Comments on: Tell Us Tuesday: Frugality and Deprivation

By: Meg from FruWiki

Meg from FruWiki — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:50:22 +0000

Well, at first when my husband and I started to save money it didn’t work so well because we’d tell ourselves “We need to spend less.” But then we’d get bored and go shopping again because we weren’t filling our time with anything else.

Now, though, I think we’re pretty frugal and we really enjoy our lives MUCH more than when we were shopaholics. We do all sorts of things that we enjoy, like visit the library, borrow movies, hang out at the farmers’ market, play with our cats & chickens, take walks together, read together in bed, etc. etc. etc. And now, we actually hate going out shopping most of the time! That definitely makes saving money easier!
Meg from FruWiki´s last blog ..Razors

By: FruGal

FruGal — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:28:02 +0000

I have definitely missed out on some summer events now that I’m trying to be frugal. There was a concert in September that I was particularly looking forward to, but I couldn’t afford the tickets. I also missed a dinner with friends simply because I couldn’t afford to spend money at a restaurant last month.

However, I have found that if I plan ahead, I can save up money for important events so I don’t miss out on all the fun. It really just comes down to picking and choosing what you really want to do. My friends have been really supportive – I was ashamed to admit that I couldn’t afford to go out with them, but I’m glad I did because they understand my situation and now we pick cheaper places to hang out together.
FruGal´s last blog ..This is What Frugal Looks Like: New Series at Almost Frugal

By: Amanda

Amanda — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:36:14 +0000

I’d be lying if I said that I don’t feel deprived sometimes! I often feel very split in my feelings toward our frugality. On one hand, I am thrilled that we’re paying down student debt and are (hopefully!) within a year or so of being debt free. Conversely, I’m tired of freezing my rear off in the house b/c we won’t turn the heat on and am exhausted from working 6 days a week (3 different jobs).
I know its worth it and am glad that we’re doing it, but I’m not sure I’m yet at the place where I love being frugal or don’t miss eating out with friends. I think the main thing I feel most deprived of is convenience!

By: Coco at Real Life Money

Coco at Real Life Money — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:38:15 +0000

Frugality, or being wise about money, doesn't depress me, it puts me in a "flow" state. It's very French...fabulous and freeing. I know I can make a living no matter what, not necessarily by taking on a high stress job that sucks the fun out of life, but by be a good money manager. I am my own household CFO. It's rewarding. Knowing how to make wise money choices gives me freedom. And I still get to buy the pretty "shooz!" Coco at Real Life Money´s last blog post..Louisiana Section 529 Plan is #1

By: marci357

marci357 — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 02:22:22 +0000

Because I’m frugal, I choose to only work 4 days a week – freeing up sooooo much more time to do the things I want to do. And most of what I want to do is free or low cost activities – so I do not feel deprived at all. I just got back from a 10 day vacation, splurged some while gone, and was not worried about the money at all because it had been earmarked for this vacation all along. It was a lot of fun as there were a lot of fun and mostly free or low cost activities built into it, plus lots of family time and visiting with relatives I don’t get to see very often.

No, I do not feel deprived. I feel ‘lightened’ – making the money to do the things I want to do is not an issue – they usually are free and fun

By: Abigail

Abigail — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:35:31 +0000

I do sometimes feel deprived. It usually comes, though, when it’s something I can’t get my husband or let him get himself. He’s a spender, and we’re having to trim a little extra right now. After nearly 3 years of living carefully and paying off debt — with occasional backslides of getting some new clothes once or twice a year — it’s pretty tiring.

The last 11 months have been us living even more carefully now that he’s on unemployment. He’s starting a new medication which may help his stress, which would in turn (we hope) help his skin not flare up. Then we still have to figure out just what it is he can do for a living — which will depend on how much his skin behaves. So it could be 6 months, it could be 2 years if he needs schooling.

In the mean time, I try to celebrate each time we are able to pay down a little debt. And try to remember that these things we’re giving up are wants, not needs.

That said, it’s worth it for the relief I feel each time we pay down a little more debt. At least, that’s what I tell myself to stay sane!

Abigail´s last blog post..Me & the big black dog

By: calimama@compactbydesign

calimama@compactbydesign — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:13:31 +0000

Here is Merriam-Webster’s definition of frugal:

Pronunciation:
\?frü-g?l\
Function:
adjective
Etymology:
Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin frugalis virtuous, frugal, from frug-, frux fruit, value; akin to Latin frui to enjoy
Date: 1590

: characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources

Did you notice the etymology? Virtuous, value, akin to “to enjoy”. Positive words. People need to remember frugal is a positive term. Depravity is negative. Live positive, live well.

By: Jane Little

Jane Little — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:10:13 +0000

Living without financial worries is more fun than any show on cable TV, so we choose to watch our inherited/garage sale TV's. Resting at night because I have no debt is more flattering than any outfit the mall may offer. Being able to afford a dinner out now and again because of my frugal lifestyle choices in other areas makes it all worthwhile. Jane Little´s last blog post..A Couple of Gifts

By: Sandra

Sandra — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:28:57 +0000

Frugality has just taken me back to my teenage years. Back then I had no credit so I had to find ways to stretch my dollars. After getting myself into some debt, frugality has become my friend again and has saved me from digging myself into a deeper hole. I am slowly accomplishing my financial goals. So, rather than feeling deprived, I feel liberated.

By: Betsy Bargain

Betsy Bargain — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:04:45 +0000

I can honestly say I never feel deprived being frugal. All of the things I like to do are cheap anyway! I love to read, and books are free at the library. I like to listen to music, and there are plenty of free websites where I can do that, or I can check out CD’s from the library. I love to do crafts, but I enjoy thinking up crafts I can do using recycled materials. I enjoy buying clothes at thrift stores and yard sales, because you never know what treasures you will find, and my style is a little off-beat anyway. I enjoy growing my own vegetables, and eating simple foods prepared with groceries from the bulk bins. I guess I’m just weird !

Betsy Bargain´s last blog post..Porta Party