HumbleDollar is a personal finance blog where both experts and the rest of us write about their ideas, questions and personal financial experiences. It’s friendly and non-political and the great value is in the discussion on most posts. I have written on HD for nearly eight years.
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Is frugality all it’s cracked up to be? A lifetime of frugality, I have claimed that, Jonathan has written it. Many comments on HD have also made that claim, but is it true? RDQ
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AUTHOR: R Quinn on 3/21/2025
Are we all on the same frugality page?
From what I found, frugal living involves prioritizing needs over wants, spending less than earned, valuing quality, and embracing resourcefulness like DIY. Common practices include planning meals, buying used items, and seeking discounts.
I read that a cheap person focuses on price and a frugal person on value. Well, that doesn’t make sense. You could spend a lot of money achieving what you value – like a car or a cruise. 😎
I have a friend who lives on Social Security alone, but not out of necessity, just doesn’t like to spend. I think that’s in the cheap category.
As I read that frugal description, I have not been consistently frugal. We have always lived within our means, never had debt beyond a mortgage or a car payment, but no payments in the last dozen years.
We always saved before any spending, but we didn’t buy used items and I certainty don’t do DIY simply because I am incompetent and hate it. Having an older appliance repaired has limited value IMO.
I welcome a discount- especially those senior ones these days, but I am not obsessed with seeking them out. We cook most meals, but eat out once a week or so.
Is frugality voided one splurges on a special experience thereby wiping out years of frugality? I don’t think so.
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