3 of the Best Ways to Reduce Financial Stress

If you’re experiencing financial stress right now, you know how it spills over into all areas of your life. This domino effect makes it hard to find the motivation and energy to get anything done and you can find your life spiraling downward and feeling powerless to stop it.

Unfortunately, too many of us are in this position today because of the lack of jobs, under-employment and the rising cost of everything from gas to groceries. The good news is that you can feel more in control again by following these steps. Remember, the hardest part is getting started! Once you’ve made a bit of effort towards reducing financial stress, you’ll find that the subsequent steps are easier.

One thing to keep in mind: there is no sense in feeling guilty or ashamed. Whatever you might or might not have done to get you in this mess is over now and there is nothing to be gained by beating yourself up. Learn your lessons and move on. If you have a partner, be careful not to play the blame game. Again, it’s not productive and the important thing is to learn from mistakes as a family.

Your Journey Begins with a Plan

You have to know exactly where you are right now and where you want to be. For many people this is the most painful part. We think that if we don’t see our full financial picture spelled out in black and white then it’s not really so bad. We dread knowing the truth.

The thing is, how many sleepless nights are you causing yourself by avoiding the problem? Not knowing your situation causes far more anxiety than facing things head on. Worse, you can’t begin to solve your problems until you know exactly what they are.

Open all of those envelopes and log into all of your accounts and create a simple spreadsheet that shows you in no uncertain terms how much you owe and what your assets are. Once you know where you are, then you can start setting reasonable goals and making a plan to work towards them.

You Need a Budget

Writing a budget will help you know where every dollar should go and keep you accountable. Although many people bristle at the idea of having a budget, think about how much better you will feel knowing that all of your needs are accounted for and that you are working productively towards your goals?

You can read more about creating a budget here, but here are a few key points to remember:

Pay yourself first
Factor in a bit of “blow money”
Be realistic and don’t forget periodic expenses like vehicle maintenance and gifts.

Extra Income Can Help You Reduce Financial Strain

The faster that you can get out of the hole, the sooner you’ll start feeling relief and start saving aggressively towards your big goals. Here are a few ways that you can supplement your income and get on the right track in less time.

Do some spring cleaning and de-cluttering! Not only will you feel better, but you can sell or donate what you no longer want or need.
Yard sales are a great way to earn some extra money, but sometimes you’ll do better on Craigslist or Ebay.
If you are talented and crafty, you could arts and crafts or jewelry on Etsy or eBay. Be sure to factor in the price of materials and read up on how to effectively market your store.
Start an online business using skills you already have. Many people have found that being a virtual assistant can be a very lucrative side job.
Tutoring or teaching classes is a good way to put your skills to work to earn extra money.
Look for a second job or odd jobs. Craigslist and your local papers run ads for people seeking workers for a few hours of work a week or to do one-time projects.

Having a plan, sticking to a budget, and increasing your income are the best ways reduce the amount of financial stress in your life. Remember that facing the problem head on is ultimately less stressful than years of denial and avoiding the issue.

Edible Landscaping: Save Money and Have a Great Looking Yard

by Miranda Marquit · 4 comments

One of the great things you can do to save on your grocery bill, and enjoy a great-looking yard, is to choose landscaping that is edible. You don’t need a big garden space; simply plant your garden around the yard, wherever it makes sense. If you are planning out your yard, there are plenty of attractive plants that you can eat. (Technically, you can also eat dandelion leaves in your salad. But no one likes to have dandelions in their yard.)

You will have to choose the plants you use carefully, though, since not all plants will grow in your area. Here are some ideas for plants that can enhance the beauty of your yard, and provide you with food to eat:

For Privacy

One way to save money on fencing, especially if you plan to stay put for a while, is to plant privacy bushes. They provide you with privacy, and are usually difficult to get through. Some edible plants that provide privacy include:

Raspberries (my favorite)
Blackberries
Goji berries
Highbush blueberries
Pomegranates
Roses (rose hips are edible)

Flowers

If you like flowers, plant some that will provide you something (leaves, usually) for a salad, or seeds to eat for later. Some flowering herbs can even be quite pretty:

Sunflower
Lavender
Pansy
Chives
Hibiscus
Borage
Rosemary

Trees

Everyone likes the shade provided by trees. However, these also require patience, since you will have to wait three years or more for some trees to bear fruit. Additionally, it can take a long time for a tree to grow tall enough to provide shade. But, eventually, you will save money. Better yet, if you are looking to buy, look for a home with mature fruit and nut trees.

