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My husband and I had one of our money talks. We’d just watched Anderson Cooper on CNN speak about the economic crisis in the US and had also reviewed our finances. As in business and life, you have more money when, a) you spend less or b) you make more. Currently we’re in the spend less category, already conscious consumers, we looked at how we could spend less. Eeeshk! Buy cheaper stuff? The word frugal conjures up “cheap” for me so I checked the definition: “economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful.” I love not wasting and I can be prudent. So we put our heads together and came up with a plan.

Our Monthly Thoughtful Savings List:

Milk: no more organic milk, save $30.00
Newspapers: read on line, save $20.00
Fruit and veggies: buy from local produce shop, save $75.00
$5 organic chocolate bars: only once a week, save $20.00
Dry cleaning: hand wash clothes, save $30.00
Lunch: take to work, save $150.00
House cleaner: down to twice a month, save $100.00
Coffee: bring from home, save $50.00
Bus to work: savings in gas $80.00
Make wine with friends: (it tastes fabulous), save $100.00
Greeting cards:create my own, save $20.00

TOTAL monthly savings: $ 575.00

Update

We realized a priority is food, organic milk is a must. The bus doesn’t work for me; it takes too long, can’t take the bad weather and I bring my dog, Billie, to the studio. I’ll be green-conscious in other areas. Being thoughtful about my purchases saves money but what’s most fulfilling is the contribution to my family, my community, and our earth. I am thrilled to create an inexpensive pasta dish with the best extra virgin olive oil or to buy a vintage tweed skirt for three dollars and wear it with a Max Mara coat that I’ve had for ten years.

What would it be like if we asked ourselves before every purchase, does this add value to my life?
Do I need this?
Can I pay cash?

I’m starting a revolution in Frugal Living, join me! Let me know how you live consciously, simply and richly.