Ask:
When you simplify your life, a natural byproduct is a more frugal lifestyle. You're buying things that will last, using up what you have, shopping less, and enjoying life more. Or it is the other way around? Did your frugality prompt you into a "simple" life, or did your "simple" life lead you to frugality?
I'm going to write more about my own personal experience with this in my blog.
Answer:
For it it was simple living first ... frugalness as a natural by-product second. I started on the Flylady program many moons ago now. As I did the "21 fling boogie" (throwing out 21 things each time I was asked), I began to be more aware of everything I owned and began to buy less and less. It was at that point that I begin getting a bigger rush from living simply then from shopping. I don't think I could have lived frugally just out of shear will power. For me the focus needed to be on something positive - simple living - with the by product being money saved.
It's the same way I try and look at maintaining my weight loss. I put the focus on eating whole grains and whole foods for health and nutrition and the natural by-product is weight loss. It's all about the focus for me. If I feel deprived, it won't work.
Answer:
It's a combo for me. I started purging quite a while ago and only buying things that really spoke to me.
Once I transitioned to a SAHM, I had to start living a little more frugally in order to be able to maintain a comfortable standard of living.
I do think though that one feeds off the other, and no matter which you start first, the second is sure to follow.
Answer:
I was determined to be frugal, and I got so good at it that soon I was overrun with bargains and good deals. That lead to wanting to scale way back and live more simply.
Answer:
The simple life led me to frugality
Answer:
A tight budget led me to be more frugal, In the begining it was the strong desire to have a house and now I am frugal because it allows me to stay home with my kids. The simple life is something that really comes after. I like things organized they can be complex but I need to have a plan or a routine. Trying to simplify my routine, my home and my life in general alows me more time to sit back and enjoy lifes simple pleasures.
Answer:
I like living the simple life, because I was raised with parents who are packrats. I hate clutter and all the things in life that you'll never actually use. I don't shop much, except for food, and so that saves me money. When we can finally afford a house I'll look for something pretty small so I don't have to waste money buying more furniture to fill it up.