Apple
Cherry
Crabapple (use these to make jelly)
Plum
Peach
Apricot
Pine (for pine nuts)
Filbert/Hazelnut
English walnut

If you live in a warmer climate, you can grow lemon, lime and orange trees fairly easily, as well as pecan trees, olive trees (you won’t believe how gross olives are fresh from the tree) and avocado trees. We live in a climate that isn’t ideal for citrus trees, but we have an orange tree in the house. My dad grows avocado trees in his home.

Shrubs

There are some plants that look beautiful, even while providing you sustenance. The following are some plants that can do double duty as ornamental shrubs and dinner.

Eggplant
Pepper
Artichoke
Okra
Prickly pear (a cactus)
Lignonberries
Passion fruit
Lettuce

Beautiful Vines

You can also add beauty to your yard with the help of vining plants. These fruits and vegetables are known for their graceful appearance:

Beans
Peas
Grapes (You can grow these even in the mountains; I have neighbors who grow grapes. They’re pretty small, though.)
Kiwis

Ground Cover

No landscaping is complete without some ground cover. Here are some plants that look nice as ground cover, and that you can eat later:

Alpine strawberries (my favorite)
Lowbush blueberries
Chamomile
Creeping thyme

You can probably think of other plants that look attractive and provide you with something to eat. And, of course, if you have extra, you can always dry/dehydrate it or can/bottle it.

10 Easy Tips to Get in Great Financial Shape

by Tracy · 1 comment

Even if you’re not one of the millions of people who are unemployed or underemployed, the current economy has probably convinced you that it’s time to learn how to live a more frugal lifestyle and start putting some money away for hard times.

People are finally realizing that buy now, pay later comes with serious consequences and the only way to feel financially secure is to live below your means now so that you have the funds to weather any storm.

Learning to live on 80% of your income will pay off in the long run. Not only will you be able to increase your savings, you’ll also be better prepared to live off less if the worst happens. Living paycheck to paycheck is a recipe for disaster.

1. Track your expenses. The best way to get started is to figure out exactly where your money is going. Chances are you’ll be a little shocked and maybe even appalled at how much you are frittering away on things like eating out, entertainment and items you buy on whim but never use.

Some of your expenses, like your mortgage, will be fixed and not easily reduced but chances are good that you’ll find lots of painless ways to cut back.

2. Buying drinks and snacks on the go can add up quickly. Learn to get in the habit of carrying water and healthy snacks with you and eating before you leave the house. This isn’t only a good way to save money, it can also help you lose weight and eat a more healthy diet.

3. Smoking and excess drinking are also expensive, unhealthy habits. Check to see if your insurance company will help you pay for smoking cessation aids and classes. Even if they don’t, it’s still worth paying out of pocket since smoking can cost thousands of dollars a year. If you choose to drink alcohol, practice moderation as it’s healthier for your body and pocketbook.

4. Brown bag it! Again, it’s amazing how many frugal habits can also be healthy habits. You’ll also be able to enjoy your lunch hour more as you’re not rushing to get your food and eat it before you need to get back to the office. Sandwiches, salads and leftovers are all easy lunches that take minutes to prepare.

5. Learn to cook from scratch. Ingredients for meals might cost more upfront, but you’ll be able to make many meals from staples like eggs, flour and spices. You can cook big batches of soups, stews and casseroles and freeze them to make your own homemade convenience foods.

6. Make water your primary beverage. It’s practically free from the tap and a much better choice for your health than sodas or other sugary drinks. If your tap water doesn’t taste great, you can get a water filter or buy filtered water in large jugs instead of relying on individual sized bottles of water.

7. Learn to plan your meals based on what’s on sale and in season that week. Being flexible about what you buy and eat can save you a lot of money and give you a wider variety of meals. Coupons can also be huge money savers, but always compare prices and don’t buy anything you normally wouldn’t just because you have a coupon.

8. Delay gratification. Give yourself a mandatory cooling off period before making any purchase. Chances are good that once you’re outside the store, whatever it is will seem much less appealing.

9. Pay yourself first. Treat your savings like a bill and pay it as soon as you are paid, rather than waiting until the end of the month to save what is leftover.

10. Discontinue any unnecessary services. Do you need cable and Netflix? Do you really need a data plan for your phone? How often do you read the paper?

These small savings can add up to a healthy bank balance and a greater sense of financial security. It’s worth the relatively minor sacrifices to know that you’ll be able to make it if you lose your job or experience an emergency.

