How Am I Frugal?

I’ve always been frugal and would do a lot to try and save my pennies. Mostly by not buying anything.  Although, in my 20's I wouldn’t have been caught dead using coupons, they are a big part of my spending nowadays.

FOOD SHOPPING
When we used to live in New Jersey, the grocery store I shopped at would do double coupons and I would use them.  I would try and buy sale items and items that O had coupons for. They also gave back ten cents if you brought your own bags.

Now, here in Florida, I shop in three different grocery stores because two of them offer BOGOs (buy one get one free).  Depending on what we need, I would go to that store.  The third store Walmart Neighborhood Market has the lowest price for everyday items and if you use their saving catcher, they will give you money back if they find it cheaper at another store.  You receive a Walmart gift card that can be used for future purchases.

And now grocery stores or going digital with their coupons which could make it easier or harder depending on whether or not you like paper coupons and can hold them in your hand or use the store’s app and log into their rewards program when you check out.  I still prefer paper coupons and a paper shopping list. Call me old school.

ENTERTAINMENT
We haven’t been to a movie theater in a long time and the last few times we did, it was because I received free tickets from either the local TV station or AARP.  But the lines to get into these free events were outrageous so I stopped doing it.

Instead, I rent DVDs from the local library and I can request online so sometimes I am lucky to see a new movie within the first week in comes out on DVD.

The same thing with music and books.  When I was younger I would buy music (still have some old LP's) and I love to read, but no longer have my own library.  Now I get my books and music from the library.  This has saved me a lot of dough.

CLOTHING
I am a guy, so I really don’t go into fashion and can wear my clothes until they fall apart.  When I need suits to go to functions, I waited until The Men’s Wearhouse had a sale and was able to buy two suits for the price of one.  I can get t-shirts from 5Ks I run or contests I enter.  If I need anything else, it gets added to my Christmas and birthday lists.  My annual clothing budget is almost nothing.

OTHER
We were lucky that we used to live not far from a scrap metal place and when I was cleaning out the bungalow, I was able to get rid of an old water heater, wood stove and shelving and made a few bucks.  Here in Florida, the scrap metal place is a distance, so I have to make sure I have enough to make the trip worth it.  Since downsizing, I have gotten rid of some metal file cabinets which I filled with empty cans.  We remodeled our home and I took down the rusted metal blinds to recycle.  Lastly, I have calculated that a full garbage can of crushed aluminum cans will bring in about $10.

I am sure there other ways I am frugal and can’t think of any at the moment.  When I do, it will be for another post.  What about you?  What things have you’ve done to save money?