A major cause of stress in Western societies is money: getting it, spending it, keeping it. Studies have shown that people in Bhutan, Brunei, and Malaysia, hardly centers of conspicuous consumption, rate as happier than people in “developed” countries like, oh, say, the United States. One way get our angst under control is to get our earning, spending, and savings under control. It’s amazing how much calmer you feel when you have a grip on your financial life.

Here are ten principles of sane frugality. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore these concepts, and Funny about Money will regularly post tips to save you money and make your life simpler.

1. •    Make a budget you can live with.
   

2. •    Live within your  means.
   

3. •    Pay off debt.
   

4. •    Never pay finance or bank charges.
   

5. •    Build an emergency fund.
   

6. •    Invest.
   

7. •    Buy it second-hand.
   

8. •    Make It from Scratch.
   

9. •   Do it yourself.
   

10. •    Stay out of the herd.
    

frugality, personal finance