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 Chris from Home I Own.
What does frugality mean to you?
I see frugality as the opposite of consumerism. A frugal person will never buy more unless they’ve used what they had. Frugal people will buy what they really need and really want, testing their decisions for validity before taking cash out of the wallet. I see myself as a frugal person because I realize that money is not an endless resource for me, and I make smart choices what do I spend on and how much. I won’t necessarily look for cheaper products – but will always compare offers to see where I am getting more value for the same money.
I realize that I trade my life for money – so it only makes sense to use it in optimal way to live well.
What is something that you do that is ‘typically’ frugally?
A typically frugal thing for me would be to try and pay off my mortgage early to save on interest. I tend to be frugal where it makes the biggest impact on my finances.
What is something frugal that you do that is unusual?
An unusually frugal and “green” thing I do is washing my car when it rains. When the fist raindrops fall I wait for a minute or two for the car to get wet, then I go out with a bucket of water and soap and give the car a wash, then I leave the soap on it and let the rain wash it down.
What are some of your long term goals that being frugal will help you to accomplish?
One of my long term goals in life is to do what I want to do – not what I get paid to do. I believe in delayed gratification and my frugal lifestyle should assist me in getting the right level of financial stability, or perhaps financial independence would be the right word here, and I will finally be free of the need to work 8 – 10 hours a day, earning a living. I will get to spend more time with my family, to travel a lot more, to be creative and to try a lot of things I’ve always wanted to but never could afford, be it because of time or because of money.
Favorite Frugal posts:
- 8 proven ideas to save on fuel
- How to take control of your family budget and spend less: Part 1
- How to take control of your family budget and spend less: Part 2
- 6 ways to entertain your family for less
Who is Chris Lang?
I am originally from Europe and have traveled a lot in the world. When I came to Australia, I realized that here it doesn’t matter where you’re from – what’s important is that you’re here to stay. And I’m staying – what to do, fell in love with this country and Melbourne (where I live) is a beautiful city.
And here is how I started a new life in Australia, with nothing but two suitcases and a dog.
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{ 6 comments }
It feels a little bit awkward to be the first to comment on my own interview, but I want to thank Kelly the hostess for this chance to speak my mind. I am a big fan of Almost Frugal, have been for over a year now. Keep up the great job, Kelly!
.-= Chris Lang´s last blog ..Taking property statistics with a grain of salt =-.
Washing your car in the rain? Interesting idea!
.-= anne´s last blog ..Want to break a bad habit? =-.
My heart is swooning at washing the car in the rain. 🙂
.-= Mrs. Money´s last blog ..Getting Made Fun of for Frugality =-.
I know- that rain car wash idea is one of the best frugal ideas I've heard in a long time!
This so describes my neighbor . good post
Car wash in the rain! I think my car will be getting its first scrub-down in about 2 years this week.