While being intentional with money and developing better money-management skills seem to be the hot trends of the past couple of years, are people using frugal living ideas when managing their money? Frugality is still something people look upon warily. Being frugal seems to have become associated with penny-pinching, something one should only take on when hard-pressed for money. It has – mistakenly – become associated with hardship.

In reality, being frugal is the result of being intentional with money. It’s not about penny-pinching, but about not spending money on things you don’t need and finding satisfaction in non-material things.

Here are some simple frugal living ideas that you’ve likely already seen around – but have never associated with frugality:

5 Frugal Living Ideas To Try

1. Budgeting

Setting up a budget is the most common advice given to those who seek to improve their money management skills.

And few seem to realize that a budget is a tool that cultivates frugality. It helps you save money, plan for big purchases, and – if you pursue a zero-based budget – give every dollar a purpose when your paycheck comes in.

When you cut unnecessary expenses and adjust your mandatory expenses to stop living paycheck to paycheck and save money – you’re taking a step towards a frugal lifestyle, even if you’ve yet to realize it.

2. Giving Up Takeout and Cooking at Home More

The most common advice for spending re-adjustment and money-saving is to give up (or at least cut down on) takeout and cook more at home – ideally meal-planning, and utilizing the things you’ve already got in your fridge and pantry to cut down on food waste.

This is another characteristic of a frugal lifestyle – it’s not that frugal people never eat out, it’s that they’ve worked out how not to overspend on food. They buy generics instead of name brands, often purchase things in bulk and/or on sale to stay under budget (because – again – they budget for everything including groceries), and stock their freezer and pantry when possible.

And yes, you can meal prep and still enjoy takeout every once in a while.

3. Declutter

Frugal people not only don’t purchase things they don’t need – like new clothes when they already have a full closet, or new make-up when they’ve yet to use up what they already have. They often sell off things they do have and don’t use.

Yes, the famous Marie Kondo method – when you get rid of things – is a part of a frugal lifestyle. And not only does it free up your space, it can help you make money as well.

Because frugality is all about intentional spending – and intentional spenders know what they want to earn more money for.

4. Downsize

You might have come across this advice as a way to save money when you’re in a pinch – but for frugal people, using frugal living ideas, it’s part of the lifestyle.

Frugal people don’t buy large houses they won’t be able to fill up (or comfortably pay monthly mortgage payments for) or luxury sports cars. They live in simple houses that serve all their needs but aren’t anything special – and they usually buy reliable but used middle-range cars.

If your mortgage (or rent), utilities, and/or car payments are forcing you to pinch pennies in other areas – this is something you should consider doing.

5. Building Wealth

Frugal people, using frugal living ideas, try to save money whenever they can because they have long-term goals with it. They know that every penny they save now will likely make them a few bucks in the long run.

Frugal people are good at building financial stability in the short-run – and building wealth in the long-run.

To live without worrying about money, you need to first set up an emergency fund (it should cover 3 to 6 months’ worth of expenses), and then start investing to save for the future.

Why Put Emergency Fund First?

To build wealth you need a solid foundation. An emergency fund ensures you have nothing to fear – even job loss – because you can handle any financial problem, even if hit unexpectedly. Things like home repairs, sewage clogging, or car breakdowns aren’t scary when you’ve got money in the savings account.

When you don’t – you have to find other ways to get money fast, like taking out title pawns.

Why Title Pawns, Specifically?

If you’re a car owner in need of money because your frugal living ideas did not provide enough in your emergency fund – there’s no faster and easier way to acquire cash than with a title pawn. You’ll basically exchange your car title for cash, but still, keep your car while paying the pawn off.

As long as you’re over 18 and your car title is in your name – you can apply and get approved, even if your credit score is bad or outright non-existent, the lender will accommodate any kind of income.

How Do I Apply for a Title Pawn?

You can easily apply for an online title pawn by going to GeorgiaAutoPawnInc.com and filling out the online inquiry form. You’ll be contacted by a store representative, who’ll set up a meeting at a convenient location.

You’ll need to bring:

• Your car
• Your car title (in your name and lien-free)
• Your government-issued ID

The store representative will assess everything and determine if you qualify for the title pawn. If you’re approved, you’ll get the cash the same day.

Using frugal living ideas to manage your money better is not about penny-pinching, its about understanding your money, and how to not spend it. If you have trouble changing your spending habits and need a little extra help with fast auto pawn cash in Georgia, don’t worry, Georgia Auto Pawn, Inc. can help.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.