Being frugal and thrifty isn’t always an easy choice is it?
We all have times when there’s something that we really want that isn’t very thrifty or money saving and we need a bit of a pep talk to help us remember why we choose to be frugal.
Here’s three things that help me to when I’m wavering….
I remind myself why we started to live more frugally in the first place
For us it started because I wanted to work part time so I could spend as much time as possible with the kids while they were younger. Once we’d made the necessary adjustments for that drop in my wages, we started to do more to save money where we could so we could afford to do more things with the kids.
I work out how many hours I would have to work to earn enough money to pay for it
This is usually the decider for me and actually I apply this to most things that I buy anyway.
I ask myself if I really need the thing that’s tempting me
Do I really need a new handbag, no matter how pretty it may be? Do I really need that new shade of nail varnish that’s actually really similar to one I already have?
Usually, it’s a no!
Can I afford it and if I can, can I get it cheaper elsewhere?
Sometimes, I’ll treat myself and buy something that I don’t really need. BUT, I only do this if I know I can afford it without having to do without elsewhere AND I know I can’t get it cheaper elsewhere.
Do I look like a fool debating with myself in the middle of the shop?
Probably! Even though I don’t talk to myself out loud, I do have a little conversation in my head so I’m sure I must look a bit odd! But it’s completely worth it because most of the time I decide against buying whatever it is and I walk out of the shop – most of the time I never even think about it again which shows I made completely the right decision, doesn’t it?
*Un-Frugal Alert*
Sometimes though, I decide to buy it anyway.
We all deserve a treat every now and again and to me, one of the reasons that I’m frugal in most areas is so that we can afford the odd treat here and there.
Do get into the habit of asking yourself the questions but remember that being frugal isn’t about depriving yourself – it’s about doing the best you can with what you have.
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