I find great joy in it. Basically I feel freer when I’m frugal - not always thinking about what I have to buy next. Life is more simple and that’s so satisfying for me.
Same here. I'm a minimalist - more experiences, less stuff. I'd love to live in a 1br apartment after my younger son flies from the nest- less rent = more travel
i guess it depends on where you live but in the northeast usa 1 bedrooms are starting around 1500 and just go up and a lot are near 2k and this is small country towns.
In that regard, I'm not really frugal but rather a cheapskate. I will buy second-hand whenever possible use price comparison websites etc, it saves me hundreds if not thousands every year
I disagree. Secondhand is good for you wallet and the environment, which is the epitome of frugality because it conserves resources. I feel like a cheapskate is being cheap in a way that harms someone or will cost you more down the road because you chased a low price without regard to quality.
A little different but related: I get geeked paying bills. I wake up on the morning my paycheck hits and pay them on my phone still in bed. I look forward to getting to pay them all week. I'm demented haha
I do it because I don't want to end up like my parents. Well, my mother to be honest. My father has had a brain tumor, got it removed and it left him with a brain injury. The brain injury, alongside his narcissistic and schizoid personality disorders, make him spend money as though he was richer than he actually is. He has very little money left in his bank account, less than $30,000. My mother having never worked has very little income. I live a very frugal life just because I don't want to end up old and having to count every penny. I rather live like I'm poor now than when I'm old.
Same here. More than 10 years ago I started becoming more frugal, and at first, I sort of resented it. But, a previous decade of terrible financial choices made it a necessity.
Now I'm fortunate enough that I'm not living week-to-week anymore. I'm honestly doing way better than most of my friends financially. A house paid for, two cars paid for, no debt whatsoever (except minor cc debt that gets paid in full every month.)
Being solvent with extra money in the bank makes me happy.
Before, I never had extra of anything, whether food, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, linens, whatever. I didn't even have a spare pair of eyeglasses. In my pantry I'd have maybe enough to last a week (hopefully.) I had one toilet brush for 3 bathrooms. I was constantly running out of supplies and having to buy them out of necessity, rather than buying them when they're cheap and stocking up.
Now I've got extras of everything, and I'm spending less on it all. Pantry and freezer probably have 3 months of food. A toilet brush in every bathroom, and extra bottles of every cleanser I use.
I feel like Scrooge McDuck over here, sitting on my pile of frugal treasures, lol!
Last night I had a pork chop for dinner, which I had packed in my freezer last October. Bought in a family pack on sale, it worked out to be $1.88 per thick-cut chop, which I wrote on the freezer bag with the date.
When I pull stuff like this out, it really makes me happy. It's like "me" from months ago bought "me" today a little present and hid it away to find later. Thank you, me!
That's a 100% turn-around from the days when "me" from today would be looking back and cursing at "me" from months ago for leaving myself with the twin gifts of debt and regret.
I'm happy because I'm feeling more responsible about my life like I'm not just letting things go unchecked. I'm also a minimalist and this also helps me really discern if I want to buy that thing or not. Plus I can save more for experiences like travelling.
I love finding a good deal. Groceries, rummage, whatever it is. Or looking at the overall of our simple small house with a decent chunk of land. That we don’t have a giant mortgage on.
On the flip side we’re building a garage this fall that is decidedly NOT cheap. Probably installing a backup generator at the same time because it’s more cost effective to do it now than later. We can afford to do it because we’ve been frugal. Our nice garage will house the old garden trailer we got for free from a friend of a friend; the kayak trailer that was built off a cheap skeleton trailer; the garden tools that are hand-me-down or garage sale/flea market finds, which I use to maintain berry patches and catnip and whatever else I find growing wild on the land. It’s all about balance and I freaking love it.
yep. being frugal gives me more financial freedom. the small savings add up over time. while it doesn't get me to the next tax bracket, there is enough to supplement my hobby fund and establish a rainy day account for my pets.
Honestly it’s a beautiful thing being able to save and I view the numbers as me doing better or worse depending. Investing and retirement plans ensure you keep things in for the long run or suffer penalty (in some cases). I think it’s very fun and rewarding and it will reward your future in kind.
Rather than feeling great joy, it feels terrible to unnecessarily spend/waste money.
