This is What Frugal Looks Like is a series that highlights different ways that people can be frugal in their lives- after all, frugality doesn’t have to be drastic or just about clipping coupons. Frugality can be fun and easy. Each respondent answers the same four questions.
Today’s interview is with Nicole from Breaking Even, Inc.
What does frugality mean to you?
Frugality means being aware and thoughtfully putting money where it matters to you. I think a lot of people think of being frugal as deprivation but really it’s about being thoughtful with what you buy and have rather than just not spending anything.
What is something that you do that is ‘typically’ frugally?
Most frugal people make meals at home. I am no exception and have a ridiculous awareness of how much things should cost at the grocery store. When I see a good price, I stock up.
What is something frugal that you do that is unusual?
I try not to go to stores at all. I dislike shopping but also I find that it is best to not lead myself unto temptation. Many frugal people ‘shop the sales’ at places like Target or Walmart but I find staying away much more effective for me. I’d rather buy less at a smaller local store, which in the end saves me money but may be unusual compared to other frugal folks, which I mostly know online.
What are some of your longterm goals that being frugal will help you to accomplish?
Being frugal has helped me save more in the last two years then I ever have, even while making less money. I was able to build up a cushion of savings, which in part gave me the confidence to leave my full time job to work on my business full time. (Being frugal made me get a part time job for the summer until work ramps up, too.) In short, being frugal has allowed me to use money as a tool to get where I want, and not use money as a way to buy things to ‘fill’ a void in my life.
Bio: I met Nicole through a ‘French’ connection. She lives in a state that I’ve never visited, but would very much like to: Maine. For more about Nicole, read her about page, and make sure to check out her Too Cute Tuesday series, with frugal and fun craft activities.
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{ 6 comments }
I agree, staying away from stores is a great way to save! I often find myself buying something just because it is so heavily marked down. Sometimes, it’s best to march directly to the section you’re shopping in… or bring a SO who doesn’t want to shop for very long 🙂
.-= Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog´s last blog ..Giveaway! =-.
Nice interview, I have learned a lot from Nicole over the past few months about frugality and her business adventures.
I agree about the stocking up. I try to watch my stockpile of canned goods because for awhile I was buying stuff I didn’t need right then, just because it was a good price. But then I had so much of it that it would take us quite awhile to eat it all. So now, I try to keep a reasonable amount on hand.
Last night I made homemade tortillas (and blogged about it, lol) and they tasted yummy. Even though it doesn’t save a huge amount of money, it saves a little and everything all adds up. I hope to do several things like that and save some of that money.
.-= momstheword´s last blog ..COOKING WITH MOM’S THE WORD =-.
I agree also with the staying away from stores thing. even if i go somewhere cheap there is something i remember i should buy or i find an excuse. great blog!
Thanks for the opportunity to be on your site, Kelly. You continue to be both a French and frugal inspiration to me, and are among my personal finance blogger heros. I hope we can actually meet sometime, in France or otherwise!
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..This Week In Business: Great Idea Edition =-.
For me being frugal is not a choice, it’s a requirement. As a new stay-at-home-mom, I cannot afford to be free with my money. I have two options: indulge my desires to spend, or have the freedom to stay at home beautiful baby girl. The choice is rather easy!
.-= jennifer888´s last blog ..Negotiating for Moms =-.