Frugality. I haven’t written a lot about it lately. But I am being frugal………probably more so than ever. It’s become a way of life. Besides there are so many other sites writing about frugality now (a good thing), that I don’t feel the need to add to it.
To me being frugal is simply about reducing waste. And reducing waste, especially waste spending, keeps us on track to achieving our goals.
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I have been able to create frugal habits, keep them habits for a while, then lapse (sounds too much like my ‘eating healthy’ plan.) I’m still working on making them ‘fact.’
BTW, do you know that I never, ever fill my kettle all the way when I’m boiling water for just two cups??? It relates back to a post –something you mentioned– about how it cost more to boil a full-kettle than a partially-filled one. That’s the one habit that I have made stick, and I know exactly where/who I got the idea from!
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Laura Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 7:18 am
@Karen: Good to see I’m in your head! LOL!!
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Last night I was making my son’s bed and I was putting on an old pair of flannel sheets that are at least 15 years old. They were a high quality flannel, so they are still soft but starting to look a little old. I also put on a duvet that was made from 2 bits of scrap fabric (2 different flannel patterns) that my mom picked up at the thrift store. I was wondering to myself. Am I being frugal by still using these or miserly? I like to think frugal and as long as they are still clean and soft and no one’s complaining, then why not?
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Laura Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 7:22 am
@FirstGenAmerican| I’d say frugal. If something still works then use it. We have bedlinen that I’ve had for years too. You made me smile about flannel sheets. Hubby wants to buy them next time because they’re warmer…told him he won’t need them in Portugal!!
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I consider myself frugal and that it’s a way of life. I would say that I’ve always been frugal but now I’m being extra frugal to meet my goal of early retirement. That being said the frugality will not end then – we’ll still continue living a frugal lifestyle but with “benefits”.
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Laura Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 7:22 am
Jane: Frugal with benefits..I like that! Our frugal benefit is travel
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not sure I am being frugal at the moment. some enjoyable spending happening after some very lean times. however the non leakage / waste approach IS the way to achieve goals. and that is the point I think. And also, its good for the planet too isn’t it. I think green living, meeting goals and living efficiently, living CONSCIOUSLY is WHY it is is important to me. Making the most out of life without damaging others. there.
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Laura Reply:
April 21st, 2011 at 7:23 am
MO| I think that’s the main thing about spending/living….to do it consciously.
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