An Internet connection is frugal. When given the choice between cable television and an Internet connection, frugalitarians choose being online hands down. They'll give up their landline phone, dryer, dishwasher, going to the movies and eating out, but don't mess with their computer -- and who can blame them when it pays for itself? There are a bunch of ways to save money online:
SEARCH SALES FLIERS: Stores offer their weekly sales circulars on their Web sites. One reader, Dayna in Ohio, shares: "I check sales on the store Web sites. Some stores, like Walgreens, have an online inventory system so I can see which stores have the sale items in stock. This has saved me a lot of time by avoiding wasted trips." You can also use Web sites such as Shop Local (http://www.shoplocal.com/), which lists your local stores and their sales ads, so you can compare prices all in one place.
MAILING: Gone are the days of waiting in line at the post office. You can order free priority-mailing supplies and print labels, and ship right from home. And with online bill paying, you save on gas and stamps, too.
HOBBIES AND DIY: There are tons of free pattern Web sites for the craft enthusiast. If you're interested in learning a new craft or finding DIY project instructions, there are many video tutorials to choose from, such as 5min (http://www.5min.com/). Or locate the best deal on a local contractor. Another reader, Vail in Washington, shares: "I've become the DIY queen and saved myself literally thousands. Last week, I repaired dovetails in an original 1913 tallboy dresser. It was an old dresser with a busted drawer and cost $13. And through Angie's List (http://www.angieslist.com/), I found a guy to put in my new 95-percent-efficient gas furnace and all new insulated ducting for $3,800 instead of the average of the other quotes of about $8,000."
You can bid for items through online auctions, find items free on Web sites such as Freecycle (http://www.freecycle.org/) or swap for what you want at Web sites such as Swap Thing (www.swapthing.com).
TRAVEL: Budget-travel tips are a click away. You can look up national parks, day trips and airfare, hotel and car-rental deals. Look for places where kids eat free or at a discount, too. Visit Web sites such as KidsMealDeals (http://www.kidsmealdeals.com/). Learn about renting or swapping vacation homes, and going on volunteer and farm-stay vacations, too.
Here are a few more ways.
- Shop with coupons and coupon codes, comparison shop or find free samples.
- Sell or swap some of your stuff.
- Watch movies and shows, listen to music, play free games, or gather free fun activities for kids.
- Find budget recipes.
- Learn new skills.
- Keep in touch via e-mail, instant messenger, social networks or free video or phone calls.
- Take online classes or find tutoring.
- Fax online.
- Research products before you buy. Often, you can get free shipping or free-trial software, too.
- Find mentors or build a business network for support.
- Open an online savings account or transfer money.
Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (www.frugalvillage.com), a Web site that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. To send tips, comments or questions, write to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or e-mail sara@frugalvillage.com.
