This is What Frugal Looks Like: Ryan from Planting Dollars

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 Ryan from Planting Dollars, a personal finance and entrepreneurship focused blog.

What does frugality mean to you?

Frugality, to me, means living below your means and making the things you have stretch more so than the average consumer. It means less waste, enjoying what you have more, and in turn means a more relaxing life through simple living. Being frugal means having more options and time in my life to do the things that matter more to me than “stuff”

What is something that you do that is ‘typically’ frugally?

I like to read a lot so I’m always going to the library instead of going to the bookstores. I used to order books from Amazon a lot, but current live a very minimalist lifestyle so I only borrow. I also typically wait at least a week before I make any major purchases and wait to find a better deal used. For example, I’m currently considering buying scuba gear, but am going to be waiting until I find a motivated seller with something that fits my needs probably via craigslist.

What is something frugal that you do that is unusual?

I ditched the car completely when I moved to Hawaii and only ride a bike around town. This saves me money and keeps me more fit. I also only live out of two backpacks at the moment since that’s all I brought with me when I moved. Living small has been really refreshing and has actually made me happier than before because I feel free to do whatever I want. My monthly expenses are way down because I spend considerably less and I have more energy since I’m active. I would highly recommend this lifestyle to 20 somethings starting out.

What are some of your longterm goals that being frugal will help you to accomplish?

I kind of stumbled on frugality because I realized that in order to accomplish my goals I would need to embrace living smaller. Currently I’m working towards a mobile lifestyle and becoming a professional shark photographer. Therefore I’m building up my blog, building a travel website about the Waikiki area, and working on a few other projects. Frugality is simply a tool that allows me the freedom to pursue my passions and try new things. In the future it will allow me the ability for long term travel, building my own house, and hopefully opening a piano bar back in my hometown.

A Little About Me

I’m a recent college grad who writes about Financial Freedom and following your passions at Plantingdollars.com. I recently bought a one way from Wisconsin to Hawaii and am pursuing my dream of becoming a shark photographer and entrepreneur at the same time.