Many people misunderstand what being frugal means. Common misconceptions include hoarding every penny, taking the cheapest approach to family members and friends, and letting cheapness interfere with enjoying life. The real definitions of being frugal are smarter and better.
You can even have a healthier, happier life.
Being Frugal And Satisfaction
Some people are not happy unless they are spending money. They insist on the best, the most, and the newest of everything.
Being frugal involves the opposite approach.
One example is the old expression “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”
You do not need to replace something that works with the newest, most expensive upgrades.
You can be satisfied with an older model t.v., cell phone, and computer.
You do not feel the need to throw away your wardrobe every time the styles change.
You also do not compete with your friends and neighbors. Simply because they have something does not mean you need it.
A second example is to be satisfied with interests that do not cost money.
Think of how much concert tickets cost, or meals at a 5-star restaurant. When you want to be frugal, trade in expensive interests for low-cost or free options.
Take your family camping, or to a free museum, instead of a high-cost amusement park. Take up a new hobby instead of going to the movies every week.
You can also be satisfied with renting or borrowing over unnecessary expenses. When you want to read a book, you can find it at your local library.
You can rent a movie instead of spending money at the local movie theater. You can read newspapers and magazines online, and spend no money at all.
Being Frugal And Priorities
When you spend less on items and services that you do not need, you will have extra money for priorities. Think of expenses and goals that you cannot afford because you spend your money too quickly.
Perhaps you would like to contribute to your child’s college education or retire without any financial worries.
Perhaps you want to take your family on vacation or buy a new home. When you set priorities, they can be affordable.
Priorities require a budget.
Think of small expenses you spend money on every day that are not really necessary. Instead of going out to lunch, take a bag lunch to work.
You can also lower expenses by choosing a lower-cost internet service, and have free television with a t.v. converter box.
When you eliminate unnecessary expenses, put the money into a savings account. Being frugal can help you save for the future.
Being Frugal And Values
When you embark on a frugal lifestyle, your values have changed. The most important things in life are not money and possessions.
From quality time to working toward goals, you will see your life change for the better.
When your values change to being frugal, it will be apparent to your kids. Even more important, they will start learning the benefits of a frugal lifestyle.
It should not take long for your kids to stop pestering you for every new gadget their friends have. They will learn the value of work and saving, too.
Your kids will learn to appreciate, instead of feeling deprived.
Being Frugal: What I Recommend
If you have spent a lifetime with little concern over spending money, or if your spouse or kids have this approach, it is not a good idea to try to change overnight.
You can have better results with being frugal if you take a gradual approach.
I recommend making one change at a time.
Wait until that change becomes comfortable before changing something else. As an example, give up one luxury and replace it with something that is free.
Another example is to make comparisons before you purchase an item or service.
I suggest a gradual approach with your family, too.
Do not expect your family to be delighted with being frugal if they have never practiced the concept. Call a family meeting to discuss it.
You can even ask your spouse and kids about changes they would like to make.
A frugal way of life does not require you to be a miser, not own or do anything, or deprive loved ones of their needs.
Being frugal is a shift in priorities and values.
You make smart choices with your money. You can lose your interest in owning and buying, and not be ruled by money.
Being frugal can make your everyday life happier, and your future more secure.
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