Comments on: Concepts in Frugality: Rethink Your Thinking

By: pam munro

pam munro — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:41:04 +0000

For years I have chosen to stay in my once very-unfashionable neighborhood because I liked it and I got along well with my immigrant neighbors (I used to be the only one on the rolls when voting.) Now after a long time, it looks better than it ever did – and my rent is very reasonable, too.

By: Vintage Mommy

Vintage Mommy — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:18:24 +0000

I'm continually amazed at the power of habits - good and bad. And I like what people have said about choices v. circumstances; that's a good distinction. These days, surrounded by layoffs left and right, many families (ours included) will need to do things differently. I'm actually finding it refreshing (easy for me to say as my husband's job is secure at the moment) to live differently. Vintage Mommy´s last blog post..Show & Tell: Nothing to Show OR Tell!

By: Kristy @ Master Your

Kristy @ Master Your — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:36:40 +0000

I don't have to do anything, just as you pointed out. I choose to do the things I do.

I choose to go to work – though I've heard people say this is something they HAVE TO do. Well, no it isn't. You may not like the alternatives of not working, but there is a choice. Having to do something implies that your choice has been taken away.

I choose to use name brand products for certain things and store brand for others. Sometimes I don't always save as much money grocery shopping as I could, but I know that going into it.

I recently wrote a series of articles based on Franklin Covey's 7 Habits, and one of the posts talked in length about how we are a product of our choices, not our circumstances. Oftentimes it is easier to blame things on our circumstances, but in reality, we had the choice to do something different. This was one of the most powerful things I heard when I started my financial freedom journey. I'm glad you've share it here!

Kristy @ Master Your Card´s last blog post..What the Banks are Doing With Our Money…

By: Megan

Megan — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:59:02 +0000

I thought I had to have high-end cosmetics and cleansers etc. When I broke out in a huge hormonal, post-miscarriage rash I forked over 4 bucks for a drugstore blemish cream and moisturizer. My skin has never been so smooth! I guess I don’t “have” to buy the high-end stuff. A few other frugal discoveries: I don’t have to buy expensive books, I can go to the library! I don’t have to buy cable, I can read (FREE books)! I love your blog, frugality is new for me but you’re giving me great inspiration!

By: Annie

Annie — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:00:29 +0000

My code for that is, “How do you fold your towels?” Because you can fold them in half, in thirds, roll them up, etc. And usually you fold your towels in the same manner that you had them in your home growing up (how your mother, father, etc. folded them). Then one day you have a roommate or spouse and find them folding towels the “wrong” way . . .but is there really a wrong way? Or are you just folding your towels that why out of habit?

It’s not only great for saving money, it’s a great way to try to shift your thinking when you’re having a disagreement with someone. Is it important, or is it just you fold towels differently?

By: SlaveToMyLenders

SlaveToMyLenders — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:50:32 +0000

Your first paragraph gave me a smile — I used a new shower gel rather than my normal soap once in December. The next day I was covered in a rash and couldn't stop scratching. Had to take antihistamines all day. I won't be switching!

On the other hand, I do try to use different brands of most things, particularly the 'store' brands. There are a few things I've tried and decided to go back to the premium brand, but most items are perfectly fine. I used to be very brand loyal, until I figured out how much money I could save by switching: gas and electricity supplier, car insurance, even my mechanic.

By: Emma @ baby-log.com

Emma @ baby-log.com — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:20:50 +0000

Personally, I always have a reasonable explanation for everything I do and there is always logic to it – even if I can't remember why I do it that way. And every time I forget and try to change that way, it is only to regret the change, get angry at myself for not having enough faith in me, remember why I started doing it that way in the first place and go back to that way

Emma @ baby-log.com´s last blog post..My miserable failure at brushing my toddler’s teeth

By: Dana @ Letters to El

Dana @ Letters to El — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:03:38 +0000

I also lowered my grocery budget by going cash only. I still have a long way to go, however! Dana @ Letters to Elijah´s last blog post..What's for Dinner?

By: Nicki at Domestic Cents

Nicki at Domestic Cents — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:53:46 +0000

You're right on with this. I've been finding out some of the same things and it has really saved me. It's nice to be freed of being super particular. It actually allows for a lot more flexibility in my life. Nicki at Domestic Cents´s last blog post..Do You Garden? Do You Can?