Why are we frugal?

I read an article recently discussing being frugal, then binge buying. I was thinking...mmm. is this me?? I LOVE making my own things, love saving money on items, love taking advantage of sales and buying used/thrift. For me it's a game thinking I am beating the system and not giving in to capitalism and the high life. Then, on a whim thinking that I've saved all kinds of money doing this and that, I reward myself by purchasing something I shouldn't have. The person who wrote the article described it as dieting. Say one week you're eating all healthy and are feeling good, then the next week you reward yourself with tons of junk food. How is that helpful? Right?

I barely spent anything on Christmas gifts this year and boy was I proud of myself. I've been doing this for years but I love it that I can keep it up year after year. Then we purchased a new sink, and a front loader washer and dryer. We already had a functioning washer and dryer but I did often have to wash clothes again because of rust or it was ruining my stuff. They weren't a very good set but they sort of worked right? my mom gave me money towards it, so really I only paid for one of them. Then the sink....a $400 purchase. yikes. Our bathroom had this ugly pedestal sink that took over half the bathroom but hey, it worked. I don't regret my purchases , especially the washer and dryer because they will save us a lot of water and energy in the long run. I also bought a handmade dress online for well over what i pay for a thrift dress. Could have done without it right? Right. So after all these efforts for me to save, is it because I want to then turn around and buy fancy stuff?? Or is it really beacuse I want to pay off debt? Probably a little of both.

One day I just love the fact that I buy mostly thrift clothes and barely eat out, then the next day I am looking at $100 shoes and go for sushi. I don't even get myself. Our debt is going down, so at least I am seeing results, but I then turn around and get some nice stuff to delay paying things off. My credit card just upped my limit because I always pay on time. argh.

Just today, I went into a fancy store with NICE clothes..you know those designer ones. I looked at the 50% sale rack and saw a $450 down to $225. YIKES! So looking was nice but I was smart enough to get out before it was too late. Also checked out a great shoe store, also with boxing day sales. $300 shoes....50% off. ouch. I was tempted as I saw a few pairs I liked, but lucky for me I have bad arthritis on one of my feet and can't really wear high heels....most of the stuff i saw had big high heals. I'm thinking the universe was on my side today. So I walked out. *phew*

I even walked into my favourite store which sells all kinds of inexpensive stuff like incense, funky jewelry and housewares. It's a tiny store. I looked at a rug for $17, a really nice big throw rug which would look great in the upstairs guest room. I didn't even buy that! YAY! I wanted it though, but figured I didn't really NEED it. The guest room has a little rug in it, maybe it's not that pretty and i found it in the garbage, but it's there and it's functional. :)

So next time you tell yourself "Hey, i saved $100 this week!!!" Take those savings and pay off a bill instead of running to the store and get that pair of fancy shoes you wanted. :) I know this will take some practise for me, but I know I can do it.

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Having lived most of my ladult life with a very slim purse - I did find myself saving on some things (while single it was eating out) so I could get others (add to my wardrobe, etc.) Some of my thrift has really been a way of living life as nicely as I could on what I had - So my good shoes came from the thrift shop - No, I didn't save much, if anything - but I did have a set of collectibles I considered my savings and I did have a coup of selling an etching I had bought years before for $40 for $1500! So I wasn't that off the mark.
It's all a big GAME -now the variations are similar - like boardgames or cardgames - but you have to figure out which one you want to play. I think just enjoying being able to pinch a penny is great. And if the washer you had was damaging your clothes, maybe a new one was in the cards - But we have to watch those items marked down from $300! I window shop in those places and then get knockoffs or things from thrift shops or consignment stores! Payless has great knock off designer shoes - & they go in & out of fashion too quickly for me! Those stores are lovely - but go for the sale rack! Occasionally there will be a steal & that's for you. I like to window shop in stores where I can't afford to get anything - it reduces the risk - even tho if I see something that's really good, I do go for it. If occasional sushi makes you happy & you can afford - indulge. Just don't be dependent on it for any reason! Splurges are much more fun.

I really enjoy reading about your frugal ways. I have tried a few of your recipes. You do a good job at balancing things. Everyone deserves a splurge once in a while. Whether it's a nice, well-made article of clothing or comfortable footwear or something you like for your home. If it's within reason (and it IS with those of us here!) just enjoy the occassional "spendy" purchase.

Thank you for your posts! Sometimes I beat myself up for indulging. And I suppose with all the hard work we do saving, we can reward ourselves as long as it doesn't throw the budget out of whack right? :) I wish I could get shoes at Payless but I have terrible arthritis on one of my feet and need shoes like Clarks & Hush Puppies for style and comfort. When I wore cheaper shoes I'd be in a lot of pain. Sadly one are in my life I am forced to spend more :(

We have a catholic church in our town. Sometimes i see a gray nun shopping for the kitchen. They are the frugal ones i look to for insipration. She chooses her fruit with care, only buying as many as they need at one time. I have seen her again at another discount store in town, bying up candy canes really cheap for next year, she carries a little gray wallet, probably dated back to the early 70's. She is so careful and i watch her, and every now and then she catches me and gives me a smile! Next time i see her, i will be sure to say hello, and give her a hug and say thank-you. She is so graceful and cautious, not to bruise bump or ruin anything she has no intent to buy! Take note of the nuns in your town and watch them, you will be surprised and what you will learn. God bless

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