What Does Frugal Mean to You?

by Miriam Caldwell | More from this Blogger

25 Apr 2006 02:58 PM

Often when you decide you need to be more frugal you look on it in a negative light. When I first think of frugal other words that come to mind are tightwad, and miser. However, there is a difference between being frugal, and not helping or giving to others. I also think that it is all about your attitude. Many frugal people I know are the most giving and thoughtful people I know. They are careful with what they spend and consume, but they do try to help those around them as much as possible.

Frugality is really about not purchasing more than you need. I also think that you can be frugal in one area, and that this will allow you to do more in other areas. If you are making the switch to a more frugal lifestyle, it can be easy to get caught up in looking at what you aren't getting, in what you are giving up, in order to save money.

Instead try looking at what you are gaining. You may be giving up a really nice new car, for a used one, but you are gaining the extra eight to ten thousand dollars you saved on the car. You may be giving up the designer clothes, but you are gaining peace of mind instead of accruing debt. You may be giving up the five or six bedroom house, but you are gaining a mortgage you can manage.

A frugal lifestyle will mean different things to different people. To me it means spending within my means, and saving a significant portion of my income. It also means that I will be free from the worry and stress that accompany debt. I will able to spend more time with my family and less time working, because I don't need the extra money. It means that by watching pennies now, I will be able to enjoy my retirement years. One benefit I've already received is being able to stay home with my children, instead of working outside of the home. I've known a couple who lived frugally so that they could get their jobs and go on a trip across the country for an entire year. They really enjoyed the experience.

So instead of just looking at what you're needing to cut back, try looking at what you are gaining from being frugal. What have you gained by living a more frugal lifestyle?

Learn more about Miriam Caldwell

Miriam is a SAHM mom of three children. She has a daughter who is seven, and two sons, four and two. She loves being a parent and spending time with her children.

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Lisa P (24013) 29 Apr 2006 02:36 AM

You are so right! By being frugal, I can stay at home with my son, my husband and I can have the retirement of our dreams and we're able to provide our son with a healthy savings account as well as a college fund. These are much more important to us than new cars, designer clothes and status symbols.

Miriam Caldwell (8030) 29 Apr 2006 03:21 AM

Whenever I start to want to spend more, it really helps me to step back and look at the big picture. When I keep my long-term goals in mind, it is so much easier to stay disciplined.