Column 2-11

After two years of writing this column I have come to a few conclusions about frugal living. Is frugal living only to be initiated during bad economical times? No. It is a mindset that can benefit not only you but teach your family to be financially responsible in the future. I ask myself what would have to happen for me to change my frugal ways. Even if I won the lottery the lessons that I have learned from my lifestyle only benefits my standard of living.

Benefits of Living Frugally

Puts you in a secure financial position.
What you see might not be what is real. Driving around looking at that beautiful house or that cool new car doesn’t mean that person is not having financial trouble. Learning to live with less can make you appreciate what you have.

Better for your mental well-being
Knowing at the beginning of each month you will be able to pay your bills and have extra money to set aside can be gratifying. Money problems can be a strain on couples or families relationship. Peace of mind is worth millions.

Frugal living is better for the economy
Imagine if everyone took stock in paying off their debts. Saying to their selves do I really need that? Or, do I have the money to buy that before they pull out that trusty credit card. How many personal bankruptcies would have been stopped?

Frugal living is better for the environment
When I started writing this column a women called me to say “Thank You”. She grew up in the depression era learning to reuse what ever she could this leading her family to think she was crazy. Americans generate a disproportionate amount of waste. A frugal minded person will extend the life of almost everything they do own, or they will find someone else who could benefit from having that item.


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