Keep Car Repair Costs Down with DIY Maintenence

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

Most of us rely on our vehicles to get us where we need to and want to be so it’s in our best interest to keep them running at peak performance. Nothing can put a crimp in our schedule — and our budget — like car trouble. What can be done to minimize the inconvenience and expense of auto repairs?

The key to your car’s optimal performance is preventative maintenance, much of which you can do yourself. Here are some suggested DIY tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Check or inspect the following every 2 weeks:

That owner’s manual that’s been in your glove compartment since you drove off the dealer’s lot contains all the information you need concerning appropriate levels and schedules for your particular vehicle. Read it! Taking some time to familiarize yourself with the “care and feeding” of your car is an investment in its long-term operation.

Oil: Remember back in the day when a gas station attendant checked your oil at every fill up? That was a sound practice. Allowing oil to get low or not changing it often enough is the number one killer of engines.
Power steering fluid: While you’re under the hood, also check the level of this fluid which is as important for the lubrication and operation of your power steering system as oil is to your engine.
Serpentine belt: This belt runs multiple components within the engine. Inspect it for cracks or fraying.
Tire pressure: Under-inflated tires cause unnecessary wear. Invest in a gauge and make sure the air pressure in your tires is where it should be. A bonus to properly inflated tires is that it increases your gas mileage — who wouldn’t appreciate more MPGs these days? Also, remember to check the fifth tire — a flat spare is as good as no spare at all. Learning to change a tire will save you the expense of calling a mechanic or tow truck when you’re stranded with a flat.
Tire appearance: Visually inspect your tires for wear. Uneven wear could indicate a suspension problem.

If any of these elements need attention, get on it immediately or seek the services of your mechanic to do so. Likewise, if your “Check Engine” light goes on, make an appointment with your mechanic as soon as possible.

Prudent Practices for Savings

Trust your gut when choosing your mechanic. Because most people don’t possess automotive know-how, there’s a pervasive fear of being taken advantage of by an unfamiliar mechanic. That’s why word-of-mouth referral is the best method by which to choose your mechanic. Like a doctor, a trustworthy, capable mechanic willing to take the time to completely explain issues related to your vehicle is preferred. The benefit of having a long-standing relationship with your mechanic is that he or she will know your car — both its history and its quirks.
Wash your car. Not only will it look nicer but keeping it free of grime will reduce the risk of damage to the finish or rust. Washing is recommended every couple weeks and waxing twice per year.
Keep at least ¼ tank of fuel in your vehicle. Although with the price of gas it’s like driving around with the cost of a large pizza sloshing around in your tank, the gas actually lubricates and cools your fuel pump. When your tank is routinely lower than ¼ full, the pump is not submerged and is therefore not protected by the fuel and will experience increased wear.

Performing good preventative maintenance yourself will keep small problems from escalating into major, potentially costly, auto repairs.

Are Coupons Really Worth It?

by Miranda Marquit · 9 comments

I have a confession to make: I am not really much of a coupon clipper. I keep meaning to clip more coupons, and I know that coupons have been making a comeback since the recession, but it never seems to happen. Occasionally I’ll see a coupon for something I want or will use, and I’ll get it, but most of my coupon savings amount to $1 here and $0.50 there. Nothing like what you see from those extreme couponers who walk out of the grocery store having spent $50 on $200 worth of groceries. I just don’t have the time or energy for that — or I choose to use my time and energy on other things.

So, once again, as I resolve to clip more coupons, I find myself wondering whether or not it is even worth it to bother. I guess depends on what’s important to you. In a lot of cases, effective couponing requires that you take the time to scour web sites, newspapers, inserts and mailed packets for items that you would buy anyway. It also sometimes means coordinating with circulars to see whether you can double up on your savings with the help of sales and double coupons. For some, couponing is a part-time job. And, if you can save money couponing, I think that’s great. But a lot of the time, I’m not sure it’s for me. I don’t know if I’m prepared to trade my precious time to save a few dollars with coupons. I’m a big fan of coupon/promo codes online, but I don’t spend time looking for them. (Usually, a quick glance at Coupon Shoebox is enough for me).

Can You Still Be Frugal Without Coupons?

Of course, many people believe that couponing is one of the pillars of a frugal lifestyle. There are some that insist that you really aren’t frugal unless you are pinching every penny that you get. And what better way than through coupons?

