How do you know when you've taken frugality too far?

**Sara Noel** · 08-25-2009, 08:11 PM

Do you think it can be taken too far? When do you know it's time to lighten up on frugality?

**AmyBoz** · 08-25-2009, 08:26 PM

I think that frugality is taken to far when it no longer makes the frugalist happy. It's one thing to forgo something because you can't afford it or because you don't need it. It's another to never do anything for yourself in the name of frugality.

If you sit around in misery looking at all the money you've saved, in my mind, you've done something wrong.

**sunshine** · 08-25-2009, 08:49 PM

You take frugality too far when it harms others (stealing, taking extra freebies, etc.). . .

If it hinders your quality of life, it's too far and you need to ease up.

However, if circumstances dictate an extreme frugality - make the most of it, find joy in creative deprivation and continue onward.

**bumplett** · 08-25-2009, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by AmyBoz

I think that frugality is taken to far when it no longer makes the frugalist happy. It's one thing to forgo something because you can't afford it or because you don't need it. It's another to never do anything for yourself in the name of frugality.

If you sit around in misery looking at all the money you've saved, in my mind, you've done something wrong.

I agree with Amy ~ I would also add that if your family is miserable, it may be time to rethink an approach. (I mean really miserable, not just uncomfortable to a change)

**bumplett** · 08-25-2009, 08:54 PM

I'd also like to add: when frugality affects your health, or the health of your family in a negative way (such as a poor diet) - you've gone too far.

**shoiji** · 08-26-2009, 12:48 PM

When you know you have enough of something to last 2-3 years. I guess it is ok if you have the space. Am guilty of this.

**dianeeileen** · 08-26-2009, 07:54 PM

I think you have taken it too far when you have so much in your stockpile that it starts to go bad before you can use it. Or you count your money so dearly that you can't do something just for the fun of it and enjoy it without agonizing over it.

**Telephus44** · 08-26-2009, 09:31 PM

When you become so close-minded that you start judging other people for NOT being frugal - like when you start looking down your nose at someone for holding a Starbucks coffee, or feeling a smug sense of self satisfaction when you see someone pull out a credit card for a purchase.

**Palooka** · 08-27-2009, 04:06 AM

When you feel your lifestyle should be everyone's ideology.

When I think sometimes I am turning into my mother!

**Dixie** · 08-27-2009, 10:57 AM

I agree with all of you.

**mamamia** · 08-27-2009, 12:26 PM

I agree with all the above too! I know for myself, I've got to be doing it for "something". Yes, I do have a stash from my coupon savings, but I always need to know it's being put aside for enjoyment of some kind. I've taken mini-vacations to re-doing a room. To me money is part of the joy in life, and no, it doesn't have to mean lots of it. But whatever can be used for making your's and your family's life a little nicer, absolutely should be!

So if you've come to "hoarding" as your so called fun, you're definetely missing the boat!

Theresa

**Thevail** · 08-27-2009, 01:04 PM

When "suffering" happens.
Turning the thermostat down a few degrees and wearing a sweater is great, as long as you're actually comfortable once you put the sweater on! If your hands and feet are still cold, even in your house, you're suffering for the sake of having more money.

In my mind it is completely different than being cold because you can't afford a higher bill, which is bowing to necessity.

**lilk** · 08-30-2009, 06:58 AM

I agree with the others, if your frugality is harming others, then you've gone too far. We all have our limits when it comes to beening frugal, but if it involves others, we have to consider their limits.