Why Did You Decide to Become Frugal in Your Life?

Mostly, I just ingrained this mindset from a young age. My parents and grandparents have always been frugal. I’ve never felt the need to display my wealth or keep up with trends. I buy only what I need and avoid unnecessary purchases. Occasionally, I follow a trend if it aligns with my tastes and serves a real need.

While I am a bit of a deal hunter, many of my best bargains nowadays are from free items my neighbors are no longer using. I make a conscious effort not to accumulate items I can’t use. Recently, I received a bike bag and a few pairs of shoes this way. I've also embraced borrowing and lending items.

For instance, not everybody needs to own a ladder, carpet cleaner, or folding table. These tools are often needed only a few times a year. I decided to invest in a bicycle and used it for over 20 miles of transportation yesterday, saving money, getting exercise, and reducing pollution.

Many of the benefits of frugality align with conserving energy, water, and the environment, as well as saving money. Bicycling, for example, is an excellent way to achieve multiple goals.

There are additional advantages to being frugal. These outcomes are more the result than the motivation. I am working towards financial independence, aiming to retire or downshift when I choose. By not showing off my wealth, I become a less attractive target for sales pitches and theft. Additionally, my simple tastes help me maintain a relatable and approachable demeanor for people who may be less well-off.

Cost Consciousness

Living frugally is a way of life for me. My parents and grandparents lived through the Great Depression, and their experiences instilled in me the importance of saving and financial prudence. My grandparents worked six days a week to provide for their children, while my father and his brothers worked in a grocery store. My other grandmother was a cobbler, and my parents married young, relying on my father to earn just enough for our basic needs. Money was in short supply, teaching me to be careful with my spending.

I continued these practices into adulthood, always seeking bargains and learning to buy only on sale. Having grown up before credit cards were common, I learned to save before making any purchases. My grandmother was always a proponent of saving: Always have a rainy day fund and buy day-old bread at a discount.

These lessons, rooted in hard work and ambition, have led to a successful life. I am grateful for the valuable lessons I learned at a young age. At 75, I still reap the benefits of these principles.

Nostalgia and Style

There is a certain charm to living frugally. It connects me to my heritage, reminding me of simpler times. My parents and grandparents lived through a tough period, but their resilience and resourcefulness have shaped my worldview. Today, I appreciate the beauty in simplicity and the joy of finding great deals.

Embracing frugality is not about deprivation; it’s about finding joy in the small things. It’s about enjoying a day-old loaf of bread bought at a discount or the satisfaction of finding a great deal on a cherished item. Frugality, in many ways, is a lifestyle that fosters contentment and appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.