This question, asked on the forum, has got me thinking.
I learned from my grandparents (all were young adults during Depression)how to use up what you had, save for what you needed, and don't fall into the trap of the latest trends.
They raised gardens, sewed & crocheted. My Mom made most of our clothes right up thru High School.
Money was sometimes tight when I was growing up, but I never knew it. We had family, food, clothes, and a roof over our heads.
When I married, had my kids (4 sons in 6 years) I HAD to be frugal. Used cloth diapers, bought clothes at yard sales, made most of my own clothes, raised a garden. Didn't have all those government programs back then and most people wouldn' even think of them anyway. We got by. My boys didn't have a roomful of toys they didn't play with - they were raised on a farm and everyone pitched in and helped. Not alot of $$$ in the bank but we didn't have any debt except for our home. Lots of good memories for me & them. We drove used cars/trucks and still I won't buy a new one. I use coupons, watch for rebates, and shop for holidays & birthdays all year long from clearance sales. Alot of gifts are hand/homemade.
We even had a Pediatrician that was wonderful! My boys would go thru what we called ' the vicious Strep Throat Cycle'. One would get it and within a week or two, ALL would have it. This was twice a year. He would write one prescription, with refills, with a note on dosages for each of them, to cover them all plus charge us for ONE doctor visit. All my boys eventually had their tonsils removed and the cycle stopped.
Now I'm frugal by choice. $$$ in bank and being able to invest are wonderful things.
I've made some bad choices along the way but have learned from them and moved on. Credit Card debt was a BIG mistake aka lesson!
Saving money is like a game now. The Tightwad Gazette has been a blessing! I re-read it cover-to-cover twice a year and reference it often in between. The Internet has also been invaluable in finding information on how to do all kinds of things cheaper and for DYI projects.
I travel, do genealogy research, run my home business, attend church, and have wonderful dear friends! My immediate family lives close by so I spoil my grandkids with love and homemade goodies. I donate to local charities, love to go to yard sales, and continuously look for bargains.
Believe me, my life is rich and full!
Why did I become frugal?
February 1st, 2008 at 04:06 pm
February 1st, 2008 at 04:23 pm 1201883030
February 1st, 2008 at 05:44 pm 1201887873
February 1st, 2008 at 07:24 pm 1201893855
Living well, without spending more than we make, saving, and investing are all the rewards of being frugal, or "managing" money.
February 1st, 2008 at 09:41 pm 1201902094
One other thing I do is when I think I 'want' something, I write it down and wait. Seems as time goes by, I really didn't 'need' that 'want'. Money saved!
February 1st, 2008 at 11:33 pm 1201908826
Thanks for sharing your story.
February 2nd, 2008 at 02:10 pm 1201961429
I, too, re-read the Tightwad Gazette book to stay motivated. Those success stories really keep me on track!
I enjoy your entries.