1. If you don't need it, don't buy it. Have you ever wondered why stores have sales? Have you ever considered yourself when you run into a "deal"? Those who practice being frugal learn to curb their spending first and foremost by avoiding purchase of things they don't need, regardless of what a good deal it is. If they already have a tube of mascara, they aren't going to buy another one just because it is 20% off. Most people practice this concept already with large ticket items, for example, if they saw a home for sale that was a good deal, they would not instantly buy it just because it is a good price. Apply the same cautions to small ticket purchases. Every $3, $2, and $1 purchase adds up to be a lot. All of those unnecessary and unneeded items could mean lower debts, larger savings accounts, and a better financial picture. So, practice the philosophy of not spending money on anything you do not need. This means even stick to your grocery store list.
2. Find "rewards" that are not monetary. One of the biggest spending areas for people are "rewards". The mindset is "I work hard, I deserve______________." Frugal people work on filling those blanks with rewards that are not going to cost money. For example, instead of an expensive dinner out as a celebration of finding out you are expecting, they might instead have a special moment as a couple giving each other massages, and foot rubs. Instead of buying a "reward" for yourself for working so hard all week, consider rewarding yourself with a relaxing bubble bath, a night alone to read your favorite author (check the book out from the library), etc. The idea is to find alternative ways of filling your pleasures without spending money. It is not cheap, it is smart. If you can rent a movie for $4.25, or check the same movie out at the library for free, which is better? So, frugality means not putting convenience first, but smart financial decisions first. The library is not open at 11 pm, but with a little forethought and planning you can have a movie for your late night entertainment, and not have to pay for it.
3. Pay less for things. The last tip for being frugal is to never settle for paying full price. If you love to eat out, and want to be more frugal, you can still eat out, you just have to find ways to do it for less. This means take the time to print coupons off the internet, or search the Sunday paper for coupons, deals, etc. Being frugal does not mean depriving yourself of the things you want, it means finding ways to get those same things for less. For example, a frugal person would never buy a dog from a mall pet shop. Instead, they would check local classifieds, Craigslist, etc. They can still get a top breed dog, with great lines, health, etc. but pay less for it by getting it from a private seller.