I LOVE being frugal!

**annieacid** · 07-18-2005, 09:52 AM

I was thinking about this this morning (was trying to cheer myself up, because of waking up depressed yet again). This was the one good thought I had!

I love being frugal. When I first started, it was out of necessity (to save to move me and my husband out of my mom's basement), but now I actually enjoy it! It's become more of a "hobby" to me, although it's out of necessity now as well (if I spent like the "average" american, i'd be way in debt). I enjoy saving the money, and I get a kick out of challenging myself to see "how low can I go" on a price for an item, or on my grocery budget for the month. I also like to challenge myself to find more freebies, and see how many rewards I can get from surveys/doing side jobs (selling books, pet sitting), points programs, and my credit card rewards (I pay them off in full every month, so never carry a balance, but I like getting the points from my GoldPoints card, and the gas rebate from my AAA credit card).

I almost feel like I have a leg up on people who spend a ton of money when they don't need to, and it makes me happy to "know better".

Let's see, some of the things I've gotten recently/get on a steady basis:

- free hotel night (from Goldpoints)
- several $10.00 walmart giftcards (MyPoints)
- most of the Walgreen's FAR items
- Over 150.00 extra income from pet sitting, surveys, and selling used books and my other used items
- 5% gas rebate on all purchases at the pump at any gas station (really helps with the gas prices going up!)
- $10.00 amazon gift certificate from a survey

I'm sure there are more!

So who else feels this way? Do y'all also enjoy being frugal?

bg · 07-18-2005, 10:29 AM

Initially when I became frugal, I resented it. I became frugal out of necessity, and as I was only 20, I was always comparing myself to other 20 something yearolds who had it better than me (lotso money, big house, nice clothes, spending money for entertainiment, etc).

My mindset has been changing lately. I don't see any reason for me to have a big house, as all that extra space would be a waste. I don't need to go partying every night, as I dislike it anyway. I like the fact that I could buy most of the things I want to, but choose not to. Its a freedom that has taken some getting used to.

I think I can see people's true colors if they judge me on what I wear. I like wearing faded clothes (more comfortable!), and if my dressing sense is the basis of how they choose to judge me, then I would rather not be associated with them anyway.

Being frugal is indeed quite liberating. Its nice not being in debt, and having a good savings plan, and having my retirement fund building up.

So yes, I do enjoy being frugal.

**Mojjo** · 07-18-2005, 10:56 AM

I guess all of us Philly area girls are well adjusted frugals then...because I am really enjoying it now. I like it...I like not spending as much as others...almost as though it's a game, KWIM?

**annieacid** · 07-18-2005, 11:15 AM

I agree totally about the "almost like it's a game" thing. It's more challenging and entertaining than any board game I know!

Hey, good to see Philly people who are frugal. Sometimes I get to thinking NO ONE that lives around here is like that! It's just I hear these things on the radio about how living in center city is still "affordable" for young people, and I think, "HUH?! What is affordable to these people?" because apartment prices in this area seem to be really high to me!

bg, I totally know what you mean. I was also 20 when I started being frugal, and was a little upset about not being able to spend money and such on things that I wanted. After a while, though, I realized I didn't really need those things to be happy! I always hated partying as well, which is probably why I don't get along with many people my age (I am 25).

I also wear whatever I'm comfortable in and suits me, and I know some people look at me strangely at work, but I don't care so much. I mean, you're right, if they don't want to be friends with you because of what you wear, you don't need them anyway.

I swear, I have had this one pair of pants hand-me-down from my sister for 5 years now. She even wore them before that, so I suspect that are around 7 years old. I just pick off the tiny bit of pilling after every wash and continue to wear them! I've even worn them to semi-dressy parties, and people have commented that my outfit was nice. It's nice to be able to fool people sometimes

Though I must admit, some of the stuff I wear was OBVIOUSLY off the clearance rack. LOL.

bg · 07-18-2005, 11:29 AM

I agree, that being frugal is almost like a game as well. Sometimes I find some real treasures, when I least expect it.

Its really nice to meet some people from Philly who are frugal as well.

I have wanted to live in center city for ages, and I watched rental ads for two years. I soon realized that the rental agencies are the only ones who is getting any benefit out of their "afforably priced" apartments.

We finally found a place that is well below market (mostly because our landlord fixes everything himself with the help of his wife - I suspect he is a Millionaire Next Door). He was actually surprised when we decided to take the apartment, then he smiled when he realized that we didn't want to spend all our money on rent, but wanted to save it instead.

**cheapgeek** · 07-18-2005, 12:42 PM

Bg, "liberating" was exactly the word I was going to use. I've developed an incredible distaste and resentment toward consumerism. It makes me sick to my stomach sometimes, to think of how wasteful and greedy our society has become. I get great satisfaction out of thumbing my nose at it it all and not participating.

