• Saving by spending
• Eating better for less
• Saving money and losing weight
• Having frugal fun

Saving by spending

We all have friends or family members who will do whatever it takes to save money even if it costs them more in the long run. The bottom line of saving money does not always yield additional savings. Believe it or not, spending money sometimes does help you save.

As a person living with diabetes, you may have a number of daily expenses that you would prefer to do without, such as shoes or special eyeglass lenses. But how can you decide what expenses to cut? You need to weigh today’s savings against tomorrow’s costs. For some things, that may require a very long-term view. Thinking of expenditures as investments may help. For example:

• Buy sturdy, comfortable shoes.  Good shoes will last longer and help protect your feet from injury. Leather breathes better than man-made materials, so while it may cost more, it is worth it. Timeless, well-constructed shoe styles will save you money over time—at the store and at the doctor’s office.
  
  
• See your healthcare team regularly. Regular visits with your healthcare team may help prevent long-term complications from developing, which may lead to fewer visits in the future. By taking the time now to invest in your health, you may be able to devote more of your time to the things that you really enjoy.
  
  
• Take a pass on cheap sunglasses. Wearing sunglasses is just as smart as putting on sunscreen, especially if you have a light complexion or light eyes. But cheap fashion sunglasses often do little to cut out harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. When shopping for sunglasses, pick a pair that cuts out 99%–100% of UVA and UVB radiation. And be sure to wear them on overcast days, too.
  
  
• Follow your doctor’s advice. Do not fool yourself. You will not get ahead by skipping blood sugar tests, saving a few days’ worth of antibiotics for later or missing a flu shot. The chances of staying home in bed with the flu, developing long-term complications or dealing with an infection a second time is not worth any savings you might gain.
  
  
• If you smoke, quit. Not only will you save on the cost of cigarettes, you stand to gain by reducing your health risks, as well.

 Eating better for less

If you feel like you are spending more and more on food these days, you may want to take a look at where and what you are eating. Believe it or not, it is still possible to eat well without it costing a fortune. Here are some helpful ideas on how to eat better for less:

• Stay in the kitchen. The kitchen is warm, friendly and, if there is no television, free of distractions. Preparing meals alone or with the whole family can be creative and relaxing. Plus, the more you do it, the better you become at it.
  
  
• Cook extra servings at one time. Eating lunch out every day can add up.   Instead, why not make extra servings of food at home and refrigerate the extra portions to eat at a later time—like at tomorrow’s lunch.
  
  
• Stock up your shelves. If possible, set aside some space in your house for stocking up on nonperishable items when they are on sale. The secret is to buy foods when they are discounted, not at the point when you need them.
  
  
• Buy large quantities of meat, but eat vegetables too. If it makes practical sense and fits your dietary meal plan, buy large packages of meat and divide it up into smaller portions that you can freeze to use at a later meal. And do not forget to also include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your meal plan—they are a great source of energy and are cheaper.
  
  
• Do not buy food items just because they are on sale. Buying food items just because they are cheap does not always add up to savings. If you do not eat it, it is just wasted spending on your part.

When you do things for yourself like creating your own meals, you not only eat better, you also save money.

Saving money and losing weight

If you want to become more fit or lose excess weight, exercising is the place to start. But that does not mean that you have to join an exclusive health spa or invest in a lot of high-priced fitness equipment. After you get your doctor’s approval, you just have to exercise your imagination and your muscles.

Here are a few low-cost ideas to help get you moving:

• Walking. Fortunately, one of the best ways to exercise is also the cheapest. All you need is a pair of comfortable, proper-fitting walking shoes. Your neighborhood may be a great place to start. Plus, walking is beneficial to your health. If possible, try walking briskly to get your heart rate up, and start burning off those extra pounds.
  
  
• It does not always have to be called “exercise.” Remember, washing the car, gardening, mowing the lawn and other yard work can burn calories and work your muscles. Look for other opportunities, such as taking the stairs, walking to the market or carrying your golf clubs the next time, if possible.
  
  
• Lift weights. Resistance training may help you control your blood sugar. And you do not have to go to the gym or health club to do it. You can make your own weights by filling old detergent containers with water or using socks filled with beans. It is a terrific solution for anyone with limited mobility because you can exercise while seated.
  
  
• Try it before you buy it. If you are thinking about buying a treadmill, exercise bike or other fitness equipment, be sure to try it out first before making the purchase. If you are not comfortable using it, chances are you will not use it regularly. Focus on value—it is all about what works for you at the right price.

By putting these helpful tips and suggestions to work for you, you may be able to save money and lose weight at the same time. Give them a try and see for yourself just how effective they can be in helping you live a healthier life.

Having frugal fun

When you are looking for ways to make your budget stretch further, entertainment costs may be one of the first expenses you consider cutting. But that does not mean you cannot have fun.

Here are some helpful tips and suggestions that you may want to put into practice to help you save money and have fun doing it:

• Make it a theme night. Watch an old movie classic and create a meal to go along with it. Get dressed up like the movie characters to help set the mood.Look up photos and biographies of the stars who appeared in the movie.
  
  
• Save up for a big date. Do not let little entertainment expenses cost you a special night out. Put money aside for something extra special like theater tickets, dinner at a new restaurant or an overnight stay at a posh hotel.
  
  
• Do not shop for entertainment. Shopping should not be a hobby. Replace it with other activities that challenge your mind, body and attitude. When you do shop, set limits for yourself and stick to them no matter how great the urge to splurge.
  
  
• Play games. Invite your friends over to play card or board games. Enjoy some healthy snacks and each other’s company.
  
  
• Explore. Take a walk somewhere new and really take time to see what is going on around you. Whether it is hiking a new trail or bicycling to the beach, you can always find something new and interesting to see.
  
  
• Work the discounts.  Go to a matinee or buy last-minute tickets to save at the movies. Check out what is new at your local library. See a play or musical put on by a local university’s theater department.

Whatever it is that you like to do for fun, remember that it does not always have to cost you a lot of money to do it. Fun, free activities are all around you. Use your imagination and be sure to keep your eyes open for new opportunities to have frugal fun.