Why Are You Frugal?

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Why Are You Frugal?

Submitted by: Ray @ Tip Hero 11/12/2009 3:26 AM

A question popped in my head the other day: Why am I Frugal? I've been frugal my whole life but I never gave much thought as to why. As I thought about it further I realized there�s not one thing I can point to as to why I�m frugal but several interweaving reasons.

I was raised by frugal parents which certainly steered me towards frugality but my brother is not a penny pincher and I�ve seen kids who were raised by spendthrift parents follow the path of frugality and vica versa. I have an insatiable curiosity and I love the ingenuity of frugality, finding all those creative ways to save a buck. I also have a bit of a contrarian streak in me, I�ve never cared too much about fitting in or how others view me, with the exception of ethics; I�ve never been tempted to keep up with the Joneses.

One of the most important things in life for me has always been getting a good nights sleep. I�ve always wanted/needed to have a decent emergency fund to allow me to do so. I also learned the value of a dollar pretty early on, mowing lawns, working on a shipping dock, and a dozen other part time jobs. To me my time is my most precious resource and I treat it as such. When I spend 50 cents on a candy bar I view it as the time I had to spend earning that 50 cents. Conversely money saved up gives me more freedom over how I spend my time. I�ve always thought frugality was fun and not some burden. For me it�s a challenge, sort of like a game to find ways to save money.

I grew up with a comfortable background financially so frugality was a choice rather than a strict necessity. I recognize some people are frugal by necessity rather than choice but I�ve always had the feeling that many of them would still be frugal if they had a million dollars in the bank.

Why are you frugal? Please share your thoughts in the comments below:

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Comments:

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Time is the barter for money... Complete with waste prevention and accountability it helps me balance to pay debt, afford more..Make up for loss...etc... I hate waste... Increased wisdom I believe is an asset of frugality... Thanks!

Posted by SwineInsanity on November 12, 2009 1:30 PM

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I have so much respect for those who eschew the single-minded pursuit of material things or 'wants'. In the past, I found it hard to understand why people would rinse off aluminum foil or re-use plastic baggies, for example. Now that I'm older, I realize that if you refuse to spend hard-earned money on frivolous or unnecessary wants you open up your future to a life of freedom and much less worry!

Posted by Holly on November 12, 2009 2:22 PM

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I live well below my means. I take home $3k a month. My total expenses (grocery, gas, utilities, rent) amount to $1,200 a month, if that. So I invest $1,800 a month. I like being frugal because instead of having junk, I prefer to have a good emergency fund and significant investments. I can buy all the junk that I want, but why clutter my apt? If I lose my job, all that junk won't pay my bills, but having one year's expenses in my EF will give me breathing room.

Posted by anonymous on November 12, 2009 5:38 PM

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I discovered early in my adult life that no amount of qualifications or talents would earn me anything but near-minimum wages. I learned frugality so I could live within my means, and so I could learn substitutes for purchasing from bigot businesses.

Posted by anonymous on November 12, 2009 7:39 PM

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Such a smart way of looking at things:

"When I spend 50 cents on a candy bar I view it as the time I had to spend earning that 50 cents."

Perhaps that is why wall street had no problem blowing through all of our money, they never had to earn.

Posted by smrtshppr on November 12, 2009 7:55 PM

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Because working to cover your debts really limits your opportunities. The more stuff you buy, invariably the more ends up on the credit card. Life isn't much fun when you hate your job but you can't quit because you'll be out of cash in 6 weeks.
So being frugal/ living cheaply gives me more options.

Posted by LiveCheap on November 12, 2009 9:16 PM

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My mother died when I was two. Every day I used to close my eyes real tight and pray to God that when I opened my eyees I could see her for just one second. Not a minute or an hour. Just a second of my mothers time was all I wanted. Now I have two children and one on the way. I never want them to have to pray that prayer, so I stay at home with them. That means we sacrifice other things. By being frugal, I get to spend every spare second I have loving, nurturing, and playing with, and creating memories with them! I never prayed for more stuff growing up. I don't think they will either.

Posted by anonymous on November 12, 2009 11:45 PM

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I'm frugal because it doesn't matter how much money I make...it's more about how much money I'm not going to spend.

Posted by Arvedelle on November 13, 2009 1:25 AM

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The reason why I am frugal is mostly necessity. Most of my life I have either been poor or had to make my money stretch.

Even if I was rich I would still be frugal. I just don't like paying more for an item then I have to. I understand there are some cases where you have to pay top dollar for a high quality item that lasts many years if not decades and is more durable,comfortable and safe etc.

