Why Live Frugally

What is it about being frugal, 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; more power to ya, live long and prosper and may you die with the most toys. However, for me, I find little value in the things around me.

When I was a teenager, things were my identity. However, as I have gotten older and through one situation or another I have learned to separate myself from the items in my home. Let me give you an example; quite a few years ago I was given a leather jacket, I always wanted one because I thought they were cool and thus, I would be cool. I got it and I loved, I loved it so much I rarely wore it for fear of losing it or ruining it beyond repair. I wanted it to stay 'new' and always carry that memory I had of when I first received it and the person who gave it to me. As the years passed and I was in some hard times, I needed money for necessities and didn't know what to do, until I saw the jacket in the closet in all it's shiny newness and cleanliness. "I could get some money for that", I thought. I proceeded to take it to the pawnshop (this was before eBay) and get A LOT less than what in my mind it was worth to me. It killed me to take that jacket in, but I had to and to do it, I had to distance myself from the experience so I could get it done. And surprisingly, I still have the memory of receiving that jacket with no loss of value in my mind.

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. A side note: I in NO way think I am superior than the woman that drives the jag to her 5 bedroom home, in fact I hope she is happy with her station in life and I wish her well. But for me, I will never aspire to that.

I guess when it comes down to being frugal or not, the question needs to be asked, "Does this fulfill me?" For myself 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 isn't a dreary task, I think we need to reward ourselves here and there. My luxury is going to the movies and seeing the blockbuster action movies and dramas. But doing that regularly would no longer be a treat but become a necessity if I could think up enough excuses.

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 and item or getting caught up in the good feeling a TV commercial gives me. (By the way, I have never gotten good cell phone service in the boonies like the ads show!)

Frugal living is temporary 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, wherever you fit in there.

Dawn Cadwell continues to live a frugal, simple life as much as possible, learning as she goes. Frugal for Life.com is a free resource to those in need,curious or just looking for a few tips. Thank you for your time.

Copyright © 2005 ? Dawn Cadwell. All rights reserved. E-mail notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: Frugalforlife(at)Gmail(dot)com

---

Take Control and Master Your Kitchen

Those who keep a watchful eye on where their money... Read More

Car Donations and Used Car Donations

Car donations and used car donations are the way many... Read More

Debt Management ? Watch Out for Bank Fees!

During the last twenty years, banks have offered a number... Read More

What Are We Teaching our 2005 Graduates about Money?

Now that we are in the month of June I... Read More

How You Feel Affects How You Shop & How Much You Spend

Have you ever stopped to think about how your "mood"... Read More

Budgeting is Bothersome

It doesn't take much for you to get behind on... Read More

Save Money on Groceries: Part I

One universal of humanity, no matter who you are or... Read More

10 Steps to Take if You Are a Victim of Identity Theft

There have been an estimated 9.9 million victims on America... Read More

Bankruptcy Chapters Explained

Chapter 7The potential chapter 7 debtor should understand that a... Read More

Tips To Save Money At The Supermarket

Are you interested in saving money off your grocery bills?... Read More

Budget Planning - Its Elementary My Dear Watson

Does it feel like you have to be Sherlock Holmes... Read More

UK Parents Inactivity Harming Their Children?s Future University and Mortgage Savings

The British government at the beginning of this year officially... Read More

Financial Fitness - Are You Exercising the Right Muscles to become Financially Fit?

Are your financial muscles well toned and healthy or flabby... Read More

Chex Systems ? Why Every American Needs To Guard His Checking Account With His Life

Most Americans have been brought up to be concerned about... Read More

How to Choose the Right Bank for Your Online Business

You should thoroughly consider your business needs when selecting a... Read More

Ways to Save Energy and Slash Electricity Bills

1. Lighting & Light Bulbs Install low energy light... Read More

Personal Finance - Have Consumers Had a Belly Full of Personal Debt?

For months, we were trigger-swipe happy, putting our groceries, clothes,... Read More

Dramatically Improve Your Stock Trading Success

Get Access to Realistic profitable strategies & discover the mindset... Read More

10 Quick And Cheap Ways To Cut Your Heating Bill

When you received an energy (heating) bill last winter, were... Read More

One Income Source Is Not Enough!

My personal opinion is that in today's new economy, it... Read More

The Benefits of Banking Online

How many drawers did you have to look through to... Read More

Improving Your Financial Position

If you want money you need to learn how to... Read More

Should You Borrow From Your 401(k) Account?

If you have a 401(k) account, it can be very... Read More

Five Secrets for Long-term Financial Success

Future financial success is not a guarantee that any one... Read More

Bank On It: Places to Hide and Invest Money

Today I passed a thermometer at a bank that read... Read More

The Joys of Address Labels

Address labels are many things to many different people. If... Read More

Financial Security

1) HOW TO LOOK FOR A JOBA) The Chronological Curriculum:1.... Read More

Save Your Money, Dont Give to Charity Scammers

**If it's Spam, it's a Scam!- If it sounds too... Read More

Save Money on your Clothing Budget. Tame the Closet Monster!

Reducing the clothing budget was a serious challenge for me.... Read More

Knowing Me, Knowing You: Why ID Protection Plans Are Flawed For Fraud

ID theft is a major consumer concern, though there is... Read More

Roth IRA Contributions - IRS Rules

Confused about whether you can contribute to a Roth IRA?... Read More

Eight Ways To Sink Yourself Financially

1. Don't focus on your finances.The reason most people get... Read More

Vacations Made Easy: Buying a Florida Investment Property

Vacations Made Easy: Buying a Florida Investment PropertyA relaxing beach... Read More