What is it about being frugal and saving money, why do it at all? Actually, some people don’t do it at all, they have decided that what they want and desire is what they are going to get and they feel they deserve it. I have no trouble with that. However, for me, I find little value in the things around me.
When I was a teenager, things were my identity. But with time, as I got older and through one situation or another I have learned to separate myself from the items in my home. Ever since my childhood I have never once felt the need for money or luxury as I got abundance of love from my family. And being raised up in a middle class setting I was thought to judge a person by their character and not by their material possession. Since that time, through losses of one thing or another, I learned that my own self worth or value isn’t based on what I have around me.
Of late there seems to be an abundance of articles on how to live frugal, cheap or stingy. Now don't misunderstand me. I have a healthy respect for remaining financially sound. But where do you draw the line between living too well for your income or denying yourself the simple pleasures that money can buy and that you can afford? The emerging cult of folks who earn good money, yet think it's pathetic to save them, confound me.
When I was a teenager, things were my identity. But with time, as I got older and through one situation or another I have learned to separate myself from the items in my home. Ever since my childhood I have never once felt the need for money or luxury as I got abundance of love from my family. And being raised up in a middle class setting I was thought to judge a person by their character and not by their material possession. Since that time, through losses of one thing or another, I learned that my own self worth or value isn’t based on what I have around me.
Of late there seems to be an abundance of articles on how to live frugal, cheap or stingy. Now don't misunderstand me. I have a healthy respect for remaining financially sound. But where do you draw the line between living too well for your income or denying yourself the simple pleasures that money can buy and that you can afford? The emerging cult of folks who earn good money, yet think it's pathetic to save them, confound me.
One strange attitude of people that strikes me hard is their misconception that excessive spending and holding high interest cards are the in thing and if you don’t do any of these then you do not belong to the cool list of people. As per my observation, most people leave behind their loved ones and their land to work in an alien place with the only hope of earning money to fund proper education for their kids or to repay debts. There are few handfuls that also enjoy working abroad for the heck of it or due to great opportunities the job provides. Just because one spends 1000$ per month does not mean that he is superior to those, who manage their living within 200$ per month. Infact one must learn to appreciate their skill in understanding the value of hard earned money and learn from them.
Extreme frugality or penny pinching is also bad. I truly believe that excessive frugality is some sort of mental disorder. It appears that these folks do not feel deserving of material pleasures and are guilty about spending money. This kind also hates to spend money on heating and air conditioning. Imagine leaving your home because you're too guilty to live comfortably. I guess when it comes down to being frugal or not, the question needs to be asked, “Does this fulfill me?” For me, less is more in my world; less to worry about, less to find space for, less to keep up. But, again, that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Your level of tolerance for less may be higher than mine. I could easily whittle down my needs and wants, throw them in the car and go. That is how little I really need, besides a roof over my head and a steady stream of income. Frugal living is not a dreary task. I think we need to reward ourselves here and there. Frugality in my opinion is also about moderation. Moderation is key no matter if I am eating, drinking, watching TV, going to movies or exercising. Excess is what happens when I stop controlling my life and let something else run it. It’s about keeping things in check, whether it’s my reasoning for buying an item or getting caught up in the good feeling a TV commercial gives me. It is a temporary way of life for some until they get back on their feet, for others it is a day to day necessity for who knows how long and for myself and others it is a voluntary decision.
You would fall under the frugal list if you do any of the following:
It is living below your means; living on 80% of your pay instead of 100-110%.
It is being conscious of your spending and making sure it is a need and not a want.
It is giving yourself time to research the best deal so you don't waste money.
It is seeing treasure in items with as much as you can imagine using your creativity.
It is not living a life you dread waking up to.
It is not thinking that money controls you, but instead you control it.
It is not about what works for you but will work for everyone else.
Because I live frugally, doesn't mean I don't spend money and don't find enjoyment. I become more thoughtful about my decisions and how it will impact me in the future. I decide if this item is something I need or can use multiple times. Frugality is about restraint, discipline, finding the best value and using the item up till it can't be used anymore. It is a way of life and not a curse. Happy living.
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