Frugality means something different to everyone. I work part time now, but for the first 17 years of our marriage, I stayed at home with our four children. I didn’t like it when people told me how “lucky” I was to be staying home.
My husband and I worked hard to be able to make that happen. Yes, he made a great income but feeding, clothing, housing and activities for my crew was all pricey. I nursed, cloth diapered, cooked from scratch, etc but other people also saw me hiring a mothers helper, take out pizza every Friday, concerts and trips.
So frugality was important to me during those years because it allowed us to do what we wanted to do.
Spending has so much to do with ratios. It does make me cringe a bit when I see people just trying to spend the least amount on something as if that’s the only goal. I consider things like quality as well as cost. So maybe my Bomba socks are $12 a pair but they last forever and I still buy the $8 on sale pack of 8 Pumas at Costco. It’s all about balance.
I think she makes a great point in the fact that she worked hard at home to save money to buy things that they deemed worthy to them. And ultimately she still buys things of quality that she knows will last.
There are things I pay up for because it is important to me. I buy good quality shoes because I've had multiple foot problems in the past and I don't want them to return. I pay up for undergarments because I want them to work well and last a long time.
What about you? Do you pay up for certain things that are important to you?
Both for myself and younger daughter, we need good fitting qualify bras. I'll wear last or 10 season's ago blue jeans, but will spend a lot for the "girls" because it helps my back. My husband only wears Levi's. A pair lasts him ages and worth the higher price to comparable jeans. I pay more for good outerwear- warmth has to be the priority. My dog gets the brand of food that works well for his ongoing tummy issues. Not worth buying cheap stuff for him and risk his health . There's lots of examples, and we each have our preferences. I'm thinking a lot about this subject. Great post.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sam. I've been thinking a lot about this subject as well. You've listed some great examples, which are worthy of buying quality items.
DeleteQuality is very important. Why spend 4X when buying quality means buying once just spending a little more. It does pay off.
ReplyDeleteExactly Cheryl!
DeleteI love this post Belinda!! This is exactly what I do too. I always prefer to buy quality vs just the most inexpensive thing. As my dad used to say 'the cheap sometimes turns out to be expensive' (because you have to keep replacing it). It's all about balance. I know that many people just see me shopping/spending, but they don't know just how frugal we are in many other areas.
ReplyDeleteExcellent point, Ms. Goose. People don't see how frugal we really are and we can afford these better quality items because we are frugal in other areas of our lives.
DeleteMy frugal mantra has long been, "I save where I can so I can spend where I want." Every dollar I don't spend thoughtlessly ("I'm five minutes from home but yeah, let's stop for a $2.19 soda at the convenience store") is a dollar I can make work for me in some other day.
ReplyDeleteSometimes that's to pay a bill, or to save for emergencies and retirement. Sometimes it's a charitable donation. And yeah, sometimes it's a Tuesday movie ($6 all day) and some popcorn.
Frugality doesn't necessarily mean a life of lack. It means being a good steward of your funds, and determining what's important enough to spend on -- and what isn't.
I like your frugal mantra, Donna. Your soda example is a good one. I love what you had to say about Frugality not meaning a life of lacking.
DeleteGreat comment!
DeleteI agree with you! There are some things that I will spend more money on that will hopefully save money in the long run. When we needed a new roof, we opted for a metal roof which is supposed to be more durable and longer lasting. We shouldn't need to replace the roof again in our lifetime. We are redoing the kitchen to make it more user friendly since I hope to age in place in this house. Our next project will be the bathroom remodel so we can widen the door and put in a walk in shower. HOpefully these changes will save us money in the long run.
ReplyDeleteKathy, that is a great example about your roof. I have also heard that the metal roofs usually last a lifetime and more. I would also love a walk in shower. I need to add that to my list too.
DeleteI agree frugality doesn't mean buying things as cheaply as possible. I would rather darn an expensive pair of socks then buy 20 cheap ones. 70% of our clothes comes from the thrift store and the other 30% isn't the cheapest thing possible. I buy quality socks, shoes, bras and underwear. Then it is up to me to make them last as long as possible.
ReplyDeleteGood post Belinda
Amy
Thank you, Amy. I agree on darning the socks rather than buying cheap ones. It's worth it to me to pay up for the quality items.
DeleteI agree with this 100%!
ReplyDeleteThumbs up, Martha. :)
DeleteAbsolutely! It is true you get what you pay for and I have long preferred to save and buy once as opposed to repeated cheap purchases.
ReplyDeletePots and pans, mattress, organic sheets (my 1st set is 25y), furniture-hardwoods not pressboard....there are others as well.
Such a great list, Elle. Bailey bought herself a very nice set of high thread count sheets for her birthday in October. She has been thrilled with them.
DeletePeople are frugal in different ways, and for different reasons. Like the commentor in one of your frugal groups, I stayed home with our children until probably the oldest was in Grade 9 and the youngest was in Grade 4 and then I only worked part time and used my breaks to pick them up from school and take them home. But during that time we managed to pay off the house, and take a few family trips. The boys both played hockey in the winter and either ball or soccer in the spring. This was due to watching how we spent our money, and making sure our purchases were made to last.
ReplyDeleteCheap is not frugal in my books.
God bless.
I love that Jackie! Cheap is not frugal in your book. I also love that you paid off your house even while being frugal. That is so terrific. :)
DeleteI had nice antiques, but I bought things and restored and upholstered them myself after I took classes. My friends bought me pieces of my Wedgwood for a birthday gift. I made my own clothes, but bought more expensive shoes than a woman with my income should, according to some people. Making my own bras cuts down on an expense and I can have the comfort I want.
ReplyDeleteWow, you made your own bras? I would think that would be a hard skill to learn, but would save so much money! And learning how to restore and upholster your antiques is a great way to get those things without paying up for them. Taking a class to learn those skills was a great idea. :)
DeleteSHe is so right about quality. It is one thing to be frugal but it can also be wasteful.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly can be, Kim.
DeleteThis is so true.
ReplyDeleteSometimes buying cheaper things cost more in the long run.
I always look for quality. What I've learned is that sometimes if I'm patient, I can buy good quality things without spending a lot. :)
That is so true, Nil. We find many things on the second hand market that are high quality but with a lower cost than new.
DeleteI go to a dentist that is not in my network. If I go to a dentist in my network the insurance would pay more. But I've had bad dentistry and although I don't know if a network dentist would be bad I don't want to take the chance.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn’t want to take that chance either, Arlene. I would rather pay up for someone I know and trust.
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