Does the word frugality make you think of the word deprivation?
To me, frugality brings to mind the the word freedom. Freedom from debt, freedom to spend my hard earned cash (I just try to chose wisely), and freedom from worry. It’s a lifestyle I’ve chosen to follow. I don’t feel deprived in the least! I may not buy brand new stuff all the time, but my needs are met! I’ve not always thought this way.
The following story is a part of my personal story about one of my life lessons that has shaped the frugal path I’m on today.
There was a time when I was leasing a car. It was brand new and a realistic dream car. I had plans to buy it out after the lease was over, which meant getting a loan. I loved the car so much that I was willing to take on debt. It was around the end of my lease contract that my mindset started to change. I knew I couldn’t go into debt over a car, something that decreases in value so quickly! I struggled with this decision for a while before I started looking at used cars. Looking back, that was the best decision I could have made. I paid cash that I had saved up, for a great older car! No payments, no debt. I didn’t need a brand new car!
Since that lesson, I have truly taken to frugality. I know where I need to spend more money and where I need to save my pennies. But…I’m not perfect and I’m still learning!
I have found that frugality makes me:
- Focus on the little things. I find much joy in a simple cup of tea or coffee, enjoyed in the quiet of my home. Or enjoying using my hands baking something. Or even watching the birds search for food in my back yard.
- Appreciate new purchases. Since I’m not buying something every time I go out, when I do buy something, it feels special! (and will feel special for a while!)
- Use creativity to come up with a less expensive way to do something. (outdoor/indoor activities, re purposing…etc)
- Do it myself. Why pay someone to do something that I can do myself? I want a new purse but since I can sew, I have no excuse to buy a new one. I love doing stuff myself, it makes it more fun! I also believe that there is a time and a place to hire someone though, I don’t want to hoard my money.
- Sleep better at night. I don’t spend my nights tossing and turning worrying about where the money for the next bill is going to come from.
- Look for a deal. If I need something in particular, why would I pay full price if I don’t have to?
Does frugality mean deprivation to you? Care to share part of your story that led you down the path of frugality?
Thanks for sharing your personal experience! I’m curious, do you find yourself willing to spend more (or splurge) on certain things (e.g. experiences, eating out, guilty pleasures)?
b.p. – hmmm…I would have to say there are times when I am willing to splurge on certain things. As an example, this past weekend I did a mini makeover on our bedroom, which was totally unnecessary, but the designer in me wanted to spruce things up a bit. All of it was DIY so I saved by doing it myself.
Another example, my husband and I splurge by eating dinner out once a week. But true to our frugal side, we use coupons when we can or order lime water instead of a “real” drink.
Yet another example of when I really let my purse strings go is when we’re on vacation. I tend to make at least one “large” purchase with several little purchases here and there.
But I must say, that over the years since I’ve started on my frugal journey, I’ve really learned what I can and can’t do without. I’m amazed at what I used to spend my money on thinking I “needed” all those things. These days, when I “want” something I search out the best deal! 🙂