Can frugalness be an addiction?

[changed4life]

I was just thinking...just as spending can be an addiction, does anyone else here think that living the frugal lifestyle can become an addiction?

I don't know that it's an addiction for me yet, but, I find myself perusing these boards and others quite often. It's as if I feel I need to be here so I don't miss some morsel of valuable information that can save me money or help me change my former ways for good. We live in a beautiful home and my husband suppports us very well. However, I think my interest in frugality lies in not wanting to waste and remaining thankful for what I have and not squandering what I've been blessed with.

Anyone else feel a little addicted to these boards and/or have your wheels turning during the day about how you can save even more or knock off an expense here or there?

Last night I dreamed about picking up coins off the streets. I guess I couldn't wait to get them into my coin jar! There were tons of them and I couldn't even fit them in my pockets anymore. It was funny! Do ya think I need to chill?

[bumplett]

I've had dreams of picking up cans on the side of the road -

I can see how it could become a bit odd if I became obsessed with not spending money - there has to be a happy medium - if we never went out and never spent money, it would make others miserable!

but no, I'm not addicted - but I can see how it could happen!!

[thrifty gal]

Anything can be an addiction, but frugalness is probably a good one!

[kaykwilts]

I'm addicted to frugality. Yesterday I was at CVS and purchased $150 worth of items for 19 cents using my coupons and ecbs. I got such a high from doing that. I've always been this way and don't see myself changing. I probably do peruse the boards too much tho.

[IntlMom]

Addicted??? Me??? Oh yea!!

[Royal]

My husband told me to chill out a little with the "frugalitis". He's says that's all I talk about. I admit that I'm addicted to getting info and learning how I can do things differently. It probably has to do with the fact that I was addicted to spending money. I have to say though, that if I don't hang out here for a day or 2 I notice it in my wallet. This forum just motivates me to be frugal.

[changed4life]

I'm addicted to frugality. Yesterday I was at CVS and purchased $150 worth of items for 19 cents using my coupons and ecbs. I got such a high from doing that. I've always been this way and don't see myself changing. I probably do peruse the boards too much tho.

Can we crown you Ms. Frugal Queen?

[Daisygirl]

Way to go KayK - you rule!

I am totally addicted, and I too find if I stay away from the Village too much I spend like crazy. Maybe obsession more than addiction, but frugality has changed my life so much that I totally embrace it.

[brenda67]

I found myself totally obsessed with being frugal.. My Dh told me that I needed to loosen up that I was going way way to overboard with everything.. I've learned to balance my addiction..however it wasn't easy for me. The first thing I do when I turn my computer on is visit the village first thing..

[yonksgirl]

I think I am getting there! I dream about doing what KayK did at CVS! I am counting down the days to get the Sunday paper with all the coupons! 4 more days...hehehehe! I must say if I do become ddicted to this, it will be much better then being addicted to spending every penny in my pocket!

[Daisysmom]

No frugal dreams here or thoughts of pulling over for cans but I review each purchase I make and I am constantly shopping with coupons and checking the Sunday paper for sales.


I think this is a good thing. We live well but things can change so quickly, you hae to pbe prepared. I am on this site a few times a day at work just to see what is going on in other areas of the country as well as overseas and I have picked up some valuable tips.

[AmyBoz]

If you have an addictive personality, then you can become addicted to anything. Addiction isn't just about things that are bad for you.

I don't think I'm addicted, but I sure do enjoy!

[Ebbie]

Yeah, I would answer yes on the addicted question. I'm always trying to find ways to create more savings, always playing with the budget to see if shaving off a few dollars somewhere might raise my savings rate another percentage point or something. I also create challenges for myself (like how long I can go before buying something etc.) so I would definitely say it's an addiction for me. But I have no problem with that...there are lots worse things to be addicted to.

[Luv2BeFrugal]

I know I've ended up taking it to extremes...to the point of not going anywhere for days at a time because I don't want to use gas...to not having company over for months because it costs extra for food. I'm doing much better at balancing it now...we do fun (cheap) things, have company over and just have homemade soup or popcorn or something else relatively inexpensive.

I do need to get on the ball again, though...I just had to throw out some lunchmeat and some soup (it had been in the fridge too long...I got sidetracked with all the holiday events). Ugh...

[peanut]

Ah...that would be yes...I'm addicted. My daughter informed me last winter that I was too concerned about money. I was perplexed. When I asked her what she meant, she said I was always thinking of ways not to spend it, or to get what I wanted at a cheaper price than the full price. She used that as an excuse to say I was not a good Christian (???), because Christians shouldn't be concerned about money. Interesting twist on things, but it's her life. If she wants to spend herself into a hole, she's the one paying the price...not me.

I can just hear what she'd say about my "Money Makeover" thread on the "Goals and Dreams" forum!

Jean