While I like the occasional coupon, active couponing isn’t really my thing. But, that doesn’t mean I can’t be frugal. Just as I believe that you can incorporate credit cards into a frugal lifestyle, I also believe that you can live frugally without relying on coupons. Frugal living is about more than just pinching pennies. It is also about:

Getting good value for your money.
Doing some things yourself, rather than paying someone else to do them.
Looking for discounts and sales, especially when buying bulk.
Buying high quality goods that last longer and save you money in the long run.
Living in a budget conscious way.

While couponing can help you reach your goals of frugal living, it isn’t a necessity — and it isn’t the only path to frugality. We have a garden each year, growing some of our own food. My husband and I look for good deals, finding ways to get items of good quality for the best prices. We also like to look for inexpensive things to do as a family, and find discounts using the Internet. We stock up on non-perishables during sales, and we freeze some foods for use later. In the end, we do pretty well in terms of frugality, even without coupons.

What about you? Do you use coupons as part of your frugal lifestyle? Or do you think they are more trouble than they are worth?

How to Get Killer Deals at the Flea Market

by Tracy · 0 comments

The flea market isn’t for everyone, but if you make an effort, you can’t beat flea markets for finding one-of-a-kind items at a steal. If you’ve got the keen eye necessary from separating the real treasures from the junk, you can make out like a bandit at the flea market, if you follow these simple tips.

Haggling over prices is the best part about shopping at the flea market! Negotiating prices isn’t a normal part of our culture, so don’t worry if you find the idea intimidating at first. Just take a deep breath and know that flea market dealers expect you to counter their offer. The worst they can do is say no, right? So don’t be afraid to haggle – you might even start to like it!

Vary the times that you go to the market. Getting their early means that you have the widest selection, however as the day draws to a close, vendors will be increasingly motivated to sell their goods before the day is done. All flea markets have their own culture and character, so after a few visits you’ll be able to see if you need to get their fast before it’s all gone or if it will pay off for you to go later in the day at that particular market.

Wear casual, comfortable clothing. You want to look like a regular person, not an interior decorator for wealthy clients. Don’t dress too down though, vendors are like everyone else and will respond better to people they can identify with.

If you have a smart phone, bring it with you to discreetly do price comparisons so that you’ll know if you are being ripped off or not. Be especially wary about buying electronics or appliances that are not a brand name that you are familiar with.

If you are prone to impulse buys, bring a friend or family member with you to help talk you down and help you think about things more clearly. You might love something, but if you don’t have a place or use for it, it’s better to leave it for the next person to enjoy.

As I mentioned above, the listed price isn’t usually set in stone. Go ahead and make a counter-offer, being sure to point out in little flaws in the item or that you can get similar cheaper someplace else. Don’t be insulting, keep a friendly demeanor and be willing to meet halfway. If you’ve never haggled before, listen in on other people doing it or bring a friend that is experienced to show you the way.

Don’t let yourself fall in love! There will always be another item, so keep your cool and you’ll be in a better position to negotiate. Let the dealer know that you are interested, but definitely give off the vibe that you are in the “considering it” phase, not “have to have it!”.

You can get great deals on one-of-a-kind items at the flea market, if you don’t mind poking around and negotiating. Look at it as an adventure so that no matter if you find that perfect object or not, you’ll still have tons of fun.

Save Some Green in Your Vegetable Garden

by Gina Blitstein · 0 comments

With the approach of warmer weather, our focus turns from indoor to outdoor living. Perhaps gardening is one of the activities you enjoy throughout the warm months of the year. Whether you have a section of yard you can dedicate to gardening or a few pots on the windowsill, growing your own vegetables and herbs can save you some green.

While vegetable gardening is a rewarding activity, you don’t want it to end up costing you more than it should to grow a bumper crop. Here are some tips for keeping the costs of your vegetable garden down so you can save while you grow.

Choose Your Crops Wisely

Even those with a lot of space needn’t plant every seed and plant at the garden center. Consider these factors so you plan and spend wisely for your vegetable garden:

What are your vegetable preferences? If only one person in your family likes broccoli, for instance, plant only a few plants so your garden is not inundated more with vegetables than will be consumed.
What will grow well in your area? In your particular yard? Some crops require a long growing season, which means they take many weeks of high temperatures. If you live in a Northern climate, your weather may not be conducive to growing such crops as peppers, eggplant, sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts. As much as you may enjoy vine-ripened tomatoes, most varieties require full sun and acidic soil. Choosing crops that are native to your area will help ensure that they grow well and you’ll need to do a minimum of soil augmentation. The ideal location for your garden is a spot that receives at least 5 to 6 hours of sun each day.
How much do you need or want? Even if everyone in your household likes zucchini and you have a plan for using it in your day-to-day cooking once it begins to produce, it usually grows in great quantities. Even friends and neighbors will eventually lose appreciation for your generous sharing when you are overcome with zucchini.
Which vegetables are pricey? Oriental pea pods, for example, can cost as much as $3.99 per pound in the grocery store but are easy to grow and cost no more to plant and cultivate than other vegetables.

