Home   >   Ask the Expert   >   Frugal fun

Frugal fun

By on February 27, 2009

Photo © Elena Derevstova

Living as we do in one of the world’s most expensive cities can easily put a dent in the family’s budget. Don’t sink into doom and gloom – take stock of your situation and act. TF offers some super homemaking tips to help save your pennies and enjoy life!

 

1.  Bring lunch to work instead of eating out.

 

2. Cut out coupons from newspapers, magazines and take advantage of special offers.

 

3. Shop Locally. Being accustomed to buying goods or products from home only because they’re in English can be costly. Many toiletries and laundry detergents sold locally are a lot cheaper and equally efficient.  

 

4. Get your weekly dose of meat from Niku no Hanamasa at wholesale price.  (Check other stores too)

 

5. Get your veggies from ¥99 shops around Tokyo.

 

6. Schedule watching movies for the 1st day of the month when you can get in for only ¥1,000 (reg. ¥1,800)

 

7. Swap DVDs with other families you know instead of renting them.

 

8. Be creative with leftovers.  With a little imagination, the previous night’s meat sauce can be recycled into a taco filling the next day. (Shhhh… the kids won‘t know!)

 

9. Say no to taxis for short distance rides.  Walk and live longer. 

 

10. Travel during off season. Peak season rates are much higher.

 

11. Cancel cable channels you do not watch and save yourself  a few thousand yen.

 

12. Keep bread from spoiling by putting them in the freezer. Take out only what the family consumes for the day.  

 

13. Dilute dishwashing liquid with water.

 

14. Save on electricity bills.  Air dry clothes, iron once a week, cook once in 3 days and stock them up in the freezer.

 

15. Pay for goods in cash instead of buying on credit. Many of the discount stores in Japan only accept cash.

 

16. Bring your laundry to the dry-cleaners only when they have a weekly special. Most Japanese drycleaners offer loyalty cards where you get points each visit.

 

17. Check out telephone carrier campaigns and sign up for the best deal.  There may be language hassles here but do what it takes to sretch the family budget.

 

…And you’re done. Before you know it, your bills will be lower and you’ll have a fistful of yen!

 

Got your own frugal tips? Send them along to info@tokyofamilies.com

About TF Tribe