A fair number of folks have asked if there were any rules for being a frugal person. I used to say no, but then I started thinking about it. I started jotting down some notes and realized there were. Here's what I came up with. Did I lave anything off?
The Frugal Ten Commandments
I.
Never assume it is on sale because they say it is.
II.
Never rush into a purchase, especially if it says
“today only”.
III.
Never believe it is too good to be true, because it isn't.
IV.
Never sign a contract without reading it.
V.
Never do business over the phone unless you know them.
VI.
Never rely on oral agreements or handshakes. Get it in writing.
VII.
Never buy an extended warranty unless it is for a lap top.
VIII.
Never open up an email attachment file unless you know the sender.
IX.
Never give out personal information other than those closest to you.
X.
Never buy anything from someone who shows up at your front door.
From traditional tips to savvy perspectives, the Frugal Yankee knows how to enjoy life and spend less. Find out more by going to FrugalYankee.com.
© Zeotrope Media, 2007
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Comments: 32
VII. Extended warranty on laptops is important (they cost a lot more to fix). But, also consider it on printers. We just used the 3 year at year 2 1/2 on one that had functioned beautifully until that point. The warranty bought us a new printer to replace the old (for 20% the price of a new one). If you are going to print a lot (translation, close to the maximum pages per month for which the printer is rated), this is a good idea.
I learned this poetic rule for thrift long ago:
Wear it out, use it up, make it do, do without.
And I second (and third) no. 4. NEVER sign ANYTHING without reading it fully.
And Gary, excellent point! I'll see how I can incorporate your idea into the 10 Commandments without losing any of the others.
Jan, it would have been funny if you said your name was Ned Nickerson. (LOL) BTW, there is an excellent book on your alias, it's called NANCY DREW AND THE WOMEN WHO WROTE HER. There's a podcast of it on my web site, here's the url: www.frugalyankee.com/node/129
Laura, in my experience, extended warranties don't pay off unless it is a lap top. Have you had other experiences? Let me know, I'm quite interested.
Garden Witch, ain't that the truth!?
Like I said, great comments folks. I truly appreciate them all.
I've been guilty of breaking a few of these even though I know better.
good tips thanks