Dramatic title, but love to hear from all of us who are frugal. I adopted being frugal about 5-years ago, firstly just for fun and then when I saw how much I was saving, it just took off from there. Started as a set budget for housekeeping, baking own bread, thinking of a re-use for most things, looking at cheap or free days out. From there, it's really kind of expanded and the savings have been massive. I've kinda got lazy over the last few months, but still trying!
It is funny that your lifestyle does improve and you find yourself taking better care of yourself. As you have leftover cash, you are less likely to spend, as it's your savings! Also having more cash, you are in a position to pay for things up front, like car tax ? saving 10 odd quid a year. Another thing I noticed, which was shocking, is that I have been really careful with the electric usage (heat is by gas). I started turning things off at the plug socket when not in use, etc. As you may know, some appliances use a lot even when switched off. Anyway, I got my electric bill the other day and we had saved £150.00 last winter.
But, it?s not all about buying the cheapest. As a rule of thumb, I tend to buy cheaper where it is a disposable item, like value shaving foam, but will spend more on better quality meat.
Any others?