Frugality

On my quest to be better... I found a new word!
FRUGALITY: "is the practice of acquiring goods and services in a restrained manner, and resourcefully using already owned economic goods and services, to achieve a longer term goal. Frugality, in the context of certain belief systems, is a philosophy in which one does not trust (or is deeply wary of) "expert" knowledge, often from commercial markets or corporate cultures, claiming to know what is in the best economic, material, or spiritual interests of the individual" (wikipidia, that was the best I could do! the article below is from AARP if you think wikipidia was that bad)

The 5 Rules of Frugality

1. Don’t give up the things you love.

Thriftiness should never outweigh happiness. It can lead to happiness, however, by helping you save for the bigger goals in life that you’ve dreamed about.

2. Find inexpensive ways to enjoy what’s most important to you.
You don’t have to own the books you read or the movies you see. There’s plenty of free music on your radio and computer. Public golf courses require no membership.

3. Cut back on anything not crucial to your happiness.
If you’re not defined by the clothes you wear, give thrift shops a shot. Gourmet food may be central to your existence, but you can cook it in low-cost pots and pans.

4. Don't be afraid. You will not end your days in a house crammed with stacks of newspapers because you start cutting coupons. Thrift has gotten a bad rap. Remember, thriftiness and stinginess are two different mindsets in a mentally healthy individual. In fact, thrift can provide a path to being extra generous to others in need by freeing up resources to lend a hand. If family members or friends needle you about your penny-pinching ways, steel yourself and have a sense of humor about it. Realize that you are "bucking the system" in your own way and be proud of your independence.


5. Never go shopping without knowing exactly what you’re getting.

Don’t even enter a store without a plan, or you risk purchasing something you don’t need.... it’s the things you don’t need that sacrifice your dreams.