Since December, I’ve been in a planning process about the direction I want Simply Frugal to take as the year progresses. It’s mainly an attempt to get the website back to it’s roots. Roots meaning, focusing more on the aspects of simple living and real frugality. Although Simply Frugal is what some would consider a “deal blog”, this is not my real intention. I want to instill the value of living a truly frugal lifestyle. Not the misconception of frugality these days, which seems to be, “getting a good deal makes me frugal”.
Back at the Roots of Simply Frugal, it was never my goal to encourage more spending, but to spend less on the things you need and to save where it really counts. After my first No Spend Challenge (Simply Frugal began in 2009 because of this), my eyes were opened to the joys of simple/frugal living so much so, that consumerism became such a ridiculous thing in my mind.
After the birth of my daughter last March, I found myself back in my old spending habits. I was never one to spend money we don’t have, but I found myself too often purchasing something because “it was a good deal”. The quality of posts dwindled on Simply Frugal, as I was too tired to create substantial content. It was easy to go through my emails and post deals, coupons and freebies, then get on with my days as a new mom.
You may have noticed, but I have been cutting back on the posts about store deals. It has to be quite a good offer for me to consider posting it. None of those silly buy 1, get 1 for 50% off sales. I’ve been posting about all the coupons and freebies I’ve come across because I do believe there is some value in those. All this to say, that you will still be seeing plenty of these types of posts, since I know some of the deals are actually useful to you and not just an excuse to spend money you could be saving for your future.
Now, as for the future of Simply Frugal. Each month for the remainder of the year I’ll be focusing on one theme. January was Organization month. February is going to be all about Budgeting. I won’t give away all the details of the fun stuff that will be happening each month, but, over the course of 2013, I hope to help teach you the skills needed to create a more self-sufficient life. For the themes that I find myself lacking in “expertise”, you’ll find some great guest posts from others who are more knowledgeable than myself!
In conclusion, I hope this little post that I had to get off my chest, will instill some excitement about the year ahead. I know that I’ve been really excited and feel as though some of my zest for frugal/simple living has returned! I also wanted to thank those of you that took the time to fill out the reader survey I had a few weeks back. Your responses have helped me immensely in getting my focus onto what you want! Still, I’d love to hear any suggestions you may have for topics you’d like to see covered this year.
Thank you so much for sticking with Simply Frugal!!
Yay! I am super happy to hear this. The store deals were getting too much – I am glad you have decided to stop them altogether. I look forward to the new changes. Thank you for all the work you do for this amazing website – I always tell my friends and family.
Good job.. I really appreciate the insight. Helps me to remember just why I was first attracted to the simple life. Keep up the good work, andf enjoy your daughter.
I think that is great news. I have always love your site for all the articles and good advise rather then the deals. There are a lot of deal websites you have always had different stuff to help live a frugal life. Keep it up and look forward to the changes.
Thank you for this. I appreciate Simply Frugal, no matter what direction you decide to take it! Maybe you could help me with what to say to people when they call me “cheap”… when I am just being frugal, trying not to spend money I don’t have while supporting local producers of the things I really need. 🙂
I am relatively new to your blog but appreciate your desire to really talk about frugal/simple living. I too can find myself purchasing things I don’t really need just because it is a good deal (and there are ALWAYS good deals at Value Village). Still, buying something I don’t need, whether $10 or $1, is still a waste. After seeing my pile of denim (all used and bought cheaply), my 6-year-old daughter said to me one day, “Mom, do you need a another pair of jeans?” Ahh…the wisdom of the young. I look forward to your future blogs! Be encouraged!
I love what you have planned for the ‘future’ of Simply Frugal!!! I always look forward to the articles within the post. Thank you for doing this! Continue your ministry!
Good for you! I’m happy to see the change as well, I could use the help 😉
While the deals have been helpful sometimes, the thing that I appreciate the most is the helpful suggestions and idea, and even links to other great blogs. As a parent we need to give priority to our children and our families, but it has been a pleasure to follow your blog, and get the daily newsy letter in my email each day.
We always do well at the things we know best. Do what your heart and your gut tell you. You definitely have a large number of fans out there no matter what you write
So glad to hear this! Very much looking forward to your new posts – loved the organizing posts this month.
I agree with all of the above comments.
What I also love about you posts are the FOOD / FLYER / WEEKLY POST as I do not get the grocrey flyers. And what you post is for Canada West. Thank-you for doing such a GREAT job!
Don’t be so hard on yourself, I have always enjoyed your blog for the quality of the writing and the variety of things that you post. I look forward to every email from Simply Frugal. Thank you for what you do.
Very excited and yes, I will endeavor with you to live a more frugal lifestyle… not just buying good deals. I often need reminders of this, so THANKS for being you! I will faithfully and eagerly await more frugal posts!
Great idea, Taya! I’ve been wondering how you felt about going in the “deal site” direction, because I’ve seen some of the great stuff you’ve written about living simply. It was clear that you knew “getting deals” and “living frugally” are by no means the same thing. I applaud your decision to get back to your blog’s roots! We would be happy to guest post, if you need either Ed (my husband who blogs with me) or my expertise.
Go easy on yourself about spending more with a new baby – it is really normal to spend more at this time. Good for you for noticing and getting back on track!
Definitely agree with you. At the college where I work, a couponing session was organized for students to learn how to coupon, and I was concerned that they would learn that couponing was a good habit to help save money, but that lessons about making calculated spending choices might get lost in the coupon-clipping frenzy.
I collect coupons and watch for deals, but I rarely even use the coupons I have because they would actually require me to spend money on items that I would not necessarily buy in the first place.
Reusing items, reducing waste and expense through planning meals , and knowing what’s a good price for an item that you really can’t do without are the best practices, as far as I’m concerned. Becoming a cost-conscious consumer is more important than just sharing deals and coupons, which are really ads created to entice us to make a purchase. I think true frugality means cultivating the discipline to put the brakes on spending, and appreciating the richness around us. This is definitely an ongoing battle in this market-driven world, and I really appreciate the work you do, helping to find the balance. I also like links to other like-minded blogs… I just found the mr. money moustache one, and it’s very thoughful as well.
Great! I think going back to your roots and original intention is admirable and a good thing!
thank you thank you….i am very excited ….like you , i wish not to just get the best deals (and still be spending spending spending) but rather make good, calculated, decisions on the best things to spend my money (and time) on.
thanks again
I really love the idea.. I think was the thing that attract me to your blog.. and I am 100 % on board with this so I will be here … 🙂 checking everyday for your marvellous ideas and posts. Keep the good work.