But for the most part I look for sales,deals and use coupons.

Posted by anonymous on November 13, 2009 1:45 AM

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Because I have to be. I live on 840 a moth. Thats my SS and pension combined. Plus I take care of my 17 year old grand daughter. Try that for a while.

Posted by anonymous on November 13, 2009 3:01 AM

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Initially, I viewed frugality as a bit of game to see how much I could save on groceries by using coupons and stocking up with BOGO offers. One thing led to another and I found many more ways to save. What was once a game is now a habit. It has also changed my outlook in that I simply don't care what The Joneses have and have no desire to keep up with them. I had no idea that these changes would prepare me for one of Life's surprises - my DH was laid off recently and with our frugal habits already in place, the transition from two incomes to one has been much smoother than anticipated.

Posted by snoopyfan on November 13, 2009 11:02 AM

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I am frugal because I love to shop. For clothes, for groceries, for anything!!! I'm 25 w/ 2 kids and low income but I don't let that keep me from shopping. We have just as nice thing and eat the same quality food as people who make more money than me because I know how to make my money stretch. I rarely pay full price for anything. I always have a stack of coupons in my purse and am not above shopping at Good Will and thrift stores. I live debt free and have substantial savings in the bank compared to most my age.

Posted by anonymous on November 13, 2009 11:05 AM

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I am frugal because I have an extremely low tolerance for excess. This comes because of my upbringing, obviously and because of having spent a lot of time as traveler in third world countries.
When the Tightwad Gazette was published I came out of the closet about being frugal. I was much happier with myself. All my friends are aware that I am generous and resourceful. Today I just gave away via Freecycle a $10,000 organ in mint condition that belonged to a neighbor who passed away. If I hadn't intercepted who knows what would have happened to it. I have actually seen paid trash removal services cut up furniture on the curb to fit in their trucks.

Posted by Rinchen on November 13, 2009 11:51 AM

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I'm frugal for lots of reasons. I've been poor, and now we might be considered by many as well off. I don't want to ever be so poor as not to have options for me and my family. I would rather have less stuff, and more time with my family. I would rather drive a five year old minivan than worry about a monthly payment. I would rather create traditions then to give so much I create spoiled brats. I like to see how far I can stretch a dollar. I like to learn how to do things myself and feel the accomplishment. I enjoy a good challange, and love finding the perfect gift at a thrift shop or a garage sale. I love to look at my beautiful children and know that their whole outfit including their winter coat cost less then $5.00, and the child they are playing with doesn't look as nice and they are wearing $150.00. So yes, sometimes I am shallow...I'm o.k. with that part of me. I don't want my loved ones to mix up gifts, and money with what is really important like love, laughter, time, and God. I'm frugal because my parents taught me some important life lessons. I'll continue to be frugal so my children will learn some of those same lessons.

Posted by Michelle on November 13, 2009 12:11 PM

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Money was never a big deal with me. For a long time I earned above average and had fun spending it. I was disabled on the job. Now I have less money and adjusted to it just fine. Now I cross check items I need or want. In many cases I get a better deal. Everyone would like more money. Money does not equal happy. Growing older I find joy in the simple things. No amount of money could give me the kick I get out of life today. My values have changed.

Posted by Jim on November 13, 2009 9:04 PM

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My dad always said anyone could go to the store and pay full price. I enjoy the challenge of finding the best deal. It's a rush to know I found a bargain.

Posted by anonymous on November 13, 2009 10:00 PM

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Because to me, life isn't about keeping up with the Joneses. It's about living beneath your means and serving God. Everything in this life is temporary, it's just stuff!

Posted by anonymous on November 13, 2009 10:18 PM

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I'm frugal because it pays off. With the money we have saved because of our frugal practices we were able to buy a vacation home which we enjoy as well as rent out. A real investment in our financial future, as well as our quality of life now. We literally bought this home with money that I watched friends throw away in one form or another.

Posted by anonymous on November 13, 2009 11:55 PM

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I am frugal because I was raised that way and learned how to get along by making do.... and am a healthy 62 year old and have all the necessities in life, but, if good quality is a necessity... I may have second hand- good quality.... I dress much better and good thrift store clothing is better than what I would allow myself to buy new... I feel guilty if I pay full price for something new I don't really need....If there is an emergency, I have the cash... I want quality, but that doesn't always have to be the most pricey...

Posted by Margie from Montana on November 14, 2009 2:25 PM

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Im frugal because I was raised by frugal parents. I have also gone through times that were tough with very little money. You learn to appreciate what you have and that things dont bring you happiness, you have to make yourself happy. Having a positive attitude, faith in our creator, and a happy marriage are what get you through the tough times. Lots of good friends help alot too!!!!

