Spend some time, save some money...

[MRAHoffman]

I thought this was an interesting WSJ article...as with anything, it's all a matter of perspective. I have to admit, in MY area (a very well to do area), I have seen fewer lawn service trucks, etc. though I DO know of some people who can't seem to let go of their housekeeper and are SHOCKED that I do my own cleaning...they also are appalled that I hang my laundry on the clothesline...I have to laugh, my son said he wished we had more money so that he could have more toys like one of the neighbor kids, and as I pointed out to him, we DO have money and it's because he DOESN'T have more toys like the neighbor kid (I learnt a long time ago that people who have "everything" are usually the ones that are in debt to their pretties Take care and God bless.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124276156812135861.html

[elphie]

For me it is about balance- some things are worth my time, some are not.

-I enjoy cooking, am nearly always happy with the outcome, and save considerably so preparing meals from scratch is worth my time.

-I despise gardening, live in a heavily wooded area where rabbits, turtles, and squirrels steal and nibble my vegetables, and have a black thumb. Gardening is not worth my time and the pitiful "crops" (if any) don't save me much money over bartering with neighbors whose gardens produce so much they can't wait to give it away.

-Hanging clothes on the line isn't so bad but the weather here is so finicky- rain comes out of nowhere, the sun hides, humidity keeps clothes from drying. And our electric usage is among the cheapest in the nation. The month that I faithfully hung out every load of laundry saved me less than $10 on my bill- not worth it.

-Comparison shopping for groceries is somewhat time consuming and not always fun but not misearable either. I have slashed my grocery bill significantly so this is worth it.

-We have some food allergies and some foods we just choose not to eat (such as anything with HFCS) so coupons rarely do us much good- whole foods and staples rarely have coupons so coupon clipping and swapping isn't really worth it for me.

-Going to countless thrift stores and garage sales, scanning eBay, etc. for clothes and gifts is f.u.n. and saves tons of money so definately worth it.

-I hate housework and the first thing I would do if we had extra "blow" money would be hire a housekeeper. We don't have it so I suck it up and do it myself but a girl can dream.

I think everyone has to know their own strengths, their own limitations, their own budget and their own lifestyle to determine what works for them. For some people it is worth it to work a few hours extra to pay someone to mow the lawn, for others they'd rather mow the lawn themselves and free up the hours. For me frugality is about using my money for what is most important and finding ways to save in areas not as important. Each of us has to decide for ourselves what those priorities are.

[hollyhill]

You are so right elphie!
You should be a life coach...

could use one right now..

balance is totally eluding me....

[elphie]

holly, balance eluded me for so long, I used to tell everyone that the balance of life escaped me... the balance of saving for tomorrow and enjoying today, the balance of teaching my kids to be responsible and also have fun, the balance of giving back and taking time for myself. It seemed every part of my life was out of balance. I can't honestly tell you what helped me, lots of little things such as the right group of people for spirtitual growth, another great mom's group, lots of reading, lots of time, and then one day something just clicked. Be patient, surround yourself with people who make you stronger instead of tearing you down and it will come.

[Thevail]

Perfectly said Elphie!

Frugality isn't worth it just for the sake of being frugal instead of some other way.

Frugality is worth it because it allows us to more easily (and more cheaply!) live the life we personally dream of.

I'm holding a yardsale on the first weekend in June. Not because I need to simplify, but because I want a Wii.
A Wii is NOT frugal. It uses electricity, the games cost a packet, and the initial cost is unreal!
But I really, really, really want one! But it's a want, not a need, so no touching the savings. So a yardsale!

Frugality with purpose.

[momof2joys]

Very good article, never really thought about things that way!!!

Elphie- I am with you if I had any extra "blow" money I would hire a housekeeper in a second, but it's a dream and until we win the lottery or something, it's me doing the work!!!

Having a garage sale every year is where the money for our fun day trips come from, going to the zoo or parks, or just going out for pizza.

Until now, I hadn't really thought about things like this as a balance, but now I have a different outlook on things!! Thanks!!