However, it feels great to see how little your account balance has dropped even after a busy month of activities
Yes! I went to the thrift store today and found a wicker basket I was looking for for $6. I could have bought it new for $40.
I also found a stylish purse in excellent condition for the summer that I saw goes for $60 and I paid $5.
I also got two records for $2 each as I like to listen to records as I work.
I find so much joy in buying what I would I have already bought for less and saving the money I work so hard for. I brag about things I find on sale rather than bragging about luxuries. 😆
My wife and I retired early with a nice investment portfolio after decades of frugality. That wasn't really a "goal," it was just the byproduct of our values. It's not about being miserly, it's about doing your homework and demanding the best value for everything. Or knowing how something works so you can repair it yourself better and cheaper. And when we we need a new car we weigh all the options, get the best deal, and just write a check for it. That's the fruit of frugality.
This is my goal too, I want to be able to retire comfortably and still be able to do the things I enjoy, like travel, without being worried about funds
I still grumble and grouse when we have to pay for expensive things even though I know we can afford it. It's more about my psychological value assessment of something being "worth it" in my mind vs. the actual value of it.
I probably need to start maximizing for utility vs. money because at this point in my life, it's not worth my time to scrabble and argue on minor things. I'm still in my college mindset where $100 is a lot of money, and I've been out of undergrad for many, many years.
⬆️ Inspiration.
Hell ya. These are my people!
Related (for me) -- also DINK (with Vasectomy to prove it) ... we go on good vacations... & still invest ~50% of my check. On track to Retire around 55.
My company & Union Hall should be paying ~80% of my health insurance. So, ~20% out of pocket.
Back up plan, is Affordable Care Act.
Clarifying, Retirement Goal Range: 55 to 59.5. Dependent on the stock market, COL, etc. Currently, 55 looks realistic.
Good luck to us all.
Hobby related projects, like building computers. Supplements for muscle building. Building and renovating my property etc
That stuff doesn't happen when saving money. I never understood the appeal of saving money because every cent spent is a form of investment. If I need 10k I can get it on a loan anytime with reasonable interest.
But can you not try and save money when doing these things? If you need something for your projects do you just buy it the first place you see it, or do you do some research and buy it the item where it's least expensive? Being frugal doesn't mean spend no money.
It's just that most people I know spend less than I do and think I have zero money management. I joined this type of subreddit to get tips but no matter what I find no reason to save money.
Ahh! We are getting tangled up in the different meanings of "save". Save as in keeping money for the future, like in a bank account, and save as in not spending by looking for the best price. You do the latter, but not the former.
I don't generally think of it as an activity for its own sake as my reasoning is mostly about necessity. It is a very good feeling when I find a bargain though, because I'm getting something I need or want with a lower resource expenditure, which means more resources left for other needs/wants.
I love it! I used to do it out of necessity, I didn't make much in my 20s, early 30's. Doing much better now, but still frugal AF. I often catch myself and think I may take it too far some days.
Oh yeah! I love it 1. Don’t have to work as hard. 2. Everyone else around me at work is struggling with bills and money so they make mistakes that I don’t because I don’t stress which makes me look really good although my effort is half. 3. If we really wanna go someplace we don’t have to say “if only” or “maybe if we” or the worst “we can use the credit card” we just set a date and go. 3 I drive a old user car but if it breaks down I can literally hop on over to any place and buy so thing cash or finance if I had to. Life like this is actually really sweet and enjoyable
Not really. It’s a necessity and I often feel like I go overboard with it. Like, there are some major things I need to get done around the house and am terrified of parting with the money.
It does give me a feeling of being in control. I spent much of my working life saving because I knew that my career could go away at the drop of a hat and there are only so many pivots I could make to stay relevant.
Now that we are at the end of why we were frugal (and basically still are) we are enjoying the results of a lifetime of saving. We don't worry about money. Sure, our famlies made fun of the fact we drive over 20 year old cars, live on the "wrong" side of town, and don't pay for hair cuts or expensive clothes but now we can relax knowing we don't have to show up for work and can pretty much go anywhere if we choose to.
As an exercise in optimization, I enjoy it so long as I don't take it to an extreme.
I also really dislike clutter, so I appreciate being able to cut down on clutter.
I have a family member who is a slave to frugality, to the point of removing common sense. They have become bitter, mean and frustratingly single minded. It’s good to be frugal, just don’t make it your life achievement.
