HOW TO BE CHEAP
HOW TO BE CHEAP
Couple's advice
WHAT THE ECONOMISERS DO:
Groceries: The Economideses shop only once a month, which means they parcel out the fruit and vegetables according to what they can store longest. (Bananas are eaten first, apples later.)
Credit: They have never used a credit card in 21 years of marriage.
Kids: The Economideses' children buy their own clothes starting at age 11, having earned (and saved) money by performing tasks and chores throughout the week.
House: The couple paid off their first house in nine years.
WHAT NOVICES CAN DO:
Groceries: Try planning a week's worth of meals and snacks before you head to the supermarket, then buy only the groceries on that list in the quantity required.
Credit: Pay off your credit balances in full, then use the cards only for purchases you can afford to pay off by the end of each billing cycle.
Kids: Agree on an amount you're willing to pay for your children's clothing -- $30 for a pair of sneakers, say -- and tell them they're responsible for the balance if they want something more expensive.
House: Make one extra mortgage payment a year to whittle the duration of your loan by several years.