Getting Frugally Fit

 Are you struggling to feel more comfortable living within your means, dropping your load of debt, and making amends with your money problems? Your goals are achievable but it takes patience, persistence and practice. Doesn't everything that is worth it in the end require all of these? Believe me breaking free of bad habits with money and taking back control is worth it. Here are some exercises to help you get frugally fit and stay in the game.

Set your goals: If you don't know where you going, you won't know when you get there. If you want to be debt free, start a college fund, pay off your mortgage, eat better for less or buy a used car for cash you need to write it down. Check back every now and then and re-evaluate your goals. Priorities often change and what is important now may not be what you need in 6 months.

Get educated: I am not a financial expert so please don't count on me to tell you how to reach your goals. We are all in this together and learning. Dave Ramsey is my financial rock star. This man is cocky as all get out but he IS the man when it comes to understanding personal finance. You can jump into one of his classes right in your area and more than likely right in your own church. There is an initial cost of $99 for the class materials, but that allows you to take the class over again, anywhere, and as many times as you need to go back. For more info on finding a Financial Peace University group in your area click on this link. By the way, I am in the class right now for the third time. I call it my financial workout.

Also, use the internet and read, read, read about how others have reached their goals. Their stories are uplifting and hopeful and you will realize that you are in better shape now than most of them were when they started setting their goals.

Stretch those dollars: start using coupons, watching for sales, visit thrift stores, go to yard sales, barter with friends, house swap or plan a staycation, eat at home, carpool.

Stop shopping! If you aren't out stalking your favorite mall or discount store you're a lot less likely to buy on impulse. If your thing is to shop online, it's mine too, make a conscious decision not to buy there unless it is something you need. Try the anti-consumerism challenge and pledge to go for one month without buying anything other than absolute essentials. Once the month is up try extending it a bit longer. A friend of mine did it for a whole year. She is my hero.

Brown bag your lunch. It really is the trend these days. You're not alone in the need to cut costs. Talk with your co-workers about what they are doing to save money while your stew is heating in the microwave. You might even get a few friends interested in starting a couponing club at work.

Sell your stuff: Imagine how freeing it will be to get rid of the clutter in your life and get paid to do it. Having stuff costs money. If you have enough you have to pay for storing it, you have to spend time taking care of it and cleaning it. Clutter in your house is a metaphor of what is going on in your life. Messy house, messy life. I love, love, love trash pick up day. I got this from my father who used to scour our house every Monday night looking for whatever he thought he could live without and then toss it into the trash bag he carried around with him.. Usually it was something that belonged to one of us kids, but whatever. His legacy is intact. I digress. If you can find a way to sell your clutter, go for it. You'd be amazed what people will spend money on. Once you count your cash however, pick a debt to put it on.

Quit smoking: Your smoking is in the way of getting free of debt. I'm not shaming you for your nasty habit, just trying to remind you that your money is going up in smoke. Invest in a smoking cessation program at the hospital or find whatever method works for you.

Drink plenty of water: it's wicked cheap and you won't feel guilty afterwards. If you're spending a hefty amount on alcohol, especially in a bar, challenge yourself to cut back by drinking a glass of ice water between beers. Don't worry we like you sober too.

I'm worn out from all this exercise, how about you? Let's start there and add more as we get in shape. There is a never ending list of suggestions to come. Try some of these and share some of yours.