Sunday, December 28, 2008

Having a Frugal Mindset

By William Blake

Many people confuse being frugal with being stingy. A stingy scrooge saves their money, but has nothing but misery to show for it. Someone who lives with a frugal mindset, however, knows how to make sound financial decisions in an effort to improve their life.

Whether you have tons of it or none at all, there is always an ample amount of ways to spend your money. For example, some people choose to buy food at work, while others buy groceries and prepare a lunch to bring along with them. Frugal people prepare their own meals so that the money they save can be used to purchase something special, like a day at the spa, a vacation, or a new pre-owned car.

You can have a frugal mindset when it comes time to receive your income tax refund. This extra money could be spent on a stereo system for the house or as a down payment on a flashy new car. The thrift individual, though, saves some of the money, pays off debts with some, and then uses what is left to enjoy themselves with something special, like a new outfit.

Frugal people do indeed save much of the money they receive, but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy their money as well. Even though thrifty people blow money at times in splurges, it is always controlled spending.

Being frugal is about spending money the best way it can be spent. You learn to compare items and opportunities and decide which one is the best choice for you. It requires a willingness to do some research, a boldness to ask questions, and the ability to walk away until another day (or for good).

A thrifty person is also willing to sacrifice some of the momentary pleasure that spending money can bring in order to enjoy their money to a higher degree later on. This requires a leap of faith at times, though, because the results of saving money are not always instant.

If you are interested in living a more frugal life, talk to people who are doing it now. Observing their happiness due to lack of oppressive debts will be inspiring. You can discuss your financial plans with them and ask for assistance and you make your way through life, frugally.

Much more than saving money, living thrifty means that you are prepared to make thoroughly sound financial decisions that will work out for the best good in the end.

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