We all speak of our frugal ways. We all practice many frugal ways. Some do it because they have to financially. Some do it because it is just the right thing to do. Some do it because it has become a habit. We all have different reasons.
I think we have all read stories about those people who are stupidly wealthy - yet they have maintained their frugal ways. I have read many a story about Sam Walton and also Warren Buffett. Both ridiculously wealthy. They both maintained their homes they had before they made their fortunes. Both decided to continue to drive their older model vehicles and both would wear their suits until thread bare.
I don't think they were being greedy - I think they both just decided that STUFF was not that important in their lives. (I know that sounds crazy to say).
I find it sad that perhaps their families didn't necessarily follow suit - they did have good examples.
With the recent event of the Queen's passing, I came across an article about her and frugality. She has palaces and castles to live in. The crown jewels at her disposal. She attended balls and world events. She also preferred to east very basic meals. She made sure food and other things were not wasted. She had many outfits remade - because it was recycling and prudent. She had new heels and soles put on shoes. It appears some of her extended family have followed suit in some ways.
Here is a neat story on her Majesty's frugal ways.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/waste-not-want-not-queen-140000882.html
I thought it was interesting to read and nice to know - it isn't just us 'everyday' folks that try to be frugal. I hope you can open and read.
ENJOY
"The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy" by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko is an interesting read. Many people who have all the toys and bling are in debt up to their eyebrows while others who live a more reasonable or even frugal lifestyle can be quite wealthy. Net worth is defined as assets less liabilities (debt). The majority of Americans do not have a positive net worth. I'd much rather be debt-free than have more possessions.
ReplyDelete--Frances in the Trailer Park
You and me both. I have no debt and love it. Life isn't about stuff in my eyes.
DeleteIt is amazing how many of the richy rich have so many things and so much stuff - then have to file bankruptcy. Also so many go through partners like pouring water out a pitcher - so the stuff and 'wealth' obviously doesn't make them happy either.
Interesting read about the Queen. But I'm going to refrain from further comment as I worked for a company owned by one of the richest in America.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting. I get ya!!!!!!
DeleteThank you for sharing this article Cheryl. I really enjoyed reading it. It says so much about her character.
ReplyDeleteI think so as well. Glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteLoved "The Millionaire Next Door". After I read it, it was my goal. We are frugal sometimes to a fault. The fleece pants I'm wearing this morning are probably 18yo. I haven't had to patch them yet.....but it's getting close. They are comfy and I love them. We're in the home we bought Feb 1991 and will be forever-we hope.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, we have no trouble at all spending $ on experiences. We have great season ticket seats to our alma mater football games. We just took a 15d vacation flying across the country, comfy rental car for nearly 2000 miles driven, went to 4 NASCAR races, many hotel nights, meals in restaurants (although when possible I hit a grocery store for greek yogurt, fruit and granola for hotel room breakfasts!) Lovely to be gone, lovely to be home. Our last 2w vacation was 22 years ago!!!!
King Charles was speaking to climate change and saving our earth long before the current scientists. I'm surmising the interest in frugality and the earth came from "Ma-ma" (I love the way he says it :-)
Happy Tuesday everyone! We are having our first rain since mid-June! Hallelujah :-)
First so happy you got rain!!!!!!
DeleteWe are all frugal for different reasons. It is nice to watch our pennies in one place to be able to go, do, and experience other things. It is neat that you can do that.
Have a nice Tuesday yourself
Look at how many big lottery winners were broke within a short period of time. So many athletes and "stars" ran through their money like so much water. I think it was Ray Charles who said that you can only live in one house at a time and love one woman at a time. Couldn't verify that through the internet, maybe it is just legend. Sounds good tho! I just downloaded the book that Miss Frances mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI know the rich aren't very smart sometimes. It is like they believe the well will never dry. SURPRISE!
DeleteOne house is more than enough for this girl! (of course I don't have staff)
Thank you for the article link, Cheryl. I'd long heard the Queen was very thrifty and (like my grandparents) waste was unacceptable to her.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've seen over 60 years, Sam Walton and Warren Buffet are more the exception than the norm among super wealthy people. It reminds me of Matthew 19:23 or Luke 18:25. It's not the wealth that's the problem... it's the near singular focus on acquiring more wealth at any cost. Which, of course, isn't a problem for anyone here!
Have a terrific Tuesday! --Elise
Oh yes, I do believe they are the exception - big time.
DeleteGood passages. Yes, it is most ALWAYS about the acquisition (that is power).
Elise's comment brings to mind another good book: "Your Money or Your Life" by Joe Dominguez, Vicki Robin. Written from a totally secular viewpoint, it delivers the same message about not letting the quest for more and more money take over your life. Lusting after money is bad for both the body and the soul.
ReplyDeleteoops, that was me, Frances in the Trailer Park
DeleteAbsolutely - it is bad all the way around.
DeleteI have heard of that book, but have never read. May need to.
I loved the article. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome
DeleteI'm not surprised in the least by the Queen's frugality. She's from the generation that saw the Depression up close. That had to make a big impression on her as a child.
ReplyDeleteAs for the uber wealthy, it's hard to truly know their money beliefs unless you really know them. Some are incredibly generous. Others give as a show. Some use it for control of their families. Some are just flat out misers. They donate millions to charities, but then will deny $5000 to a relative who needs it and has never asked before. Because they have "a motto" to never loan money to family. Despite the family working their entire lives and at 60ish developing a disease that will threaten everything. I've seen this one and it's sickening. Nobody in my poor family, but a friend. So don't loan it. Give it! But on topic, lol, does anyone remember that commercial of the guy riding around on his lawnmower? He says something like, "Look at my beautiful house with this big yard! I have a new car and...(more stuff)..I'm in debt up to my eyeballs. Somebody help me!". It was hilarious and sad at the same time.
I had to mention my visitor this morning!! A Cooper's Hawk settled into my bird bath for a half hour. At first he just sat and looked around. Then he gave himself a thorough bath, happily splashing all over! I'm so glad he came when he did or I may not have noticed. I was mesmerized by him for his entire visit. I'm glad my little bird friends weren't around!
I just found that commercial on YouTube. I searched Commercial...I'm in debt up to my eyeballs. It popped right up. I still chuckle!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the article Cheryl. I wasn't aware of the Queen's frugal habits, but always have thought of her as a quiet, calm voice and quite down-to-earth. It seems quite right that having grown up through the Depression and WWII she would develop such habits. I suspect that now she has passed on, we'll be learning more about her.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't been either and just thought it was so interesting. Considering we all try to be, I just thought it was a neat thing to share.
DeleteThat's a lovely article Cheryl. Have you heard the story about a youthful Charles coming back from a country dog walk minus the dog lead he had started off with and the Queen sending him back out to find it? (And no doubt telling him that the cost of a new one would come out of his pocket money if he didn't find it!)
ReplyDeleteI had not heard that - that is a cute story. Yes, I am sure he was given a strict taking to!
DeleteLoved the article and I am all things about the Queen. I have always admired her. You know my two sisters made terrific money all their lives and we were very poor. Now I had a lot of debt all the time, but I was still very frugal because I had to be to survive. They made fun of me and harassed me about getting a full-time job to climb the corporate ladder like they did, but I felt it was not good for my kids. In the end my frugal ways showed that I was as well off if not better off than both of them. I also have no expensive bad habits to pay for.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t know that about the queen, thank you for the link to the article. No debt here either and that is the way I prefer it.
ReplyDeleteThought we all might like a fun fact that was light given in light of her death.
DeleteMe too girl - that is my preference!