Comments on: Frugal Living Isn’t Always About Trade Offs

By: Jim Bauer

Jim Bauer — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:48:51 +0000

You summed it up, in my opinion. I always have equated the art of saving money with having more. I get chastised for it all the time, get called cheap. People angrily tell me, “You’ve got to stop counting the pennies and start living, man!” To that I say, saving is exactly about that. Living. So many people are busy working for everything, not realizing how much extra work they are doing not seeing the forest for the trees in how they spend their money. I try and reduce the costs for needs so I have more for what I want. And when I have money in the bank, I try and maximize its benefit so that I get more out if it on its own than money I make on a job.

By: Wilson Pon

Wilson Pon — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 06:02:32 +0000

Being frugal is not mean that we’re being selfish. My parents always taught us to be thrifty, since we’re still kids! Honestly, my life right now is better and happier than before, even though we’re living in a frugal condition.

By: kenyantykoon

kenyantykoon — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:15:29 +0000

sometimes i live frugally because i dont have a choice. it would be kind of nice to have most of those things that i want but the thing is that i am scared of tying up valuable investment money in a fancy little gadget that i dont need just want. I of all people know the pain of a missed opportunity. so sometimes you do something not because you want to, but because you have to. thats my piece

By: RB @ Financial Samurai

RB @ Financial Samurai — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 03:33:31 +0000

The wife and i spent the day in the park watching “Comedy of Errors” by Shakespeare in the Park, which was free.

There are so many free things to do. The best things in life are free. I rummaged through my garage and found the cheapest, most enjoyable things are literally free, or highly affordable. I write about it in “Simple Pleasures”

Even after making multiple six figures last year, my favorite things to do are hiking, having a picnic in the park, and playing tennis.

By: Jason @ One Money Design

Jason @ One Money Design — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 01:51:33 +0000

When I think of frugal, I think of having a plan for my money. Yes, it is comforting! I can relate to your experience with your friend in town. Sometimes change in the routine can cause unexpected spending or temptations with money. And getting off course on our plan can generate the stress you mention. However, if we pay attention to that feeling, we can use it as a good indicator that the purchase may not be wise.

By: Rick Vaughn

Rick Vaughn — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:19:00 +0000

In my humble opinion the term “frugal” has such negativity that it gets confused with being cheap. When in fact you are being smart.

I do agree that buying all you want would get old. However, I would love to give it a try and tell you fast hand.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:25:31 +0000

Well said! I love what my frugal life enables me to do. More money, earlier retirement, more relaxed work schedule… the list goes on.

I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

By: David@DINKS Finance

David@DINKS Finance — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:34:07 +0000

Redbox! My girlfriend and I never rent from blockbuster – always Redbox or if they are older we request them from the library for free!

Ice cream from smaller shops and Dairy Queen are great, but expensive. We hit up McDonald’s and get the dollar sundaes when the urge comes.

Little Caesar’s has good pizza i.m.o. and at $5/pizza, we eat there all the time (once every two weeks, at least).

By: Greg@eliminatethemuda.com

Greg@eliminatethemuda.com — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:47:20 +0000

For a long time I equated frugal with being cheap. This is simply not the case. If you look at the difference between the two definitions it is clear that being frugal is being smart with your resources while being cheap is sacrificial. I’m frugal and I am proud of it!

By: DDFD @ DivorcedDadFrugalDad

DDFD @ DivorcedDadFrugalDad — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:24:07 +0000

Nice post! Frugality is about selectivity and creativity, not about depreviation.