Ask:
It seems a lot of us have our own definitions of frugality, and it means something unique to each person. What does it mean to you? What does it NOT mean?
For me personally, it means living within my means, saving and preparing for the future, and enjoying life in the process. It doesn't mean sacrificing, being cheap, or stingy.
Answer:
I think of fugality as being wise with your money. Not spending on impulse...knowing a good value...not trying to keep up with anyone...buying what you need, not what you want at the moment...investing in quality...planning for the future, but enjoying today...
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Getting the very most for your money. Not spending money on things that are not important to you.
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It is living within your means. It is weighing your wants against your needs and then choosing to spend only what you need. It is making educated choices on your purchases to get the best product for the best price. It is re-using things instead of always having to buy new.
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For me, it's a daily struggle, as I have a DH that is NOT good with money, and does NOT plan for the future. So, it's just a way of life for me. It's not HARD, it's just a little more time consuming, but worth it.
I agree with what all of the ladies have said so far, but for me it's also an artistic adventure, and creative outlet, not to be wasteful. It's fun to be inventive with what you have, and to come up with new ways to use something for another purpose. (And as a result, I'm rather proud of myself on a regular basis!! ) It means saving energy (when I can) and doing the extra work (hanging out laundry) instead of spending several dollars at the laundry mat per week to dry clothes. And it means planning and scheduling... not wasting gas running from one end of town to the other, when errands can be scheduled around appointment times, for example.
What it doesn't mean?...Being cheap, sacraficing quality in the long run, doing without, or going to the extreme that it cuts into precious family time. It also doesn't mean sacraficing aesthetics...glass counter tops are just as beautiful (to me) as granite, for example. It also doesn't mean allowing myself to buy into having to "keep up with the Joneses". That's just stress I don't need. It means teaching my children that money doesn't buy happiness, and that you really can live happily without all the bells and whistles, and that conservation is worth the trouble.
Even if I had a 6-figure income, I would still live this way. There's ALWAYS something worth saving money for...MINI-VACATIONS being my #1 objective, incentive, and payback!!
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To me, being frugal means living BELOW my means. This way I have money to invest, money put away for emergencies and the ability to help others in need.. While frugal with our family's money and things, I bountifully give and collect smiles, good friends and all the happiness that life brings my way.
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I think is is getting the most for your money. For me it also is a creative fun thing to do. It's a challenge to do it well.
I don't think it always is about quality or not buying what's not important or need vs wants. There are times when u need something for a one time use, I am not going to necessarily buy the best but not always the lowest price.
A well known designer was on Oprah, sorry don't remember who, who said u should opny buy (clothes) that u love. I have really started to do this and can't believe how much my clothing budget has gone down. Just a note that I'm short and FAT (and HOT too). If I can find clothes that I love so can u. just let go of the number(size).
allgirls
Answer:
Originally Posted by frugalmom1
To me, being frugal means living BELOW my means. This way I have money to invest, money put away for emergencies and the ability to help others in need.. While frugal with our family's money and things, I bountifully give and collect smiles, good friends and all the happiness that life brings my way.
Yes, I agree. I was going to write the same thing.
Being frugal means living below my means so I have more to save and more to give away.