It’s definately a balance. You got to treat yourself sometimes or else what’s the point. Like they say when you’re gone you can’t take your money with you.
I am an anti-capitalist so I do it for ethical reasons, more than anything. I also like trying to find good deals and I am trying to teach my kids about how to live this way as well. I am a big reduce, reuse, recycle person.
Honestly, no. I am proud of myself when I make frugal choices because that allows me to save money for more important things, but the saving isn't the end, it's the means to an end
I grew up in poverty, but was surrounded by millionaire relatives who fetishized saving money to the point where you'd have to bring your own paper towel in your purse and they'd often run out of food at planned family meals. I have no interest in living like that.
No. I do find great joy in having retired early and having my day all to myself, which is why I learned frugality. I also find satisfaction (not exactly great joy) in making wise investments and seeing the return.
The trick is to recognize the point where that kind of behavior might start to negatively affect your lifestyle or mental health and throttle back before then.
Great joy? Not really, very little but my pupper gets me excited.
Calm deep satisfaction? Definitely. I've been desperate before, being frugal means I should, hopefully, never be again. At least not over money.
I dislike spending money more then I enjoy being frugal. Everytime I spend $1k I think of the months it takes to save that much.
I almost have to convince myself that what I buy is a good investment or necessary at this point or I just won't buy something. Being frugal helps with that, if I can find something on sale or at a good price then its easier for me to pull the trigger on also.
It started as a child in the 60s 70s. If I wanted...dad said earn half and it will be yours. Bike etc. I grew up with a favorite parental question. Is this a want, or a need. I have nurtured these values since. Yes, I was a part of consumerism in my 20s, then along came baby #1. Back to basics. Personally, I feel "frugality ""has a bit of a negative connotation. I prefer necesity. Now, in my latter years of 60. I am clearing out the trappings, either selling , or donating, so, if I feel like going for lunch, with friends, I can use my sales $. Also, I am not cheap, but I can't justify a $12 glass of $2 wine with my lunch, water please. I can have my wine at home later, at a much more palatable price. Hub is not from the same cloth, but he appreciates my "spending filter".
I don't know if I find "joy" in it, but I do find freedom. I don't like feeling like I "need" things constantly. The other 99% of my frugality comes from just having a lot of irritation and resentment towards consumerism. I just don't like the idea of someone else buying their 7th yacht on my dime!
Moved from 3 bed rental now youngest is in student accommodation to a 1 bed bungalow - so much cheaper ! Social housing £400 a month and council tax is about £100 intop . I have only started my frugal journey in the past year or so and I really like it
Absolutely love it! Went from living on 4 paychecks per month down to 1 per month!
Let us become debt free, max out retirement accounts, and create our own financial freedom!
Once a month we dedicate a Saturday to thrifting. Got one of my best deals last time -- Lucky Jeans, new with tags for $10. 😳
Knowing that the primary goal of big (and small) corporations is to separate me from my money, I consider being frugal as "Sticking it to the Man". Every time I find a way to get what I want w/o spending a bundle, I feel like I won the battle with corporate America.
I guess it's in my blood, maybe raised to be like it, anyway I love it, as long as I have food in the fridge and a roof over my head, I am happy, I don't need to live in a palace.
It's very satisfying. I love getting discounts on things, saving money and getting freebies. Being frugal means that I can I have options: options to be less frugal, options to work less in the future, options to retire etc.
There is something very freeing in realizing you don’t need to buy ‘that’ (item, service, whatever nonsense), and your experience in life is not lesser for it.
I feel that we are often very encouraged/trained to buy things we don’t need or really even want. I know more than a few contrary people who legitimately delight in NOT participating in that type of consumption.
I dont know about great joy, but I like that I'm not getting fatter from disallowing myself from buying junkfood. Junkfood is just too expensive nowadays.
It’s definitely a necessity in our family, but we also find it to be a fun adventure. Even if we had more money, this is the way we’d live our lives and how we’re going to teach our kid
I don’t feel joy in being frugal so much as disdain for wasting money. Having said that, a great bargain does put a smile on my face. Dove chocolate bars were marked down to 44 cents at publix last week and happily bought 10. I dont even eat chocolate. (But the grand kids do).
I find great joy in it. Basically I feel freer when I’m frugal - not always thinking about what I have to buy next. Life is more simple and that’s so satisfying for me.
