Comments on: Ten Ways to Quickly Cut Your Living Costs

By: Sally

Sally — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:08:52 +0000

Hi Rajiv,

It’s good to hear that you’ve managed to engage your family in some frugal practices – not always easy! And sharing DIY tools with neighbours seems like a very good idea. Social cohesion is an important element of this, in addition to the bare practicalities.

By: Sally

Sally — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:15:28 +0000

If men do indeed buy fewer clothes and tend to wear them out, then maybe it’s us women who need to sharpen up our act! Perhaps there’s something else, other than clothes, that men would prefer to swop?

By: Rajiv

Rajiv — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:07:38 +0000

I have engaged my family in discussing to adopt frugality. Various possibilities, such as getting rid of items which we haven’t used or don’t use.
Cooking at home, ordering less take-aways. Home cooking is generally healthier.
I have borrowed some DIY tools from neighbours when needed and they have reciprocated. Which has also helped in social cohesion.

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:54:52 +0000

I know quite a few women who go to clothes-swap parties but no men. Perhaps we traditionally buy fewer clothes and tend to wear them out? Or do the women buy them for us hoping we will sharpen up our act?

By: Sally

Sally — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:09:40 +0000

I really like that idea, not just for its frugality, but also for the social and sharing element. It sounds a bit like what we’d call a “Bring and Buy Sale” here in the UK, but with food and without the money – excellent!
Thanks again, Anna.

By: Anna Gordon

Anna Gordon — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:06:43 +0000

You could organize a clothing (or whatever you like – electronics, kitchen items, etc.) swap with friends. Have each person bring a simple snack to share, as well as, any clothes that they don’t wear anymore. Everyone gets a chance to eliminate the old, bring home a few “new” treasures, and spend some time with friends. No money, but lots of fun!