8 Things a Frugal Woman Should Always Carry

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Sometimes it's hard to be frugal. I know this from my own experience, and from years of observing and talking to other people about how they spend. It's easy to have frugal intentions but it can be incredibly difficult to stick to them.

One of the best ways I've found for sticking to my frugal goals is to make it as easy as possible. If it's harder to spend money than not to, I'm more likely to keep the cash in my bank account.

I avoid spending by making sure that I have a few things with me whenever I leave the house. Here is my list of helpful frugal tools I always keep with me. (Note: Many of these items would be great for frugal men, too!)

See also: 4 Reasons 'Frugal' Shouldn't Be a Dirty Word

1. Hair Tie

If you're like me, when you want your hair up, it simply has to go up. I can't tell you how many times I've run into Target for hair ties because I forgot one, and ended up buying so much more than just the hair ties (because, Target!). Now, I hook a tie or two onto my keychain, so I've always got one with me.

2. Gift Cards

It's easy for me to tell myself that I'll only spend so much every week at Starbucks and Chik-fil-A (because I have small children), but it's hard to stick to that. I've started carrying gift cards around instead of using the apps on my phone. I put a certain amount on the cards at the beginning of each week or month, and that's all I have. And because it's tougher to reload a physical card than it is on an app, I'm way more likely to stick to my budget.

3. Cash

Similarly, I give myself a cash allowance every week. I look at what I need and want, I look at my budget, and then I decide how much I get to spend on me and put that amount, in cash, into my purse. While I still carry a credit card for emergencies, it's a lot easier not to use it when I have an amount, in cash, that realistically represents my spending needs. My husband does the same thing, and we offer each other accountability when we look over the credit card bills at the end of each month.

4. Coupons for Favorite Items

Couponing is not a huge part of my life, but I always keep an eye out for discounts offered on items that I like or usually buy. When I see these, I put them straight into my purse. That way, when I'm shopping, I don't have to do anything except pull out my coupon bag and flip through it quickly. I save money and it's almost effortless.

5. Healthy Snacks

I can't tell you how many times I've spent money on food simply because I got hungry. I'm someone, who, when I'm hungry, I have to eat now, and my kids are the same way. That has gotten me into trouble more times than I can count! Now, I keep a stash of healthy snacks in my purse and another in the car. That way, there's always something around that I feel good about eating, and I don't have to spend a dime.

6. Safety Pins

At first glance, it might seem strange to carry safety pins. But just wait until the day when your bra strap breaks, or you get an awkward rip in some part of your outfit. Without safety pins, you'd have to go out and buy a new item wherever you could find it, at whatever price. But with them, you can rig a fix until you can get home. Then you can fix the problem or find a frugal replacement.

7. Painkillers

Ever get a headache in the middle of the day? Buying single-serve packets of painkillers from a convenience store is super expensive. Instead, carry just a few pills with you. It's cheaper, and you get to use a painkiller that you choose, rather than whatever they have on the shelf.

8. Stain Eraser Pen

Many stains will set unless treated right away, which means you'll have to replace the dirty item... unless you have a stain pen with you. Treat the stain as soon as you notice it, and chances are that you'll be able to salvage your clothes. This saves you money because you won't have to replace things nearly as often.

What do you carry at all times to help you save money? Share with us in the comments!