Frugal Success

The success of a frugal lifestyle depends largely on your attitude. If you feel being thrifty makes you cheap, undignified, and deprived, you will soon discard frugal plans and return to old spending habits. But if you truly believe being frugal is a dignified, important endeavor, you will have the necessary motivation to reach financial goals.

To maintain a positive attitude, follow these suggestions:

 
Focus on Your Goals
Frugality is not all fun and games, and there will be moments of frustration. When this happens, keep in mind what your financial goals are, and that they are your reason for being thrifty. Remind yourself that short-term savings will have long-term benefits. With this attitude, you will not feel truly deprived.
 
If you can't seem to shake the feeling of deprivation, find practical ways to overcome it. For example, you may have decided to give up your daily cup of designer coffee in order to save money for a small kitchen appliance. Even though you know saving the coffee money is a worthy endeavor, you may be so accustomed to the pricey java's comfort that you feel out of sorts without it. Instead of giving in and buying a cup after the first day, actively search for a low-cost alternative. Try brewing delicious flavored coffee at home, and drinking it while curled up with a good book. Or explore a new flavor of tea and sip it from a beautiful cup. With a little research and creativity, alternatives can be found for everything.
 
Shun Victimism
In his book, The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness, Stephen R. Covey insists that "victimism gives your future away."¹ Viewing yourself as a victim will increase feelings of helplessness, but a positive attitude about frugality will promote feelings of empowerment. By being frugal, you are taking control of your financial situation. It is no longer controlling you.

 

Use Common Sense
When implementing a frugal lifestyle, be creative but use common sense. Examine how much a specific thrifty habit costs in terms of time and effort, then determine if the money saved is indeed worthwhile. It may be and it may not be. Your best friend may find that spending time clipping coupons each week is profitable. For you, purchasing generic or store-brand items may be more cost effective.

Some frugal guides recommend going through dumpsters in search of hidden treasure. It is never worth potentially exposing yourself to hazardous material in order to save a few dollars.
 
Keep Your Dignity
If a so-called frugal tactic makes you feel cheap or undignified, find a pleasant alternative. Adopt thrifty habits that you and your family feel comfortable with. It is entirely possible to be thrifty and dignified.
 
Be Realistic
When adopting a frugal lifestyle, avoid imposing an "all or nothing" rule on yourself or your family. Everyone needs a break from routine, and no one likes to be tied to absolute rules when it comes to being thrifty. If you determine to save money by cutting back on your restaurant meals, don't stop going out to eat entirely.  Try eating out only occasionally, eating out for lunch (which is often less expensive than dinner), and clipping restaurant coupons from your local paper.


Above all, remember attitude is everything. With a little effort and creativity, living a frugal lifestyle can be a positive adventure for you and your family.

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About the Author:  Brenda King is the director of PositivelyFeminine.org. She and her husband Mike live in Ohio and have one son. In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing, hiking, and working on the computer.

¹Stephen R. Covey, The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness (New York: Free Press, 2004).