Some things were easier than others when it came to cutting expenses.
Deciding to not renew any magazine and newspaper subscriptions was an easy decision. Removing ourselves from anything that had membership fees wasn't hard either, but reassessing where every penny went and trying to cut back on some of those expenses was a little more painful at times.
Having a dishwasher when we had moved into our new to us home, was great. Washing dishes had never been a favorite chore, and this made it so much easier. In an attempt to save money on our electric bill, I decided to go back to hand washing the dishes. Our electric bill dropped by $30. a month which made that decision much easier to continue. And even now, I'm not willing to pay that much per month to have my dishes washed.
We also realized it is entirely possible to live without a closet stuffed with clothes. That it is okay to wear the same outfit to church every single Sunday for as long as that outfit remains in good condition. And when it is necessary to buy more clothes, that thrift shops have plenty of options.
Being brutally honest when it came to deciding if something was a need or a want was a huge help in becoming as frugal as we needed to be.
Ouch...this is a tough message for me.
ReplyDeleteI am not frugal and really need to be.
What a struggle it is for me to get our financial situation straightened out.
Thanks for the push...I have to get started.
I think frugal is wise when there is a need. I think there is a time to save, and to spend. If you can afford it there is nothing wrong with having that pair of nice shoes or that dish set. I think being able to spend when you have it just makes sense, too. I've been both at times. I admit that I love a good sale! I just bought a comforter for $14.00 that originally cost $90.00. So i watch for things like that. Wise purchases feel good to make.
ReplyDeleteMy girls and I hung out at the thrift shops all the time. I wore jeans to mow the lawn, etc., and the idea of buying *new* ones mystified me. Get ones that are already old and worn in, for a third of the price, if that. One of my first purchases after the Late and Unlamented shuffled off was a BRIGHT red Sunday coat, which I bought at a thrift store. I wore it until it literally fell apart; one sleeve was coming undone and the fabric was too worn to be mended. We always used to get our hair done at the local beauty schools. Next to nothing, and it usually looked just as good as if I'd paid full price. This house had a dishwasher when we moved in, and I honestly do enjoy having it. However, I've never owned a washing machine, and still go to the laundromat to do our clothes. At our ages, we wouldn't live long enough for a washing machine to pay for itself.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that being frugal is not my strong point, perhaps I have not needed to be that careful. I know I could cut back in many areas and really need to start doing more of that.Thanks for the inspiring post.
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ReplyDeleteWe had to be SO frugal in our early married years. We've been married 41 years and it's just in the last 5-10 that we've had extra spending money. We still try to save most of Hubby's paycheck and we refuse to buy anything on credit. If we can't pay cash, we don't get it. But it does feel good to finally feel free to buy a dress or a new bowl if I want to and not feel guilty.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
Like Betsy it was a necessity to be frugal for many years but these days we choose to live a simple life and have holidays.
ReplyDeleteI think being frugal is smart. But that does not always mean being cheap. Being frugal can mean cutting expenses in some areas so you can spend you money wisely in others.
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