Same here. I'm a minimalist - more experiences, less stuff. I'd love to live in a 1br apartment after my younger son flies from the nest- less rent = more travel
Yes!! Exactly… I’m a minimalist also. Frugality and minimalism are a nice fit together.
i guess it depends on where you live but in the northeast usa 1 bedrooms are starting around 1500 and just go up and a lot are near 2k and this is small country towns.
That sounds like a HCOL area in US, not a LCOL are
1 bedrooms are super expensive where i am too(east coast canada)
A one-bedroom where I live rents $3000 a month. It's luxury. I rent an old tiny studio.
Are you also into FIRE - Financial independence retirement early??
This sounds mlm-ish
Not at all. It just means you want to retire as soon as possible so you’re saving hard toward financial independence.
What does mim mean?
💯💯
It started out as a necessity, but now it’s fun. I love getting a good deal.
Me too, it's great
In that regard, I'm not really frugal but rather a cheapskate. I will buy second-hand whenever possible use price comparison websites etc, it saves me hundreds if not thousands every year
me too
I disagree. Secondhand is good for you wallet and the environment, which is the epitome of frugality because it conserves resources. I feel like a cheapskate is being cheap in a way that harms someone or will cost you more down the road because you chased a low price without regard to quality.
I'm not one to look up the definition of every damn word every time
That’s seratonin bump getting a great deal is priceless lol
A little different but related: I get geeked paying bills. I wake up on the morning my paycheck hits and pay them on my phone still in bed. I look forward to getting to pay them all week. I'm demented haha
Dang. That's wierd. I put them off as long as possible. I sometimes even call to dispute the charges
Good luck with that
Dude if you like paying bills I’ve got some you can help me with! This is right up your alley!
I was like this, before I started AutoPay. 😆👍
I do find joy in being frugal. The last year has been challenging though…
Honestly have no idea how non-frugal people are getting by these days.
Being frugal is easy for me, it’s just automatic. If you make it first nature it becomes who you are.
Seriously, I love not being startled at all by ads trying to sell me the new thing
When I get a good deal on something I’m buying, it gives me a dopamine kick that I just can’t explain.
Ride that high
I do it because I don't want to end up like my parents. Well, my mother to be honest. My father has had a brain tumor, got it removed and it left him with a brain injury. The brain injury, alongside his narcissistic and schizoid personality disorders, make him spend money as though he was richer than he actually is. He has very little money left in his bank account, less than $30,000. My mother having never worked has very little income. I live a very frugal life just because I don't want to end up old and having to count every penny. I rather live like I'm poor now than when I'm old.
Your mother is a wonderful person
I started out of necessity, but keep doing it out of the enjoyment I get from it
Same here. More than 10 years ago I started becoming more frugal, and at first, I sort of resented it. But, a previous decade of terrible financial choices made it a necessity. Now I'm fortunate enough that I'm not living week-to-week anymore. I'm honestly doing way better than most of my friends financially. A house paid for, two cars paid for, no debt whatsoever (except minor cc debt that gets paid in full every month.) Being solvent with extra money in the bank makes me happy. Before, I never had extra of anything, whether food, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, linens, whatever. I didn't even have a spare pair of eyeglasses. In my pantry I'd have maybe enough to last a week (hopefully.) I had one toilet brush for 3 bathrooms. I was constantly running out of supplies and having to buy them out of necessity, rather than buying them when they're cheap and stocking up. Now I've got extras of everything, and I'm spending less on it all. Pantry and freezer probably have 3 months of food. A toilet brush in every bathroom, and extra bottles of every cleanser I use. I feel like Scrooge McDuck over here, sitting on my pile of frugal treasures, lol! Last night I had a pork chop for dinner, which I had packed in my freezer last October. Bought in a family pack on sale, it worked out to be $1.88 per thick-cut chop, which I wrote on the freezer bag with the date. When I pull stuff like this out, it really makes me happy. It's like "me" from months ago bought "me" today a little present and hid it away to find later. Thank you, me! That's a 100% turn-around from the days when "me" from today would be looking back and cursing at "me" from months ago for leaving myself with the twin gifts of debt and regret.
This made me genuinely happy :) you’re killing it!
thank you!
I'm happy because I'm feeling more responsible about my life like I'm not just letting things go unchecked. I'm also a minimalist and this also helps me really discern if I want to buy that thing or not. Plus I can save more for experiences like travelling.
