Is there one certain thing you frugalizing for??

**Syn D** · 09-03-2010, 01:18 PM

I was criticized recently for my main reason and just got curious about if others have one certain thing, like a new house, car, trips, etc. Or just something to some people that is not important enough..

My main reason is so after 21 years my husband can finally have money to do things instead of having to turn invites down cos' he has no money to do it.. He has worked 2 jobs most of those 21 yrs. and we still always lived check to check with out many extras. He has always worked hard and never had much for himself. He has been a rock hound for about 4 yrs now and has had to pass up many trips due to no $$, some costs as little as $10 to $20 which has been a stretch.. I am getting tired of it and I figured it's time sense our kids are older..

I am a home person and don't need to do things, but he deserves to be able to do something even if it is only once a month.. He finds rock hunting relaxing (I've seen him rock hunt and can't see any relaxing in it, but to him it is) and after a bad week at work, he should be able to go out and do that if our club or just our friend has a hunt..

Well, I was having a chat the other day and was told that it was a dumb reason more or less...

**Rhayne** · 09-03-2010, 01:25 PM

I don't think that's a dumb reason at all. If not for a reason like that then why be frugal at all? Some people like to buy things to put in their home, some like to take trips and some people just like to enjoy their hobbies. I think that's a great thing to be frugal for. Let your husband enjoy what he loves!

**Russ** · 09-03-2010, 01:28 PM

If it's a worthwhile reason to YOU, then it is not dumb. Don't let people bother you. Now, if they want to pay your bills, then they have a say so in how the money gets spent.

As for us...
Two reasons.
Get rid of the stress with less bills.
Don't have to worry about Murphy.

**Syn D** · 09-03-2010, 02:02 PM

Thank you both!

I first got mad, but instead of saying what I was thinking, I said "I really feel sorry for your husband if you think that way", sadly that shocked her..

**rissimo** · 09-03-2010, 02:12 PM

I don't think there is any wrong reason to be frugal. Eveyone has thier reasons. I applaud

your reason. My DH is my life and I want him to beable to have the money to do what he likes to do as well. He had to pawn his drums when he was out of work to help with the bills and he has played since he was 16. It is killing him that he does not have them and this is one of our bills. I would love to beable to get them out for him. And my other reason is that I want to be DEBT FREE.

**craftypam** · 09-03-2010, 02:41 PM

My dh's cousin used to make fun of me all the time about being so frugal. Well 30 years later I have very little debt and a retirement account. He lives in his first house and has no retirement account. I live in the 2nd house and it is paid off AND I have a retirement account. Whenever people make fun of me for being frugal (which I've been all my life) I just laugh to myself because I have more money in the bank than they do. Let it roll off your shoulders and smile because you will be out of debt before most people will and it is a wonderful feeling!!!!!

**KeithBC** · 09-03-2010, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by rissimo

I don't think there is any wrong reason to be frugal.

I am frugal because I think it is the best way (if everyone did it) to avoid the economic collapse that I think is inevitable, and also the best way to survive it when it happens. Frugality is an essential part of living sustainably, IMO.

**Momto5RN** · 09-03-2010, 03:00 PM

doesnt sound dumb to me as long as you are happy to do it

i am frugal to afford private school education for my kids.
many may conisder that dumb because i can get free at public school or homeschool for alot less but its a decision i consiously make and dont gripe about so its mie to choose.
'
but to me its not always about the cheapest ways to do things -its doing things that work best for my family !

**frugal is fun** · 09-03-2010, 03:17 PM

I guess mine is the big reason of just having financial security, financial independance, peace of mind, breathing room and all that wonderful stuff that comes from using your money wisely.

I "should" have a fully funded EF by this time next year and I can't tell you how excited I am. I've arleady thought about what my post will say over on the success stories thread.

**shoiji** · 09-04-2010, 12:33 PM

For me it just comes down to the fact that I like being able to pay the bills, have a roof over my head, eat healthy, buy clothes that actually fit and look nice. I have lived the life of not knowing where the money is going and why can't I get ahead.

Now I can afford things if I need them. It might mean saving for something but I am in control and the fear of making sure I have money for something is gone.

So if someone wants to tell you your reason for being frugal is stupid, fine let them think that. You can't change them. The point is it is working for you.

**Natalie's Nesters** · 09-04-2010, 06:36 PM

I agree with many of the things that others have said. My Grandma grew up in the depression, she rubbed off on me! Besides, I LOVE a challenge!

**mndtrp** · 09-05-2010, 09:58 PM

Peace of mind, mostly.

Debt, big bills, high cost of living; none of those things contribute to peace of mind.

**Ceashels** · 09-05-2010, 10:47 PM

I think its a great reason to be frugal. My Godmother would comb the shores of Oregon and polish chunks of jasper and agates which she found enjoyable, rewarding and relaxing.

I'm frugal for future security and love to travel so I save what and where I can to make those two things happen.

**katybug** · 09-06-2010, 01:40 PM

The more people I meet in the world the more I realize a lot of them think whatever they like, think and believe they truly think everyone likes the same things, thinks the same way and believes in the same things . . .otherwise they are stupid. I got a lot of that when I was younger and get REALLY annoyed with people who basically say *I don't like and don't understand why you like or do certain things . . .therefore it is STUPID!* I say, whatever floats your boat, more power to you and freakin' enjoy it!

(As long as you aren't hurting anyone else, it isn't illegal and you aren't ignoring your responsibilities to do it).

Also, rock hunting does sound fun! You should be proud your husband has such an interesting and unusual hobby!

KB

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 09-06-2010, 03:12 PM

We were originally frugal because there was no other way to live on a teacher's salary. Now we are frugal to pay off our van, still be able to live on a teacher's salary as well as allow our kids to participate in activities.