Economical Gardening Practices

Choose seeds rather than plants. A package of seeds often costs only a dollar or two and will yield more than enough produce for most home uses. Young plants can be purchased, but often cost considerably more for far fewer plants. Only purchase plants when the vegetable requires a longer growing season so as to ensure it has the time it needs to reach maturity before the weather turns too cold.
Go rustic. Even though garden centers sell metal tomato cages, a tomato plant will receive the support it requires from a branch from a tree that you may have collected in your own yard at no cost.
Control Pests Naturally. Cayenne pepper can be sprinkled on the leaves of vegetables to make them unpalatable to animals who may be eating them. Beer poured in a bowl buried to its rim in the soil will attract and drown slugs that may eat your vegetables.
Make homemade compost. Even if you don’t go whole-hog with an actual compost pile, collecting organic materials from your yard (leaves and grass clippings) and kitchen (fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds) can be added to your garden’s soil to bump up its nutrients.

Keep these tips in mind to have a garden that will produce much and cost little.

Deciding What’s Important

by Miranda Marquit · 0 comments

If you are going to improve your money management abilities and make your way down the path to financial freedom, one of the most important things you can do is decide on what’s important to you. Once you know what is important, you can begin to bring your spending decisions in line with your priorities, and you will notice that you are happier — and you will be able to better meet your needs (and your wants).

Stop Worrying About the Joneses

The first thing you have to do is stop worrying about the Joneses. My son is learning this lesson the hard way. His friends had these toys that he really didn’t know anything about. But he just had to have them because his friends had them. We allowed him to use his allowance money to purchase some of these toys. My son regrets buying the toys, especially since it prevented him from having enough money to purchase something he’s really interested in.

Examine your interests, and decide what you want. My son likes Star Wars, and regrets that he couldn’t get a Star Wars Lego set, since he spent his money on two Bakugan toys — something he only got because his friends like it. Getting something because someone else has it only leads to discontent. Figure out what you actually like, and then purchase things that you are interested in, rather than worrying about what others will think if you don’t get what they like. Cut items that don’t fit your likes from the budget.

What Do You Value?

Next, you need to decide what you value. Do you value time with your family? If so, it doesn’t make sense to purchase something that only you can enjoy. It makes more sense to purchase a game, buy a movie, or go on an outing that you can do as a family. Before you spend your money, it is a good idea to consider whether or not a purchase or service is in line with your values.

The same is true of donating to charities. Decide what causes you feel are important, and look for charities that reflect your values. You can also use Charity Navigator to figure out which charities actually spend most of their revenue on programs aimed at helping others. Instead of giving a little bit to a bunch of mediocre organizations that you don’t really care about, you can do more good by giving more to one or two charities that share your values.

Will It Help You Meet Your Goals?

Another consideration when deciding what’s important is whether or not the expenditure in question will help you meet your financial goals. Create some short term and long term financial goals. You may enjoy something, but if it will hinder you from reaching a more important goal, you should probably forgo it. Having a plan for your money can help you use it more effectively so that you are more satisfied in the long run.

Doing something immediate and fun may provide some pleasure in the short term, but in the long run it is likely to cause discontent if you realize you have sacrificed a goal that is important to you. Prioritize, and you will be more likely to stay on track — and be more satisfied with the way things turn out.

10 Reasons Why You Should Go to Your Public Library

by Tracy · 8 comments

When is the last time you visited your public library? If it’s been a while, you might be surprised all the new things that they have to offer. People who are trying to save money and or live a greener lifestyle will find that the library will be their new best friend.

1. The obvious one: Books. However, more and more libraries are jumping on the digital bandwagon and offering e-books for checkout just like traditional printed ones. You can read these books on your computer or e-reader, just like the ones you buy, the only difference is they will disappear once your checkout period is finished. Some even have audio books available for download as MP3s!

2. Music. You might remember borrowing CDs from the library (or, if you are really old, albums!). Libraries still offer CDs and cassette tapes and many also lend digital media. Just like the digital books mentioned above, you can’t keep the files forever, however it’s a great way to sample before you buy and widen your musical tastes.

