The Living Frugal Lifestyle - Don't Forget to Cover the Basics

Living frugal is a necessity for some...if this is you, don't forget to cover the basics.

You will sometimes overlook an area of basic need when you are living frugally.

The basics are:

· Health

· Food

· Health Insurance

· Shelter

· Clothing

Fortunately there are ways to cover these and still be living frugal.

Health

Without good health, retirement will not be as good as it could be. You must exercise and watch what you eat. You don't need to go to the gym...we all should be able to take a brisk daily walk. Make it a habit right now. Retirement does not mean the couch, living frugal means staying healthy.

Take control of certain medical expenses. For instance if the Dr wants to take some blood, do it yourself. The lab he or she probably uses will do the test cheaper for you directly. Go to the lab office or wait for the mobile lab to come to your grocery store. You also get the results sent to you so you have a record and do not have to rely on the doctor and another office visit. A full blood analysis costs $35.

Food

Common sense here, no fast food and stay on the perimeter of the grocery store. Avoid fast food by cooking the vast majority of your meals at home. To be living frugal use coupons, frequent shopper cards, and shop on one day only. Plan your food shopping and watch your costs go down and eat healthier.

Health Insurance

A necessary evil, but a basic none the less. Get a high deductible policy that will keep you from getting wiped out by a illness or operation. You could move to Mexico where $300 a year covers most of your health care costs. If you stay here just make sure you don't waste money getting a policy...do your homework.

Shelter

There are alternatives to a house. Look at living in an RV, Living on a sailboat, park model mobile homes or Mexico to drastically cut this basic expense.

Clothing

If the word goodwill only means a word in a popular Christmas Carol... get with the program and shop at your nearest Goodwill or thrift shop. Make it a routine and you will come across some great bargains. My bride regularly shows off her new, I said new, purchases she gets for a dollar. Garage sales are also good for bargains...check them out.

To be living frugal does not mean ignoring the basics of health, food, clothing and shelter. Just make sure that you don't waste a penny when you buy these basics. Enjoy.

Gary Pierce is the webmaster of http://www.frugal-retirement-living.com he retired early at 49, still retired at 63. He has experience in lifestyles that are both fulfilling and frugal. Here is how to make sure you are not wasting money on health insurance. It is 2009 and many are wondering if they can ever retire. Don't give up until you check out this website. Enjoy.

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