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There are lots of things we take for granted when money is plentiful. When we want food, we buy it, when we need petrol we stop and fill up. If we need something done around the house, we call a tradesman or service. We buy furniture and décor items for our home and pay our bills when they come in. It’s great.
But what happens when we find ourselves on a limited budget? Suddenly all those things we take for granted have to be considered carefully. We have to question every dollar we spend and whether we are getting the best value for our money.
I have had to live on a limited budget on and off for many years and, to be very honest, I really enjoy the challenge of making it work. I’ve found that there are a number of positive benefits, too, like:
1. More variety in meals
Having a limited budget to spend on food means using all those bits and pieces in the fridge, freezer and pantry and it also means being more imaginative and experimental. I have come up with some great new dishes in this way and it means no wasting.

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2. Better planning and organising
I have learned to think ahead, predict my bills, remember birthdays and important dates, allocate funds, and track everything I spend.
3. Being more environmentally-friendly
I think about everything I use and dispose of. If I can re-use or re-purpose it, I do. I re-cycle bottles and cans and If I need to buy something, I try to find it second-hand and give it a new life.
4. Being healthier
I’m much more physically active. I walk more to save petrol, I mow my own lawn and I eat more natural foods instead of processed, pre-packaged or fast food.

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5. Learning new skills
Being frugal means I have learned to do a lot of things for myself, like:
· Tiling
· Laying carpet
· Mowing the lawn / pruning
· Putting furniture together
· House painting
· Cutting my own hair
· Grooming my dog.
· Basic car maintenance
· Installing new taps and cupboards.
There is a certain satisfaction in knowing I can do all these things, maintain a home and car, keep on top of bills and enjoy a good standard of living, all while lessening my footprint on this earth.
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