photo by Giulio Rosalia

Frugal living can be hard to live long term. But you’re not alone. Many readers comment about ways they stay motivated. Most agree that it’s reassuring they aren’t the only frugal people trying to waste less, make things last longer, reduce debt, and save money. And that choosing to be frugal doesn’t mean you’re cheap or deprived.
Here are a few reader testimonials to motivate or inspire you to stay on track.

BE YOUR FAMILY CEO: The thing that struck me most was the realization that all the creativity and problem-solving I put into other areas of my life could be applied to running the household and finances, too. Believe it or not, I hadn’t made that connection. — Jean, Canada

FOR ALL INCOMES: Even if you have a small income, you STILL have the power to make your dreams come true. It’s the little things that can chew away at your savings. Spend where your values are. Bottom line: Frugality is empowering. — Melina, Massachusetts

WEAR IT OUT: I find it reassuring to know that it’s “OK” and not weird to continue to reuse something until its usefulness is gone. — Cheryl, e-mail

LEARN NEW SKILLS: I learned how to can spaghetti sauce, make my own laundry detergent, how to make three kinds of solar ovens, use my slow cooker for a lot more meals and that Habitat for Humanity also has stores. Visit www.habitat.org/cd/env/restore.aspx to find the one closest to you. This can save tons on home-improvement projects if you hit them at the right time. — G.G., Kentucky

VALUE YOUR WORK: I feel that my husband and I work hard for our money. To do all that work and then just fritter it away would feel wrong. I’m not above treats every now and then, but mindless spending is just not what I’m willing to do with my hard-earned cash. — Amy B., New Jersey

KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES: I have joy back in my life and am learning to focus on the things that truly matter, which are my family and friends. Lots of the other things get in the way and can cloud your view of what is important. Plus, it’s a neat challenge to realize the waste that occurs when you’re not thinking about your spending. What other great things can we do with this money instead of blowing it on needless possessions? — Kim, Colorado

BE GOAL-ORIENTED: I’ve changed over the past couple of years. I just don’t have the urge to buy things anymore. Last year, when I was paying off credit-card debt, I was much more interested in watching those balances go down. This year, I’m saving up an emergency fund, and after that I want to save up for a new car. So I’m much more interested in watching my bank-account balances grow. That’s my motivation right now. — S.S., California

FACE THE MUSIC: I got fed up with the anxiety that comes with always living beyond your means while knowing that eventually it will all come crashing down around you. I’m driven by the peace that comes when you finally decide to do what you’ve known all along you should be doing. I’ve made a game of it, which I call “How low can we go?” It is fun to find new ways to save small amounts of money and completely crazy how fast it adds up. It’s also joyful when my husband and I can finally, after 27 years of marriage, discuss our finances without getting defensive and having a fight. — Meriana, forums

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