What benefits have you had from frugality?

[druthb00]

It enabled us to be able to move from IN to FL without first lining up work down here. On the wages we made back home that just wouldn't have happened if we hadn't been frugal, therefore making it possible to save enough money to do it.

We eat better/healthier than ever.

If something needs to be fixed on the car I don't feel like I have to panic. BF just replaced the rear brake shoes and drums and will be replacing the front struts next weekend. Then I'll need to take it in to get the wheels balanced and rotated. After all is said and done it will cost about $185. Its' a lot cheaper than getting it done at a repair shop, and using better quality parts, but the point is that it won't have to go on a credit card to get done.

I'm sure there's other benefits that I just don't notice anymore because it's become so normal.

[Liane]

There are many benefits from being frugal. Money in my pocket. No fear in the pit of my stomache. A car that I paid for sits in my driveway. My daughter can play sports and do activities. Our bills are all paid before they are due. Learning new skills that save so much money. Making detergent is saving me at least $150.00 a year. That is impressive to me. Having the means to stock up and share food with those in need. Growing our garden and getting to pick dinner in the back yard. This also keeps me out of the produce section for awhile. Thrift stores are like day trips. You can find treasure there and it is fun and exciting. More free time to do what I want to do and not what I have to do. Being frugal does not just benefit me it benefits my family and ultimately my community. We donate our time, food and our footprint is smaller. People may laugh but I am happy and free.

[Grainlady]

Less CAN be more!!!

-Less spending -- more saving.

-Less clothes/shoes -- more space in your closet along with a wardrobe that will last longer because you will make wise selections using classic styles rather than follow what's "IN".

-Less "junk" to clutter your home and mind - more appreciation for the things that "count".

-Less disposable goods -- more sustainable goods.

-Less expensive highly processed foods -- more less-expensive whole foods that are nutrient dense, higher in fiber and better FOR you.

-Less stress by not having to keep up with the "Joneses" -- more satisfaction keeping up with your own standards based on your needs, not necessarily yours or someone elses wants.

-Less debt, more freedom.

-Less Christmas ha$$le, more Peace on Earth.

-Less collecting - more consolidating.

-Less impulse spending - more "looking before you leap".

-Less unwanted and cast-off things stored in the garage - more space in the garage for your car/s.

-Less things in your home that take a lot of special care, cleaning or attention - more free time because cleaning is now quick and easy to accomplish; and stays clean longer.

-Less dependence on others - more dependence on yourself and your skills.

[frugalwarrior2]

I have a budget. Therefore a plan. A plan therefore a path.
-And then there was magic (financially) is a thing in movies.

-We have paid off $75,000 in debt
-Did not lose our house due ton DH's accident
-Have a fully paid for 1 year old roof
-own our van
-paid off our road ASSessment and our smallest CC this year.
-Have paid for 3 semesters of Community College an books cash
-have money for the fourth
-Will have the house paid off in 3.5 years.

Our bottom line in going down and that's exciting. I have learned greater resourcefulness for the future.

[shoiji]

I no longer have to worry about bills being paid, food on the table, clothes on my back. I can actually afford better quality items now. Just feel as if I am really in control now. Plus saving up for a big purchase really feels great the day you actually make the purchase.

[erinalexis]

Having a fully funded emergency fund in place, spending a lot of time as a family and teaching our children the "real" value of money. We are not out of debt as we still have two car payments and a house payment but we only have $975 left on one credit card and then we are completely credit card debt FREE!!! Eating healthier is a plus since we are trying to eat a home more often- a struggle because our lives are so busy- but a work in process nonetheless!

[frugal.lass]

I used to be stressed out and unhappy. Every occasion that required celebrating would depress and worry me, where would I find the money for the dinner or gift?? Now, because I've paid off my debt and learned how to live on my tight income, I'm actually happier with my job and life. I don't worry about finances because I have most things budgeted for (invited to a birthday party? there's money to pick up a gift in the budget now!) and I have enough savings to get me through several months if something happened and I couldn't work for a bit.

My friends often think that my frugality has restricted my lifestyle but it's actually given me much more freedom to do what I want.

[cab54]

It's made me think more simply, live more simply, and that calms me down.

$ priceless $

[Monroe on a Budget]

Frugality is what kept the bills paid even when the income dropped.