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Sunday, June 24, 2012

Enjoying the Frugal Life


Yesterday I shared some frugal tips on saving money.

Sometimes those types of posts irritate me because they highlight nothing new for me to add to my list of things to do.

I really cannot imagine never scrutinizing my budget. That is the only way to get the most out of it. 

For those who find scrimping and saving a challenge I believe it comes down to finding the proper motivations.

I am not one to suggest being a miser who does not enjoy the every day. It makes no sense to live without, while having a bank account or mattress stuffed with untouched funds.

For me pinching a penny just comes naturally. Instinctively I can sense a good deal or create one all while thinking about the next one.

Getting the best price on things I have to buy and, saving on unavoidable bills means more left over for fun extras.

I have been on the credit card track owing more than I could pay off each month. Let me just tell you there is nothing like the feeling of being free from this type of debt.

School loans or a mortgage have a whole different feeling. The worth and the value of the product weigh against the pain of having to make payments.

My daughter laughs at me when we go to the store for one thing and come out with a cart full of items. 

This only happens when other bills have been paid and we are in a place where I know I am getting the best bargains.

It is the only type of Retail Therapy we allow ourselves.

There are of course things we want that we see advertised or hear about from friends. 

At the same time we know life is not about keeping up with the Jones or others.

True enjoyment is found in simple pleasures mixed with real relationships. Chasing the next big thing leads to always being on an emotional and financial roller coaster.
I am teaching my daughter to be a savvy shopper as well as how to budget.

6 comments:

  1. Great stuff. My motivation is being a minimalist. It's enough for me to pinch a few pennies :D

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    1. Deals are great! I knew these posts had an audience with others like me. I hope a few who maybe have felt like their finances have been running their lives or getting away from them are feeling inspired.

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  2. I've learned - this stuff does rub off on our daughters! Despite my daughter's friend's fascination with name brands, she's learned to enjoy second hand stores and 'self-creations' with her sewing machine. And she's proud of it :)

    I find it fascinating (and good.)

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    1. Yes we do have an impact. My daughter is learning a bit through trial and error but that is good as well. Even if they go off and totally ignore our advice they cannot say they had no better examples.

      In the end as my mother told me it will be better to know better for the low times when it is all there is left to do.

      "You do not want to hit rock bottom and be like the ones who really have no idea how to stand and rise above their circumstances because their mothers were clueless or failed to share" she would say.

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  3. It's actually amazing how much better you feel about yourself when you live a simpler, more frugal life. That's not to say you can't still enjoy life, just that you become more aware of the difference between need and want. Consumerism tends to make us think we all need whatever products they are advertisiing at a given time. Living frugally is about making your own mind up rather than being swayed by others.

    http://lifethrulucylasticaslense.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Thank you. I agree. People wonder how I stayed strong and sane as a single mother. It came so naturally I was fascinated to discover others live on the roller coaster.

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