Frugality
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Be frugal on things that do not excite you or bring real value, so you can spend time and money on things that truly are valuable.
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- View frugality as maximizing the value you get from your money, not simply selecting the lowest-priced option.7
Purchase high-quality, durable goods over cheap ones that need frequent replacement, adhering to the rule 'buy cheap, buy twice'.
It is more logical to invest in an expensive item that lasts forever than a cheap one requiring replacement every few months.
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Print photos at Costco, Walgreens, Safeway, CVS, or Walmart instead of at home.
The cost is lower and the quality is better than home printing.
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Practice cutting your own hair until proficient, accepting early mistakes as part of the learning process.
It gets quicker and easier with practice, and hair grows back.
- You will likely make mistakes initially and occasionally even after gaining experience.
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Get help from a friend, partner, or relative to cut your hair, particularly for the back or hard-to-reach spots.
It is much quicker and easier with someone else doing the job.
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If they are willing and capable, let a friend, family member, or partner cut your hair at no cost.
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If you are balding or want to eliminate styling worries, buzz your hair short all around.
It is liberating to not worry about messing up the style and keeps the head dry.
- Only works if you look good with buzzed hair.
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Recognize that curly or wavy hair tolerates DIY cutting errors better than straight hair.
This hair type does not lie flat uniformly, which allows for some error margin.
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View online video guides to learn hair cutting techniques, such as fades and beard shaping.
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- Watch online tutorials from creators like Brad Mondo to learn specific DIY haircut techniques.3
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Unsubscribe from all sale and advertising emails to keep temptations out of your inbox.
to keep temptations out of your email inbox
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Focus on the expense of ink or toner supplies over the sticker price when selecting a printer.
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Turn a baseball cap around so the brim points back to help guide an even trim at the nape.
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Refill your own ink cartridges using refill kits and syringes to lower costs.
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Search for used tools at estate sales, pawn shops, or online marketplaces before buying new.
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Set aside a fixed monthly sum for spontaneous purchases under a 'Fun stuff' budget line.
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Switch to bar soap rather than liquid varieties to cut costs.
Solid bars are widely recognized as more economical than their liquid counterparts.
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Have a partner or family member check the back of your head for evenness while you cut your own hair.
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Use libraries for audiobooks, books, and learning materials to access entertainment and education for free.
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Consider using solid shampoo bars as an alternative to liquid shampoo.
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