Comments on: What Does it Mean to be Frugal?

By: Welcome 2010! Blogging Goals

Welcome 2010! Blogging Goals — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:01:56 +0000

[...] more series like my Frugal series that I created earlier this year. I’m contemplating a New Blog/Blog tips series, or Ways to Make [...]

By: Money Saving Tips from A to Z

Money Saving Tips from A to Z — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:09:08 +0000

[...] Just Be Frugal. Use your resources wisely, staying within budget, and don’t be wasteful. [...]

By: Being Frugal Does Not Mean You’re Cheap

Being Frugal Does Not Mean You’re Cheap — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:50:00 +0000

[...] discussed what it means to be frugal, and I’m happy to live a frugal lifestyle, but some people seem to think that just because you [...]

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:33:34 +0000

Thanks, Niki! I definitely want to be wise with my spending!

Charlene, thank you for touching on competing and how different we are from each other! I plan to discuss this topic more in my next post this week since it really feels like many people are comparing themselves to other, and judging people on their purchases. Your comment is a perfect example of how families are different, so budgets and needs are different as well!

By: Charlene @ A Virtuous Woman

Charlene @ A Virtuous Woman — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:23:05 +0000

I especially like the comment about not comparing ourselves to other people–my “frugal meter” is different from someone else’s. I have a small family, so I don’t buy 10 newpapers every week and buy glucose meters just for the rewards so I can use them for diapers, etc., as I read of some bloggers doing. At the same time, we are a family of all adults, and as a result, my gorcery budget is much higher than some with a houseful of little ones. I pick and choose what works for my family.

By: niki

niki — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 15:07:08 +0000

I think there is also the matter of spending and using what you have wisely...... Great post! niki’s last blog post..10 Bonus Points for Huggies Enjoy the Ride program

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 03:19:34 +0000

Katie, very thought provoking post, and I’m glad that you shared!

By: Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship

Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 02:28:08 +0000

If you don’t mind me sharing, my thoughts on frugality are in a post I wrote just this week here: http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/06/05/mary-and-martha-moment-stewards-of-the-food-budget/ Kind of philosophical, but maybe that’s what you’re looking for. Thanks for introducing this topic!

Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship’s last blog post..Recipe Connection: Frugal, Healthy Homemade Dressings with Olive Oil

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 00:25:12 +0000

Erin, thanks for sharing! Good point about knowing one’s goals and values. A couple of you have mentioned the importance of making thoughtful purchases.

A good deal is only a good if it fits our budget and our needs.

By: Erin

Erin — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:42:25 +0000

To me, being frugal means making the most of my resources (time, money, opportunities) so that I can focus on the things I love and value. I try to do this by making thoughtful purchases (do I need it? does it help accomplish my goals? do I love it?), by researching for deals and bargains, by buying my kids’ clothes off-season, and by matching coupons and deals (thanks to your blog, I can do this without it overwhelming my time!!!). I try to avoid the competition by remembering my family’s goals and values and basing my decisions off of that.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 03:54:31 +0000

Tia, thanks for sharing your thoughts about freebies- that is a very good point! Would you mind sharing more about how your definition of frugal is different from those around you?

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 03:43:52 +0000

Mom2fur- That is great! I think that it is good to be able to treat ourselves, and when we know our budgets, then we know what we can afford to splurge on!

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 03:41:35 +0000

Brooke, great point about comparing and knowing one’s boundaries. I definitely want to discuss this issue more because it seems that some people really compare themselves to others. The truth is that we all have different budgets, savings goals, and spending limits, so we can’t compare or judge others spending habits. However, we can find ideas and learn from each other, to find what works for us- and what doesn’t. Thanks for sharing!

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 03:38:24 +0000

Zoe, wow, I can’t imagine not being able to pair coupons with a sale- but this is a great reminder that policies are much different in different parts of the world. So, do you usually use coupons or just look for the best sales?

By: Tia @ TiaSavingCents

Tia @ TiaSavingCents — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:10:22 +0000

I am with you on the coupons -- but sadly had to cut back on the freebies. It was adding so much clutter to my life and so now it has to be something I will absolutely use like laundry soap before I allow myself to sign up. My time is worth money too and if the freebies are taking that or adding stress it is too expensive imo. Great series idea! I struggle with the word frugal because my definition is a little different from most people I know. Tia @ TiaSavingCents’s last blog post..Finding or Advertising Garage Sales The Easy Peasy Way

By: mom2fur

mom2fur — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:26:48 +0000

Combining coupons with sales has really cut back my grocery/drug store spending by a large percentage. After doing this a few years, I have a good stockpile to work from. So some weeks, I can skip one or two stores entirely unless they have some killer deals. To me, one thing frugal means saving as much as you can on most everything, so that you can treat yourself, once in a while, to something special. I had no qualms about a pricey sirlon for Memorial Day because I have saved so much on hundreds of other meals. Besides, it was the best steak I've ever grilled, LOL! mom2fur’s last blog post..We should all get along like this!

By: Brooke

Brooke — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:28:39 +0000

its hard not to compare to the frugal things that others are doing. i mean its great to borrow ideas, but just because she can spend X on groceries doesn't mean I can. for me living frugal is doing what I can up to the point of being uncomfortable, but not hurting (like an 80 degree house) in order to save money. Brooke’s last blog post..Frugal Friday - Money Goals

By: zoe

zoe — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:55:25 +0000

MOST UK stores clearly say on any coupons that they are not combinable with other offers! Sad really. We do have one store that will accept other store's couopns but they don't advertise the fact, and it would only be on brand names, with the own brand stuff often being cheaper. zoe’s last blog post..Frugal Fridays

By: Melissa

Melissa — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:59:27 +0000

Carrie, I completely agree! Actually, that is part of what my next post will be about…

By: Carrie

Carrie — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:48:54 +0000

using coupons and pairing them with a sale in itself is not necessarily frugal either. it's only frugal when those are items you need or want and will use. Carrie’s last blog post..Costco Trip 6/3