So, there is alot about being 'frugal' on this blog. Some may call it being a 'scrooge', or 'penny wise', perhaps 'tight fisted' or 'thrifty'. You may be frugal because you have a limited income, or large expenses, or because you believe in it as a lifestyle, not just about the financial angle. To me, being frugal means being aware of our consumer habits, and living within not only our income or means, but the Earths resources too. It doesn't mean we don't spend money, or use resources, we just try to make better choices, investing in better quality, longer lasting, sustainable products and services. It means still having 'style', having nice things in life, but enjoying the simple pleasures and making the most of what we do have.
"Frugality is the practice of
a) acquiring goods and services in a restrained manner, and
b) resourcefully using already owned economic goods and services, to
c) achieve a longer term goal.
Common strategies of frugality include the reduction of waste, curbing costly habits, suppressing instant gratification by means of fiscal self-restraint, seeking efficiency, avoiding traps, defying expensive social norms, embracing cost-free options, using barter, and staying well-informed about local circumstances and both market and product/service realities." From Wikipedia.
What level of frugality you are prepared to, or have to, go to is very individual. You may extend it to certain parts of your life, but not others. Some may be quite willing to make their own clothes, or buy preloved, but would never scrimp on good food. Others would never take a holiday, or spend alot on entertainment, but are willing to buy the best car they can afford. Some have no choice but to buy the cheapest, to do without any extras, to just scrape by each week or fortnight.
Choosing to be frugal, and having the ability to choose (not be forced into it) is a blessing. Watching every dollar, thinking about your finances, worrying about the future, is not pleasant. Even those who may seem well off, or to have financial security you dream of, are not immune to stress about finances. Sure, there is no point worrying about what you cannot control, but I believe you can gain some sense of control, you can put a positive spin on it, you can face a financial challenge head on, if you have the skills of being frugal.
Choosing to be frugal, and having the ability to choose (not be forced into it) is a blessing. Watching every dollar, thinking about your finances, worrying about the future, is not pleasant. Even those who may seem well off, or to have financial security you dream of, are not immune to stress about finances. Sure, there is no point worrying about what you cannot control, but I believe you can gain some sense of control, you can put a positive spin on it, you can face a financial challenge head on, if you have the skills of being frugal.
I am not a frugal saint (as I've said before) but am trying to find a balance in life between being frugal and eco-friendly, but still easy and fun. There are times when I find being frugal a pleasant challenge, when it comes to meals, clothes, decorating, entertainment etc, but I guess that is easy for me to say when I also feel financially secure. Life throws challenges at you, though, and I try to remind myself of my blessings, and see that things will work out how they are supposed to. I have to remind myself that there are much worse situations to be in. I also take comfort in knowing I can be very frugal. I have skills and resources available to me. We live a fairly simple, but happy and fulfilled life. Yes, being frugal is very much about saving money (not buying things you don't need) and making do with what you have, but it is also about being happy doing those things! Besides, I much prefer 'thrifty' to 'scrooge'!
Further Blog Posts about Being Frugal
- Budgeting and Reducing Expenditure
- Spend money wisely
- Ways to Reduce your Grocery Bill
- Frugal Eating
- Frugal cleaning
- How to Survive the Recession (Crunchy Chicken's blog)
- 20 ways to Survive the Tough Times (Down to Earth blog)
- Frugal Fashion
- Being green/ frugal vs. Being prepared
- Establish your budgeting system
- Change your perspective on needs/ wants
- Reduce, Reuse, Repair
- When buying, buy quality and make it last
- Always ask yourself "How can I do it more frugally?"
TOP 5 Tips to a More Frugal Household
- Grow your own & Make your own
- Reduce energy usage, such as heating, cooling & lighting
- Maintain & Repair appliances
- Clean with basics, like vinegar and bicarb
- Try 'no name' items
TOP 5 Tips to Eat More Frugally
- Eat Less Meat & Have No-Meat meals
- Get creative with staples
- Buy from local markets and In Season Specials
- Have "Sunday night meals" twice a week
- Reduce bought convenience foods
