We live in a difficult economy and we all have to think carefully about what we spend. However, it is actually quite easy to live frugally and have a fantastic time. You can live the lifestyle that everybody desires, with great clothes and great food, but without it costing you the earth. Let’s take a look!

Cheap Clothes

The best place to buy cheap clothes is in the charity shops and through websites like eBay and Etsy. You can get really good quality clothes here, including catwalk brands by the way, but at a price that is beyond cheap. If it is summer, you could also go to car boot sales, although you may struggle a little bit more for clothes. The best thing about it, however, is not just the price but the fact that you can create a look that is really you. Stop fretting about what is fashionable and stylish, but wear what suits you. You are an individual and by shopping in second hand clothes shops, you will be able to develop a unique style that nobody can emulate. And, of course, you can fill your full wardrobe at the price of a single outfit from the likes of Marks & Spencer’s.

Cheap Food

In terms of cheap food, you have a few options available to you. If you have a lot of guts and don’t mind getting a bit dirty, you could try your hand at freeganism. Here, you raid the bins of major supermarkets for the stuff that they have thrown away. The amount of food you will find here is unbelievable and it includes really good quality meat, vegetables, bread and drinks. Freeganism is, however, illegal and not for the faint of heart.

An easier way is to shop for things that are near their sell-by date. Do not look for the yellow stickers showing so called "offers". They are often just tricks to get you to buy things that you didn’t want in the first place and that actually cost you more. Take a good look at the stickers to see just how often they try to con you to get an idea of why you should stay away from them. Also, try to shop locally. A local greengrocer or butcher is almost always cheaper than your local supermarket. Plus, you are making an effort to support the local economy, rather than supporting multinational corporations that try to rule the world. If you must go to the supermarket, go about an hour before closing time. Yes, you will have less choices but what is still there, particularly the fresh food, will be far cheaper than anywhere else.

Clearly, shopping for food and clothes need not cost the earth. Besides that, bargain hunting is a whole lot of fun, and if you can get some friends involved, you can even make a little competition out of it. Also, don’t forget about coupons, because they can truly save you the big bucks.