For part one see here, part two see here, part three see here, part four see here!
41. Use the library to rent DVD’s and CD’s as well as books!
42. If the library doesn’t have what you are looking for, ask how to make a suggestion! I noticed at my local library there were very few books about adoption both for potential adoptive parents, adoptive parents and for children (because it is important for all children to learn about the different ways families are created!) so I made a few suggestions and lo’ and behold the books are now on the shelf 
43. Be selective! I often get invites out that I say no to (generally ones which cost £ that is not in the budget), I no longer find this in any way restrictive – I find there is actually a lot of freedom in being able to make a choice and pick and choose what is best for you in this season of your life!
44. Use water, vinegar & baking soda to clean instead of other products!
45. Consider making your own shampoo, if you really can’t then have a look at pound/dollar stores. I have found the same shampoo there for £1 that is £3 in other shops! Often I can even get 2 for £1!
46. Clearly understand the marketing that goes into women’s beauty regimes! I use water or oil 99% of the time and I keep a pomegranate body butter for my hands/legs/feet as needed. Before this I tried so many “good” products that made no difference at all! Everyone’s skin is different and I don’t want to tell you what you need, but in my experience my skin needs the bare bones plus a healthy amount of water to nourish it each day
47. Be your own beauty therapist – give yourself a foot rub or hand massage, or better yet get someone else to do it for you!
48. Invest in good tweezers so you aren’t going somewhere else to have your eyebrows waxed weekly! I do still occasionally get my eyebrows waxed (maybe 2-3x a year) and the rest of the time take care of it myself
49. When you feel like you need some TLC, open the windows, let in a good breeze, turn off all sound (apart from relaxing music if that helps) and lie down on the floor, be aware of your breathing and think about nothing but your own body. I read recently that for many people this is as relaxing as getting a massage and a whole lot cheaper!
50. Know what your weekness’ are! When I came back from volunteering overseas I often repeated to myself before I went out “you are going to be teary, you are going to be sad, you are going to want to hibernate and look for something to make you feel better, that something won’t come from new DVD’s, going out for dinner each day, luxury massages or even booking a holiday and putting it on your credit card like everyone says you should do to reward yourself, they may give you a 10 second high but it will go”. The reality was, I had a good look at what my needs might be and came up with the best way to meet them - for me that was some time at the beach, loads of time to pray and read and time to just let grief happen. I have a lot of weakness’ but I know with God’s help & strength I can overcome them without going into debt!
“46. Clearly understand the marketing that goes into women’s beauty regimes”
Agreed. I cant stand the billion pound industry dedicated to make woman feel gross just to sell beauty products.
This – “50. Know what your weekness’ are! When I came back from volunteering overseas I often repeated to myself before I went out “you are going to be teary, you are going to be sad, you are going to want to hibernate and look for something to make you feel better, that something won’t come from new DVD’s, going out for dinner each day, luxury massages or even booking a holiday and putting it on your credit card like everyone says you should do to reward yourself, they may give you a 10 second high but it will go”. The reality was, I had a good look at what my needs might be and came up with the best way to meet them – for me that was some time at the beach, loads of time to pray and read and time to just let grief happen. I have a lot of weakness’ but I know with God’s help & strength I can overcome them without going into debt!”
Very wise!! xx
There is a lot to be said for simplicity. There is much truth in the less is more, more effective phrase. I also have a friedn who lives by need not greed.
I must also vouch for the library suggestions. I love my library. They welcome suggestions. Recently I was sent a letter that a new book was in. It took almost a year for them to source this book so while they were at it they bought the whole set. What bliss!
Excellent tips!
You might be interested in my latest blog news!
I have been away from blogland for a while, neither posting nor reading, but something about my mood and current circumstances drew me back briefly this morning.
How appropriate then to find this post. I shall read it properly and visit the previous ones when I have a bit more time (the last thing I need is to lose my job because I’m using the internet at work).
Hope all is well with you – I see I have a lot of posts to catch up on!
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I am just reading all of these tips and am so motivated now to be more frugal and better about my spending, a big thank you FT!