One of my frugal finds-Beautiful silk flowers I found on the street
“By sowing frugality we reap liberty, a golden harvest.” –Agesilaus
Redefining Wealth requires a mindset change. Saving money through frugality is one of the many practices that can help us redefine what “wealth” means. Little by little frugality is making its way into the mainstream, but in my opinion it still has a long way to go. Too many people still see frugality as deprivation and drudgery, not to mention un-hip, cheap, and damaging to the economy. I always find the latter reason especially amusing since out of control spending is one of the reasons the economy is in such distress.
I’m still a work in progress when it comes to curbing my spending and being mindful of what I buy. Below are some strategies I’m using as I strive to change my mindset, adjust to a reduced income, and redefine what wealth means to me.
- Is it a want or a need? This is a basic Savings/Frugality 101 principle but it’s a great question to ask before you make a purchase. If I’m looking to buy ingredients to make a salad or replace worn out undergarments, then the purchase is a need. (And of course, I always shop around for the best deal on necessities). If it’s a cute blouse I see on sale, then that’s definitely a want, because I already have dozens of “cute” blouses in my closet.
- When I come across an item that is a want and I’m ready to cave in to the temptation, I ask myself the following question-what do I really want? Like everyone, I want love, happiness, acceptance, respect, and meaning in my life. I don’t need the latest Prada bag or flat screen TV to experience these things. When I can analyze the missing need in my life, I often find I don’t even want the item in question anymore.
- I’m learning to analyze the advertising around me. I recently came very close to buying a night cream that promised a vibrant new youthful complexion with only a few applications. It suddenly occurred to me that if this product made you look as young as it claimed, then the whole plastic surgery industry would be out of business. Last I checked that industry is still thriving.
- There’s nothing wrong with buying used, finding things on the street that people are throwing away or asking around to see if someone is getting rid of something you need. I recently mentioned to a friend that my Bluetooth was falling apart. Lo and behold she said she had an extra one she wasn’t using and I could have it.
Looking for ways to save money can be fun and creative. It’s also great for the environment because we don’t consume more than we need. I find that when I approach saving money as a positive endeavor and not some kind of death sentence, then I’m much more successful, not to mention happy.
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