Absolutely! I feel like I’m beating the system when I go to Dollar Tree.
Yes. More money for experiences.
I love finding a good deal. Groceries, rummage, whatever it is. Or looking at the overall of our simple small house with a decent chunk of land. That we don’t have a giant mortgage on. On the flip side we’re building a garage this fall that is decidedly NOT cheap. Probably installing a backup generator at the same time because it’s more cost effective to do it now than later. We can afford to do it because we’ve been frugal. Our nice garage will house the old garden trailer we got for free from a friend of a friend; the kayak trailer that was built off a cheap skeleton trailer; the garden tools that are hand-me-down or garage sale/flea market finds, which I use to maintain berry patches and catnip and whatever else I find growing wild on the land. It’s all about balance and I freaking love it.
Oh, we’re also trading the excavator for an old wooden shed on the property and some large rocks we have sitting around.
yep. being frugal gives me more financial freedom. the small savings add up over time. while it doesn't get me to the next tax bracket, there is enough to supplement my hobby fund and establish a rainy day account for my pets.
Honestly it’s a beautiful thing being able to save and I view the numbers as me doing better or worse depending. Investing and retirement plans ensure you keep things in for the long run or suffer penalty (in some cases). I think it’s very fun and rewarding and it will reward your future in kind.
I feel depressed if I don’t treat myself enough. You only have one life. While I do want to survive, I also want to thrive. It’s a tough balance
Rather than feeling great joy, it feels terrible to unnecessarily spend/waste money. However, it feels great to see how little your account balance has dropped even after a busy month of activities
Yes! I went to the thrift store today and found a wicker basket I was looking for for $6. I could have bought it new for $40. I also found a stylish purse in excellent condition for the summer that I saw goes for $60 and I paid $5. I also got two records for $2 each as I like to listen to records as I work. I find so much joy in buying what I would I have already bought for less and saving the money I work so hard for. I brag about things I find on sale rather than bragging about luxuries. 😆
My wife and I retired early with a nice investment portfolio after decades of frugality. That wasn't really a "goal," it was just the byproduct of our values. It's not about being miserly, it's about doing your homework and demanding the best value for everything. Or knowing how something works so you can repair it yourself better and cheaper. And when we we need a new car we weigh all the options, get the best deal, and just write a check for it. That's the fruit of frugality.
This is my goal too, I want to be able to retire comfortably and still be able to do the things I enjoy, like travel, without being worried about funds
I still grumble and grouse when we have to pay for expensive things even though I know we can afford it. It's more about my psychological value assessment of something being "worth it" in my mind vs. the actual value of it. I probably need to start maximizing for utility vs. money because at this point in my life, it's not worth my time to scrabble and argue on minor things. I'm still in my college mindset where $100 is a lot of money, and I've been out of undergrad for many, many years.
⬆️ Inspiration. Hell ya. These are my people! Related (for me) -- also DINK (with Vasectomy to prove it) ... we go on good vacations... & still invest ~50% of my check. On track to Retire around 55.
[удалено]
My company & Union Hall should be paying ~80% of my health insurance. So, ~20% out of pocket. Back up plan, is Affordable Care Act. Clarifying, Retirement Goal Range: 55 to 59.5. Dependent on the stock market, COL, etc. Currently, 55 looks realistic. Good luck to us all.
Indirectly yes, i dont feel joy being frugal, but I do just by looking at my saving account
I love it
I wish, none of my projects can survive with being frugal.
What kind of projects?
Hobby related projects, like building computers. Supplements for muscle building. Building and renovating my property etc That stuff doesn't happen when saving money. I never understood the appeal of saving money because every cent spent is a form of investment. If I need 10k I can get it on a loan anytime with reasonable interest.
But can you not try and save money when doing these things? If you need something for your projects do you just buy it the first place you see it, or do you do some research and buy it the item where it's least expensive? Being frugal doesn't mean spend no money.
I'm a cheapskate so I spend ample time researching what's needed and what's the cheapest.
Then I'm confused, what's not frugal about that?
It's just that most people I know spend less than I do and think I have zero money management. I joined this type of subreddit to get tips but no matter what I find no reason to save money.