3. Videos. Some libraries charge to borrow VHS tapes and DVDS however at some libraries it’s completely free. You can find everything from educational films to today’s blockbusters to borrow at the library.

4. Internet access and computers. Almost every public library now has computer stations where people can access the internet or use programs like Word. If you have your own laptop computer, most also offer free wi-fi. Do call ahead to find out if you need to book time on the library’s computer and/or to learn any time limits.

5. Resource centers. Larger libraries often put together special resource centers to help those seeking knowledge on everything from starting a small business to learning about medical issues to car repair. Not only are the materials put together so that they are easy to find, you’ll also be able to ask the librarians for tips on where to start your research and how to find related materials.\

6. Access to subscription based websites and databases. Libraries usually have subscriptions to professional journals and databases so that their patrons can access the material. Many also have subscriptions to websites like Consumer Reports that can be quite pricy to purchase.

7. Used books. Libraries often sell their excess books and magazines at annual book sale, along with books donated by the public. Some even have year round used book sales. All proceeds go to the library and it’s a good way to keep books in circulation. It’s not all old dusty books from the 1950s either, many libraries purchase dozens of copies of popular best sellers to ensure they’ll have plenty to lend and sell off the extras once the demand is reduced.

8. Storytime for kids. Children’s librarians have evolved with the times and storytime is more likely to involve plenty of audience participation and songs and dance than a prim old lady going “Hush!” Some libraries even have a library of educational toys and games that you can check out to play with in the children’s section.

9. Classes, seminars and social activities. Libaries seek to serve their patrons by offering them classes to help them learn new skills and enhance their lives. They also schedule talks by authors and other learned people and have book clubs and other social outlets. It’s a good way to learn new things and make new friends!

10. Librarians are a wonderful resource. They help people with everything from finding the perfect children’s book to having contact information for local social services. They are there to help so don’t hesitate to ask them questions! And be sure to thank them for being such a valuable asset to your community.

Find out more about what your local library has to offer by visiting their website. Don’t let fear over old overdue book fines keep you from utilizing such a treasure trove of information.

4 Tips for Starting a Garden

by Miranda Marquit · 5 comments

Every year, my husband and I plant a garden. Our garden isn’t huge, but it is respectable. We enjoy eating fresh produce, and it saves us money in the summer, since we don’t have to buy as much food. However, getting started can be a little rough. If you want to make gardening part of your frugal lifestyle, here are 4 things you can do to get started:

1. Do Some Research

First of all, you need to find out what sorts of plants grow well in your location. You will quickly become discouraged and give up if you try to grow something that doesn’t do well in your area. You should also consider your soil. We have a lot of clay in our soil. As a result, we built garden boxes. We used compost and topsoil to fill them. Doing this can be a little costly initially, but in subsequent years, you can mix in a little compost and topsoil to add more nutrients, without totally re-doing the boxes.

You should also do some research about which plants produce more than others. Our first year, we bought 8 tomato plants. A family of three is quickly overwhelmed by the number of tomatoes produced on that many plants. It’s even too much to preserve through canning. Get an idea of yield before planting.

2. Plan for What You Want

Another consideration is what you want. Consider how much time you have to devote to the garden, and the types of plants that require more care than others. Many squashes don’t need a lot of care. My son grew some great zucchinis last year, and we enjoyed using them in bread and in different dishes. Think about what you will actually eat, and what foods you can make with the produce. We love berries, cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, herbs, sweet peppers, peas, beans and apples. These are the things we make sure we take care of, and they are relatively easy to grow and preserve.

We enjoy corn, but it takes a lot of work to grow, and you can get it for cheap at the farmer’s market. Plus, it takes up a lot of space. So we don’t grow it. Same with many melons, which can be fiddly to grow in our climate.

3. Start Out Small

You don’t need a huge garden to start. In fact, if you start out huge, you might become overwhelmed. Begin small, trying out two or three of each kind of plant and seeing how they do. Next year, if you are happy with the results, you can expand your garden. Expand slowly so that you can keep up with it.

4. Purchase High Quality Tools

Garden tools of good quality may be a little more expensive, but they will last longer. Indeed, a truly frugal lifestyle is more about quality than cheap quantity. If you have to keep buying garden tools every year, you spend more in the long run. You don’t have to buy something top of the line and extremely expensive, but you could get something that is likely to hold up. Spend a few dollars more now, and you will have solid tools that will last for years.

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