of batch cooking. I love a good crockpotrecipe. I have cooked everything in my crockpot from vegan chili to oxtails. This not only savesmoney but also ensures you have wholesome, homemade meals readily available, effectively curbing the temptation to order takeout on a whim.
This y’all was ( and still is ) my go to for easy meal prep , budget friendly meals , and super tasty vittles.
Tap into your creative side and embark on a journey of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. My family would say that I am a DYI girl. My last project was painting the laundry room / garage door using paint samples that my wonderful neighbor gifted me. When she gave them to me, she said I know you will be able to find a use for this paint. She knows me well!
Whether it is crafting home decor, fashioning handmade gifts, or skillfully repairing household items, engaging in DIY activities proves to be both cost-effective and emotionally fulfilling. Frugal living need not compromise your sense of style or creativity.

Frugality should not be synonymous with sacrificing quality or style. I subscribed to the idea that the thrift store has some of the best treasures! Venture into secondhand stores to uncover hidden gems at a fraction of the cost. From unique clothing pieces to eclectic furniture, you might be pleasantly surprised by the treasures that await, all while keeping your budget intact. Much of the furniture can be painted or stained. Vintage clothing and goods are Soo “In” now that it has become accessible and acceptable to shop consignment stores, FB marketplace, or garage sales for item. These items can be styled for use in your own home, or to make a little extra cash.

Entertainment doesn’t have to break the bank. When I was a single mom with two small
children, free was definitely the only way I could afford outings for them. Explore the array of free or low-cost activities within your community. Attend outdoor concerts, visit local art exhibits, or hike scenic trails. Frugal February serves as an opportunity to relish simple pleasures without succumbing to the pressure of overspending. My boys are adults now… But I still love free. If you are looking for free activities for your kids, for your family, or yourself check out your local city or county website. You can also Google “free events in my area.” I have even had the joy of attending yoga classes for free. Spend a few minutes researching and you are sure to find something free to do almost every day of the week.

I personally just completed a digital detox. Y’all it was hard, but it was something I felt like I needed to do. Cutting off streaming freed me to invest my time in gaining knowledge. I started listening to podcasts… FOR FREE! So, I offer up for your consideration a digital detox during Frugal February. Streamline your digital subscriptions, bid farewell to unused apps, and resist the allure of unnecessary online purchases. This not only saves you money but also fosters a more mindful approach to consumption, encouraging deliberate choices in the digital realm. If you have read any of my other articles, you already know that I am going to talk about setting financial goals. Seize the opportunity of Frugal February to assess your financial goals and meticulously plan for the future. Whether it involves building an emergency fund, allocating resources for specific financial milestones, or research long-term investments, this month provides an excellent platform to align your spending habits with your financial aspirations.

Embracing Frugal February transcends the mere act of cutting costs; it’s about cultivating a
sustainable and mindful approach to our finances. By incorporating these practical tips into your daily life, you can navigate the month of February not just with financial wisdom but also frugality is not
a restriction but a liberation – a gateway to financial empowerment and a life well-lived.