Charlotte Gorman - The Little Book of Living Frugal

The Little Book of Living Frugal copyright 2010 by Nightingale Press. All rights reserved. Printed in China. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of reprints in the context of reviews. For information, write Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC, an Andrews McMeel Universal company, 1130 Walnut Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

E-ISBN: 978-1-4494-0033-0

Library of Congress Control Number: 2009939464

www.andrewsmcmeel.com

First published in the United Kingdom by Nightingale Press, BATH, BA2 3LR

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Frugality is defined as wise economy in the management of money and other resources. Being frugal is not being cheap, miserly, or stingy. It is simply avoiding the unnecessary expenditure of money, that is, being thrifty. Every penny saved is income multiplied. The more you save, the more you will want to saveuntil frugality becomes a happy and rewarding way of life.

Dr. Charlotte Gorman

So you want a new car? Have you thought about checking out this years model demonstrator automobile or program car with a very low mileage? You should be able to buy it much cheaper than a comparable new model. In addition to initial savings on the purchase price, the demonstrator should require fewer trips to the dealership for minor repairs and adjustments, since, hopefully, it has received regular professional care and maintenance. Generally you can expect that the demonstrator will carry the full new automobile warrantyinsist on it.

When you are shopping for a car, truck, or van, think about buying one with only the features, optional equipment, and accessories you really need and want. For example, if you rarely drive outside the city, you shouldnt pay the added cost for cruise control. If you dont really need an air conditioner, why pay for it? Not only does an air conditioner cost hundreds of dollars, it also adds to the weight of the vehicle, and reduces fuel economy, thus using up valuable natural resources.

If you are looking for a used vehicle to buy, why not visit car rental agencies? Normally their automobiles have been regularly serviced and properly maintained for customer use, which could save you money on repairs and time at the repair shop.

Before you purchase a used automobile, remember to have a reputable mechanic whom you know and trust (one not connected with the dealer, other agency, or individual who has the automobile for sale) evaluate the vehicle for you. The charge for this service is usually low. The examination could save you from buying an automobile with serious problems or potential problems. It may also point out several minor problems that can be corrected easily and could be used to reduce the asking price.

When you are thinking about buying an automobile, consider how much your insurance on it will cost. Some vehicles, especially luxury cars, are very expensive to insure. Also, because of such factors as age and/or driving record of the operator, insurance rates could be extremely high for some people. You will want to make sure you will be able to afford the insurance before you purchase the vehicle. If you purchase the vehicle and later realize that you cant keep up the insurance payments, ownership can become a serious problem.

Have you ever thought about installing your own automobile air filters? They are simple to install. You could save up to 50 percent on the service station charge. When you find filters on sale at a very good price, you will probably want to buy several at one time and reap the savings.

Frugality is a handsome income.

Erasmus

You dont have to be a trained mechanic to do simple automobile repairs yourself. A large part of the cost of automobile repairs is for laboroften as much as 90 percent of the final bill. A small investment in a short course on automobile maintenance and repair could pay for itself many times over, in a short period of time.

When you use self-service gas pumps, dont forget to check such things as your automobiles oil level, brake fluid level, transmission fluid level, radiator water level, windshield washer reservoir level, and tire pressure. Neglecting these things could result in expensive problems for you and your vehicle, and possibly leave you stranded out on the road.

Its better to be safe than sorry. Before freezing weather, remind yourself to fill your automobiles windshield washer reservoir with a non-freezing cleaner solution. Otherwise, your ordinary solution will freeze and will not be usable when needed. In this case, mud or slush splashed onto your windshield could cause a serious accident. Accidents are bad for your health and your finances!

If and when you take your automobile to a shop, make sure you ask that any guarantees related to repairs or services be put in writing. If you have repairs or services done at national chain stores or shops, remember to keep copies of all bills and guarantees in your vehicle, should you have trouble with these same problems while you are away from home. Verbal guarantees are risky and could leave you out of pocket when trouble arises with the same problem.

Before you take your automobile to a shop for service or repair, do you prepare a written, dated, and signed list (keep a copy for yourself) of repairs or services you want done on your automobile to leave with the mechanic? If you dont leave such a list, you could return and find some of the things you wanted done left undone; or you might find charges on your bill for things you did not authorize. Also, ask for a written estimate of the costs. Otherwise, you might receive a bill for twice the amount you expected to pay.

Sunshine is free, but it can be expensive. If you dont have a carport or garage, explore the possibility of purchasing a flexible covering to protect your vehicle from the sun. The sun can fade the outside paint and the inside upholstery. It can, also, over an extended period of time, weaken the upholstery and cause it to deteriorate. Lack of protection from the sun could create a need for a premature paint job or replacement of upholsteryeach of which represents money out of your pocket.

Washing your car regularly does more than create a cosmetic effect. It helps to preserve the finish. Follow the automobile manufacturers instructions on washing and waxing. A vehicle whose finish has been well preserved should bring more money when it is traded or sold, and it will look better while you are driving it, too.

Think about where you park your car. Be careful about parking it under trees that drip sap or in which birds roost. The paint on your car could be ruined, and a new paint job is costly.