Posted by Karen S. on November 14, 2009 7:03 PM

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Being raised in farm country, you learn not to waste anything. If not needed then, it would be set aside until it was needed. We had no waste baskets in the house in the '50. I kid you not. Everything had another use, then it was burned in the smoke house with meat. The ashed placed in the garden. Food was fresh or canned. Sanitary products were made and washed. Old clothes made into quilts, etc. Shoes repaired and then passed on to poorer folks. I don't ever remember feeling poor. I learned these lessons early and was able to raise my children as a sole income parent. They went to college and I have purchased homes twice.

Posted by Kay on November 15, 2009 9:30 AM

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we raised 6 children on a low income. This was not a chore, but a challenge. Now we have more money and that is good too. The best lesson is that if you save a little here and save a little there, it turns into a decent amount of money and you can retire with enough to enjoy life and have some options. I think that the mentality of thinking that it's only a dollar or two is what gets people into spending. Those dollars turn into a subtanial amount of money over time.

Posted by anonymous on November 16, 2009 11:51 AM

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I'm frugal, not just because of saving money, or making due with what I have, and finding the best price for the best quality, but when I look at my nephew and nieces (no kids of my own) and listen to my co-workers talk about their children, that's what, or rather who, I do it for. So that they can have a world to grow up in and enjoy it in all it's beauty. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rejoice.

Posted by anonymous on November 16, 2009 7:50 PM

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I saw the turmoil my Mother went through in her old age because of lack of money. It was due to her addiction of spending money. Because of that I have saved my money and try to be as careful with it as possible. I still read about money saving ideas to further educate myself on ways to save more. I am in no debt and that is very liberating. We may live in a free country but some people have shackled themselves with their debt. The best house and best car mean nothing if you lay awake worrying about how you will pay for them.

Posted by anonymous on November 17, 2009 3:40 AM

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I once was in a serious amount of debt. It took over 10 years to pay back all those credit cards. I'm frugal because I don't want to owe anyone, don't want to be held hostage to a job if I don't like it, and I want the freedom to do what I want.

Being frugal gives me peace of mind.

Posted by Kim_Mango on November 17, 2009 7:53 PM

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Thank you everyone. I learned that it is all just stuff earlier this year after going through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University at my church. It really sank in then that I had a responsibility to be a good steward. We paid off and got rid of our credit cards...have an equity line that will be paid off in a couple years, and we are learning how to live within our means. We keep getting hit by alot of "Murphy's), but it reinforces how out of control spending meant no savings. We are blessed to have my husband's pension, and we are handling the Murpy's without incurring debt. I needed a "boost" to stay the course and not get discouraged. You all gave that to me and more. Thank you, Thank you!!!!!!

Posted by Melinda on November 19, 2009 3:49 PM

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when I recently moved from my house and was trying to simplify, I felt such an emotional attachment to my stuff. I kept having to tell myself, "I am NOT my stuff!"

I managed to let go of a lot of stuff, and I'm a minimalist by nature. Purging your stuff can really be tough sometimes.

Let it go!

Posted by Kim_Mango on November 20, 2009 3:14 PM

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Thank you for posting this question! I have been raised my whole life by the most frugal person I have ever come across, my father. I am 23 years old and have never had one cent of debt, and have always had a healthy savings. I have been to college paid for by my self and am married, with a wedding I paid for by my self and my husband and have 3 nice vehicles paid for in cash,I have recently been falling off the wagon as far as spending money and by just reading the responses from your question has reinstated the value I have been raised with, just because you can afford something does by no means mean that you need it, and just because you have money today does not mean that you will tomorrow thus it is always safer then sorry and when you can save a $1 here or $.50 there it will always add up and make it worth your while! - Thanks again, it feels nice to have the encouragement.

Posted by anonymous on November 24, 2009 11:55 PM

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I am frugal because I have worked all my life and never made much money, believed I would never be able to retire. When I was 58 years old I got a new job where my abilities were recognized and appreciated. I worked hard and got bonuses and raises, some of which I spent.

I had started investing some extra money in IRAs earlier and I added as much as I could until I was saving 1/2 of my income and all bonuses. The new job also contributed to a pension for me.
I was able to retire before 65 and I never want to work again, nor go without.

So I have good reason to be frugal! I am free!

