Some people are just naturally frugal and loving it.

The rest are naturally frowning when they hear they have to save money.

We were all spontaneously frugal while in college or growing up, so whether you like it or not, there might just be some thriftiness in you, and that is actually good news.

It might not sound sexy enough to mention on a first date, but it is the thing that helps you enjoy more of your life and spend money on what you really want.

Frugal does not equal cheap

This is a difference that people often do not make and thus, get things wrong.

A frugal person strives for solutions that have the best possible impact on all of life’s resources, with a strong but not complete focus on money, while a cheap person is always focused on every last dollar spent, with a complete neglect towards living a full life.

Frugal has more to do with financial independence, smarter money management and coming up with new ways of getting more for less.

 How to be happily frugal?

Frugal equals eternel deprivation and personal sacrifice? FALSE.

Nothing further from the truth. You can actually make small tweaks around your current lifestyle and find more ways to enjoy living the life you want.

Smart choices all the way & learning how to get the best deal on everything you buy is both an art & challenge, so yes, frugal living is not for the lazy, yet even so, they too will reap the benefits.

First matter of choice – Budgets

Before you think that this is simply not your nature, know that there are billionaires with surprisingly frugal money habits. Warren Buffett still lives in the house bought in 1958 and bill Gates wears a $10 watch.

The bottom line of frugal living is better money management, bargain shopping and unleashing creativity so you can find new ways and opportunities to enjoy everything. It’s a mindset that allows you to take control of your life and finances.

Know exactly what you pay on utilities and do some research to see if you could get a better deal – Tello can always help you save money on your phone bill, just saying! Anticipate spending peaks, like Christmas or upcoming birthdays and get creative on how to manage to surprise everybody with something thoughtful, maybe a DIY special gift with a personal touch.

You have to plan ahead and know when to buy. Why splurge now on a new pair of shoes when you could wait until you find it on sale? Know ahead what you can afford and when.

Hunt for freebies – surprisingly enough you can get free birthday gifts, discounts and even a vacation (yes, you heard it right!).

Fancy Frugal

Visit the local flea markets and get your hands on the most amazing findings that will give a new twist to even the most ordinary weeknights.  Buy vintage plates with awesome designs, for $1 or less, and cook a nice healthy meal, feeling like French royalty in your own house.

Habits: out with the old, in with the new

Your small daily habits are the ones that affect your financial situation overall and on the long run, so making small changes here will make all the difference.

For example, I know we all enjoy eating out, but try limiting that to 2 nights per week or less – whatever suits your lifestyle best. If you wanna go the extra mile and make this into a fun resolution, invite friends over for a potluck, turn it into a cooking night together and find great ways of hanging out and having fun.

Your buying habits could always use a bit of improvement and I’m not just talking about coupons for groceries shopping, that is for amateurs. It’s a new era for that, just take a look at the best coupon apps of the moment, that can help you save big bucks on groceries, restaurants, apparel, health, beauty, and more.

If you see a good deal, get it

That is the golden rule of any expert deal-hunter, like Dave here. Whether it’s telecom or a honeymoon deal, check the facts, read the fine print and if it’s the real thing, don’t think twice about it. Make smarter choices and get more value for your money!