Six Traits of the Frugal Shopper

A frugal shopper has skills that help him or her gain benefit of the money-saving opportunities in life. Below I have listed several traits found in frugal shoppers. By incorporating these into your life, you too can become a frugal shopper.

1. A frugal shopper studies other people. There are probably people near you living a good life on half of what you make. Learn how others do things, so you'll know your options.

2. Frugality requires knowledge of values. It's hard to get a huge deal on a car if you don't recognize what a big deal is. Start enlightening yourself on prices, especially before you're ready to buy anything that costs a lot.

3. Frugal shoppers pay cash. Things are cheaper when paid for in cash instead of credit. Want that new patio set? The cost divided by the number of weeks you can wait to get it equals how much you need to set aside each week. You'll not only save on interest when you pay cash, but you'll often get a better price.

4. A frugal shopper looks for alternatives. Maybe you'd have just as much fun taking that discounted trip to the Bahamas as you would going to Jamaica. If you happen to enjoy pizza just as much - or more, skip the expensive restaurant and call Dominoes.

5. Frugal shoppers tell people what they need. Just mention it in conversation. Do you know how many people get free or cheap things, just because they talk?

6. Do the math. You didn't really save $400 on that car if it costs you $500 more in gas each year. Also, be aware that some stores are cashing in on shopper's assumptions that larger is cheaper. Yes, the gallon of pickles might cost more than four-quart jars. Be ready to do the math if you want to be a frugal shopper.

So, which of these will you chose to incorporate into your lifestyle and shopping habits.

Also frugal shoppers are great with frugal gift like this one for the homemaker.

A frugal gift is measured first by it's usefulness. With that in mind, the frugal mind that is, the gift actually serves two practical purposes; it is useful and saves money. Most frugal women will Below I will explore a couple of ideas for thoughtful, practical-and yes, frugal-gifts.

Fill a sturdy laundry basket with one or two boxes each: Arm and Hammer Washing Soda, 20 Mule Team Borax and a few bars of Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar Soap. Mix up one batch of the following recipe and put in a tightly sealed container. You can make a decorative container yourself from a quart mason jar and some decorative fabric banded over the top or any kind of sealed glass container. Tie with pretty ribbon. And include the following recipe. Place with the laundry detergent ingredients.

Powdered Laundry Detergent

Mix Together:

1. 1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap
2. 1/2 Cup Washing Soda
3. 1/2 Cup Borax

Use one Tablespoon per load, or for heavily soiled clothes, use 2 tablespoons.

The frugal person most likely makes her own cleaning solutions and is always looking for cleaning and organizing tips. For a cleaning basket that will be truly appreciated, include a couple of spray bottles, steel wool, a pumice stone, cream of tartar, vinegar, baking soda, gloves, scrub brushes, utility towels or cleaning rags, dusters, cloth diapers (make great cleaning rags), household cleaning and organizing tips book or recycling tips. You might compile a book of homemade cleaning recipes to get her going. An added gift might be a "coupon" booklet offering your services for childcare, pet-sitting, or other amenities so the receiver can get away for a bit and enjoy some relaxation.

Gift baskets are only limited by your imagination. Look around at the things you use most often, thing about your recipient's lifestyle and take it from there.

Bertena has a Bachelor and Masters in Divinity and is finishing her Philosopher Degree in the Paranormal and Parapsychology. She also has a Bachelor and Masters in Social Science and Education and a Masters in Sociology, Criminology and is pursuing a Folk Studies and Museum Studies Masters as well. You can find more about her here.

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