Posted by anonymous on November 29, 2009 11:41 PM

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Besides being frugal, I'm a can rat / pack rat. When every one else runs out of stuff, we who are the can rats and pack rats will rule the world for WE will have all the stuff. I often tell people that whoever owns the land fills and junk yards will be rich in the future because we'll be digging up all that stuff when our natural resources get low or run out. Being frugal shows maturity and good responsible stewardship toward the world. Too many live for today but that will come back to haunt us in the end.

Being frugal gives peace of mind. It makes you a think outside the box kind of person. A kind of person who is ready for anything.

Posted by Wilma on November 30, 2009 4:41 PM

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I enjoy everyone's positive stories, but we don't all inherit frugal genes. My mother always told me to "go for the luxuries, the necessities will take care of themselves!" It took being broke and mooching off a friend who was single-parenting two children on minimum wage before it finally dawned on me that by relying on friends for rescue when I didn't take care of my own necessities,I was virtually stealing theirs. They were too nice to let me go hungry and I knew it--besides, I had a ready-made excuse, I was an artist!

Creativity can take a big hit when you do not like who you see in the mirror. Shame, guilt and embarrassment take all the fun out of luxury living. I'm still an artist, still not naturally frugal, but not having to worry about gas, groceries and the electric bill at the end of every month has freed up a lot of creativity AND self-respect.

Posted by anonymous on November 30, 2009 7:45 PM

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keeping up with the Jones?? they lost their jobs, unemployed and are trying to keep up with me.now a days FRUGAL IS IN , EXCESS is OUT.
REUSE, RECYCLE, REWASTE
WHO KNOWS YOU pay $20 for shampoo , $25 on Chanel nail polish, and $32 for dior lipstick?? $80 on a tee shirt?? bottom line: who really cares. I rather be frugal, pay my bills, have shelter and food on the table and money saved.

Posted by Renee on December 03, 2009 10:48 PM

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I agree with Renee, there is a shift in what people are starting to value. It doesn't matter to me how much I pay for something as long as I use it until it's completely finished or worn out.

I have more fun now with friends and focus on being the best friend I can be to them. Kindness is a much more pleasant approach to life than keeping up with the Jones'.

Posted by Kim_Mango on December 05, 2009 12:41 PM

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It is just one of the many skills that I learned at my poverty stricken Grandmothers knee.

Long, LONG, before, words such as recycle, re-use, solar power were popular.........

She was : heating her wash water for the wringer washing machine, rerouting the water to her flower beds, and hanging her clothes on the line.

She was either patching our clothes, " cutting " them down or letting out seams. She accepted everything with grace............some of the things that she gave thanks for would be insulting today.......used bras, and underwear, yet she turned them into pillow stuffing or make a " doll " of them.

She saved seed...........LONGZ before I ever heard the word " heirloom" fruit or vegetable.

She was sealing her envelope with egg white, ( the tiny bit left behind in the shell) many years before we knew we could make use of the shell.

She was baking her own bread and preserving her own garden excess before it was " in style" or " green".

She was hatching the chicken eggs in a corner of the living room, before the first " Mother Earth News" was published.

On her farm, EVERY child abouve the age of 5, knew how to prime the well. We also knew that rain water softened not only our clothes but our hair and skin.......It was caught in numerous barrels of 10 25, and 50 gallons.

I am " frugal" because I had the blessing of being reared by a woman who fed a family of 13, during the Great Depression.......and she fed them well. Her lessons have served me well......very well indeed.

I can make soap, pluck a chicken, slop the hogs, feed the cows, bale the hay and generally just " make do". Making do was a way of life........today it has prettier words to describe it.

Posted by anonymous on December 14, 2009 1:54 AM

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Bravo for Grandmas that taught us all those wonderful things so long ago. People think I have called me "tight", "weird", as well as been told I have too much time on my hands since I hang clothes, shop at thrift stores and clip coupons. I do not work outside of the home. These are ways I contribute to my family.

Posted by anonymous on December 17, 2009 7:05 PM

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By not being a pennypincher we're only making the next man richer. I also learn from my grandparents many yrs. ago to save for a rainy day and not to keep up with the jones. Friends and family calls be the baragin couponaloic.when they're short on cash they're
forever calling me to borrow and see were something may be on sell. With the depression we're in or about to be in we need to be frugal.
I thank God the the learning that was instill in me. Thanks grandma.

Posted by Mae on December 17, 2009 8:41 PM

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Having been a single mother of 2 for 10 years before marrying my second husband, I had no choice. I can encourage other single moms though, because you can follow sales and use coupons and still have food stamps left over at the end of the month like I did, just pay attention and don't be greedy.

Posted by anonymous on December 18, 2009 12:25 PM

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I enjoy the challenge!

Posted by anonymous on December 31, 2009 2:35 AM

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