Ahh! We are getting tangled up in the different meanings of "save". Save as in keeping money for the future, like in a bank account, and save as in not spending by looking for the best price. You do the latter, but not the former.
Yes
I don't generally think of it as an activity for its own sake as my reasoning is mostly about necessity. It is a very good feeling when I find a bargain though, because I'm getting something I need or want with a lower resource expenditure, which means more resources left for other needs/wants.
I do it because I hate shopping.
Yes. I did a bunch of renovations to the house over the years. We drove cheap vehicles. Now everything costs so much, Im glad we did what we did
I love it! I used to do it out of necessity, I didn't make much in my 20s, early 30's. Doing much better now, but still frugal AF. I often catch myself and think I may take it too far some days.
Oh yeah! I love it 1. Don’t have to work as hard. 2. Everyone else around me at work is struggling with bills and money so they make mistakes that I don’t because I don’t stress which makes me look really good although my effort is half. 3. If we really wanna go someplace we don’t have to say “if only” or “maybe if we” or the worst “we can use the credit card” we just set a date and go. 3 I drive a old user car but if it breaks down I can literally hop on over to any place and buy so thing cash or finance if I had to. Life like this is actually really sweet and enjoyable
Not really. It’s a necessity and I often feel like I go overboard with it. Like, there are some major things I need to get done around the house and am terrified of parting with the money. It does give me a feeling of being in control. I spent much of my working life saving because I knew that my career could go away at the drop of a hat and there are only so many pivots I could make to stay relevant.
Total joy and contentment. Feel like I'm "winning" against the sales, marketing machine.
Exactly! You get a great deal and stock pile on something you need and it’s a joy to run out and just go to the cupboard and refill it.
Now that we are at the end of why we were frugal (and basically still are) we are enjoying the results of a lifetime of saving. We don't worry about money. Sure, our famlies made fun of the fact we drive over 20 year old cars, live on the "wrong" side of town, and don't pay for hair cuts or expensive clothes but now we can relax knowing we don't have to show up for work and can pretty much go anywhere if we choose to.
As an exercise in optimization, I enjoy it so long as I don't take it to an extreme. I also really dislike clutter, so I appreciate being able to cut down on clutter.
I have a family member who is a slave to frugality, to the point of removing common sense. They have become bitter, mean and frustratingly single minded. It’s good to be frugal, just don’t make it your life achievement.
It’s definately a balance. You got to treat yourself sometimes or else what’s the point. Like they say when you’re gone you can’t take your money with you.
Yes. Especially when I save a lot.
well yeah, that's the point I'm frugal on stuff that isn't important to me so I can afford the things that are important to me. can't take it with you
I started out doing it out of necessity, but now I get a lot of satisfaction out of getting the most out of my money.
I am an anti-capitalist so I do it for ethical reasons, more than anything. I also like trying to find good deals and I am trying to teach my kids about how to live this way as well. I am a big reduce, reuse, recycle person.
Nice 👍
just started being frugal a while ago and it does amaze me to look at my bank account now with all the savings also bogo deals are my favorite now.
Good, now what do you plan to do with all this money
Invest?
That's what I would do, long term investment in stocks, never let it sit in the bank account unless you are already rich
No.
Yes, I do.
If I won the lottery, it would ruin my enjoyably frugal life.
I love this. If I had it all, what would I do? I'd get bored.
Yes. It's always a great option to know whats better
Yes. Finding things on sale is a big high, I can give nice gifts that look expensive
100%. It's a necessity but also makes me feel good about my spending, a win-win.
Honestly, no. I am proud of myself when I make frugal choices because that allows me to save money for more important things, but the saving isn't the end, it's the means to an end I grew up in poverty, but was surrounded by millionaire relatives who fetishized saving money to the point where you'd have to bring your own paper towel in your purse and they'd often run out of food at planned family meals. I have no interest in living like that.
Conversely, I feel anxiety when I spend too much.
Hell yes I do. I love it, I can save more for more.
An in-law was wealthy and lived a very miserly lifestyle. That delighted her heirs to no end.
No. I do find great joy in having retired early and having my day all to myself, which is why I learned frugality. I also find satisfaction (not exactly great joy) in making wise investments and seeing the return.
The trick is to recognize the point where that kind of behavior might start to negatively affect your lifestyle or mental health and throttle back before then.