**annieacid** · 07-18-2005, 12:50 PM

Originally posted by cheapgeek
I've developed an incredible distaste and resentment toward consumerism. It makes me sick to my stomach sometimes, to think of how wasteful and greedy our society has become. I get great satisfaction out of thumbing my nose at it it all and not participating.

Oh EXACTLY! I can't STAND that my ex spends his money like he does and doesn't see a problem with it! It stresses me out entirely and makes me very upset. I know he could be saving so much, but he never listens. I will never understand the inclination to spend $50.00 on a new video game. Why not just rent it? or maybe wait for it to go used? I don't know... I guess to each his own...

**Mamaw** · 07-18-2005, 01:15 PM

I dont know if I "enjoy" it just yet but I am getting better at it. Am a newbie and I have to admit it feels good to get items free or almost free, to find great buys at thrift stores and to cut the grocery budget. I made an excel spread sheet to track my grocery purchases and am challenging myself to drop that budget even more. And I paid off debt # 1 this month which felt SOOOOO good. So I guess even if I dont always enjoy the process, I do enjoy the result! LOL.

**Mamaw** · 07-18-2005, 01:16 PM

AND, I even asked DH for a clothes line for my birthday. He has to buy it and install it along with about 50 plastic hangers. I guess that means I am being converted! LOL

**KimSecret** · 07-18-2005, 03:00 PM

Like Mamaw, Im fairly new to being frugal. I do still fall off the boat on occasion such as today, I spent $15 on me & the kids to have lunch at Sonic

I regret it, but that dern cheeseburger was calling my name!

I still have TONS to learn, but I do plan on sticking with it and occasionally treating my family to a night out so we dont feel completely deprived...not that my DH would EVER feel deprived, he buys whatever he wants!

BUT when it comes to clothing, school supplies and grocerys, I WILL continue to be frugal & look for the best deals.

**KimSecret** · 07-18-2005, 03:03 PM

Originally posted by annieacid
Oh EXACTLY! I can't STAND that my ex spends his money like he does and doesn't see a problem with it! It stresses me out entirely and makes me very upset. I know he could be saving so much, but he never listens. I will never understand the inclination to spend $50.00 on a new video game. Why not just rent it? or maybe wait for it to go used? I don't know... I guess to each his own...

My best friend, who I adore & love is the WORST spender Ive ever known besides my sister (another story..lol) She & I were on the phone yesterday and she told me that she now has 350 movies and almost as many CD's

yet she & her Dh have a REALLY hard time paying bills & they BOTH work!...I just dont get it!

**annieacid** · 07-18-2005, 03:05 PM

Originally posted by KimSecret
I do still fall off the boat on occasion such as today, I spent $15 on me & the kids to have lunch at Sonic I regret it, but that dern cheeseburger was calling my name!
I still have TONS to learn, but I do plan on sticking with it and occasionally treating my family to a night out so we dont feel completely deprived...

Don't feel so bad! I'll tell you that this weekend, we spent 14.00 at Subway, and then I took us out to eat at Macaroni Grill and spent (get this!) 48 BUCKS! We had just both gotten bonuses from work, and I thought we could use a treat, since we have been doing better than EVER at being frugal.

Everyone needs a little treat once in a while. And let me tell you what, if we had Sonic here, I'd be there a lot, too! Sonic = great!

**patches** · 07-18-2005, 03:14 PM

My hubby went to hardware store and bought me a dremel with all the attachments for Mother's Day last year.

The guy at the hardware store thought he was crazy and tried to talk him into buy some flowers or candy for me.

He said to the guy, "Are you crazy! I waste our money on that and my wife will have my head!"

The guy shook his head and walked away.

**rebecca** · 07-18-2005, 06:46 PM

I also love being frugal! It is a hobby for me. I don't make that much a year, so I have to be frugal, but I found out in the last several years I enjoy being frugal and see how much I can save on my bills month to month. Don't really buy any clotes for self. My sister about once a year sends me her clothes she no longer wears. I love to go to thrift shops especially when they have a 50% off day. It's also like a game to me also. I love to see how much I can save or how many days I can go without spending any money.

**Telephus44** · 07-18-2005, 09:32 PM

I also love being frugal. I feel that I am way ahead of the game, and when I am able to retire early or be a SAHM, I will be able to do what many of my peers can only dream of. And I think its a great game, to keep track of freebies, survey sites, clip coupons and combine them with sales - I get kind of a rush over it. And the day I made DH reach in the dumpster because I wanted a Swiffer - well, then I knew I was hooked.