I grew up in a pretty frugal household. I have always tried to be frugal myself, but after last summer’s gas crunch, 5 months of unemployment, and an economy that delivers nothing but bad news, I have begun to cling to a few rules that help me know how to spend.
- Make do. Need some new artwork for your walls? Let your family do some painting then matte and frame it! You’ll have a bright, authentic look for your bare walls.
- Wear it out. Sure your sheets might be a little worn, but they still do their job, right?
- Do without. This is a hard one in our culture because we believe we are entitled.
- Be satisfied. View the things in your home as enough. If you are like most of us, we already have too much stuff.
- Free is good. There is an unfortunate stigma attached to free. Make a list of all the free things to do in your community. Avail yourself of hand-me-downs and Craigslist.
What are your rules for living and spending in this economy?
View Comments (3)
I like to rearrange the furniture too and mix accessories from room to room. It makes it feel like you went shopping and have new things! There is also a great site called freecycle where people post things they want to get rid of for FREE!
Right on! We are conditioned to buy buy buy. What do most people say after leaving Target? "I went in to buy just one thing!"
Thanks for your practical ideas & encouragement. I gave you props on my blog, too.
I love the format you use. Easy & enjoyable to read.
Happy Tuesday.