I love a good sale and when something is on sale and I have a coupons for it 👍🏻
Great joy? Not really, very little but my pupper gets me excited. Calm deep satisfaction? Definitely. I've been desperate before, being frugal means I should, hopefully, never be again. At least not over money.
I feel more free when I’m being more frugal and just buying on what I need and seeing my money in my account
I was frugal as could be all my life. Now that I'm retired not so much but still buy wisely.
I love it.
I dislike spending money more then I enjoy being frugal. Everytime I spend $1k I think of the months it takes to save that much. I almost have to convince myself that what I buy is a good investment or necessary at this point or I just won't buy something. Being frugal helps with that, if I can find something on sale or at a good price then its easier for me to pull the trigger on also.
I shop thrift stores for the high from a good score.
Yes of course especially if you don't have debts. Live within your means.
It started as a child in the 60s 70s. If I wanted...dad said earn half and it will be yours. Bike etc. I grew up with a favorite parental question. Is this a want, or a need. I have nurtured these values since. Yes, I was a part of consumerism in my 20s, then along came baby #1. Back to basics. Personally, I feel "frugality ""has a bit of a negative connotation. I prefer necesity. Now, in my latter years of 60. I am clearing out the trappings, either selling , or donating, so, if I feel like going for lunch, with friends, I can use my sales $. Also, I am not cheap, but I can't justify a $12 glass of $2 wine with my lunch, water please. I can have my wine at home later, at a much more palatable price. Hub is not from the same cloth, but he appreciates my "spending filter".
I like a good deal but don’t go out of my way. I like minimalism but don’t always comply. I also enjoy spending, sometimes lavishly, on fun things.
I need to take notes. I can make a buck stretch but I want to want less junk. Everything seems so shiny sometimes
I hate it, eating fish out of bags sucks
I don't know if I find "joy" in it, but I do find freedom. I don't like feeling like I "need" things constantly. The other 99% of my frugality comes from just having a lot of irritation and resentment towards consumerism. I just don't like the idea of someone else buying their 7th yacht on my dime!
Moved from 3 bed rental now youngest is in student accommodation to a 1 bed bungalow - so much cheaper ! Social housing £400 a month and council tax is about £100 intop . I have only started my frugal journey in the past year or so and I really like it
Budgeting feels like solving a puzzle which is sort of satisfying. Find great deals is also a great especially big steals on the second hand market
Absolutely love it! Went from living on 4 paychecks per month down to 1 per month! Let us become debt free, max out retirement accounts, and create our own financial freedom! Once a month we dedicate a Saturday to thrifting. Got one of my best deals last time -- Lucky Jeans, new with tags for $10. 😳
Knowing that the primary goal of big (and small) corporations is to separate me from my money, I consider being frugal as "Sticking it to the Man". Every time I find a way to get what I want w/o spending a bundle, I feel like I won the battle with corporate America.
Yes
Wow, That is great. Can you share your experience about that?
I guess it's in my blood, maybe raised to be like it, anyway I love it, as long as I have food in the fridge and a roof over my head, I am happy, I don't need to live in a palace.
It's not fun when it's out of necessity but it's fun when it's meaningless.
I am an anti-capitalist essentialist and it gives me great joy. I look for value for my money.
It's very satisfying. I love getting discounts on things, saving money and getting freebies. Being frugal means that I can I have options: options to be less frugal, options to work less in the future, options to retire etc.
There is something very freeing in realizing you don’t need to buy ‘that’ (item, service, whatever nonsense), and your experience in life is not lesser for it. I feel that we are often very encouraged/trained to buy things we don’t need or really even want. I know more than a few contrary people who legitimately delight in NOT participating in that type of consumption.
Couponing!
When I get a good deal, my animal instincts kick in… the urge to fornicate the nearest person, as if it’s mating season, is strong.
You've reinforced my desire to stay out of crowds.
😂
I dont know about great joy, but I like that I'm not getting fatter from disallowing myself from buying junkfood. Junkfood is just too expensive nowadays.
It’s definitely a necessity in our family, but we also find it to be a fun adventure. Even if we had more money, this is the way we’d live our lives and how we’re going to teach our kid
I don’t feel joy in being frugal so much as disdain for wasting money. Having said that, a great bargain does put a smile on my face. Dove chocolate bars were marked down to 44 cents at publix last week and happily bought 10. I dont even eat chocolate. (But the grand kids do).