Today I propose a question to all. Could you or would you go a YEAR without buying STUFF? OR do you?
I have been reading about a lot of people and families that have done this as a conscientious way of trying to save and trying to be mindful of everything.
Now these people still pay mortgages, utilities, insurance, taxes, and buy groceries. They just eliminate a lot of unnecessary things from the budget. They have managed to save a lot of money by doing so.
OK - here were some of the rules. No eating out, no coffee or drinks out, no new clothes, no movies, no vacations, no yard sales, thrift stores, estate sales, no beauty shops, just basic grocery purchases - no junk food, just no nothing that isn't imperative for living a basic everyday life.
I kind of chuckle - because this just sounds like ME on a normal week/month/year! I don't buy much extra. I can - I just don't. I do get junk food now and then, but that is my biggest vice. (whoop!)
Many people have made this choice on purpose. I know many who don't have a choice, as this would be a normal thing. I do not mean any disrespect to them.
Extreme frugality is choosing NOT to buy. Poverty is having NO other choice.
I buy very little. I do love the grocery store, and often overspend there. I do like to buy gifts for others. As for me - I need nothing. I have plenty of stuff in my house - and need to get rid of much. I would LIKE new furniture and I will get it when I see something that floats my boat. But I am not rushing out and going crazy to JUST buy. I am not a clothes horse at all - and I have lots that I don't wear regularly - so I CAN switch things up if I choose. I cut my hair myself. I don't use a lot of make-up or fancy toiletries.
Yep, I can, could and do easily do this with no problem.
I live on half of my monthly income (maybe less). I need for nothing. I am not a vacationer or an on-the-go person. I find it a nice, simple, and drama free life. I like living simply.
I know that many don't and that is fine for them. I am not in any way knocking it. We all know what makes us happy and we spend accordingly.
People save for various reasons. Trips, health, emergencies, financial independence, security, etc.
You each have your reason for saving. I love that we can make choices and live accordingly.
I am just curious IF you could make the decision to have a buy nothing kind of year! Just basics - nothing extra.
It is just another option for saving! Some have saved thousands doing this. I wouldn't save much extra than I do now. How about you?
Could you? Would you? Do you?
This is just a fun way to see how others feel and think. I hope you play along.
Have a good day!
Yes, I could do it other than the snacks, even then they are bought at the best price and added to the pantry. Other things, not a problem, don't need clothes, make up, cut my own hair, etc. I only fill up the car about once a quarter. I guess my big expense would be the dogs, check ups, shots and heartworm meds. My husband used to laugh at me, I was always a cheap date.
ReplyDeleteYour doggy expense is a necessity to me. Of course, I would spend on my pet.
DeleteI think many f us do this to a large extent. If I had to button up my spending, I could sure do it.
Logistically, I could go for a year and not need a thing, except groceries, hygiene and cleaning supplies. But truthfully, no, I couldn't commit to an entire year. I have tried to go an entire year without buying books and I think I made it to 6 months, which wasn't bad.
ReplyDeleteHowever, it's been one whole week since my husband lost his job and we have spent very little money, which feels great! It sure opened my eyes to how much we truly already have.
So sorry your husband lost his job. Bummer. A good pantry and freezer and an emergency fund sure do help in circumstances like that. Books, I could not buy - I live down the street from the library, so I can get them free. So much variety and can order from other libraries as well.
DeleteYou did good! You will be fine. Just do all the home body stuff and it will work out. Tell hubs good luck on job hunting!!!
The biggest challenge I would foresee is the impact on socialization which often includes a lunch/dinner out, coffee date, etc., activities I don't engage in alone as a rule. I would have to do some long term planning when it comes to planting flowerbeds & vegetable garden & maintenance of gas powered garden implements. I've often laughed at the clothing budgets set by lifestyle gurus. I've gone many years without buying new clothes. I'm thinking of the last household items that were replaced - comforter/pillow shams that will do me for 10+ yrs. Prior to that it was a new cutlery set that replaced the mismatched ones from >45 yrs. So I think I could get by for a year. Like you, I have what I need and enjoy my simple life.
ReplyDeleteGarden seeds I would consider a need. They help with grocery budget - and I would just include them in my grocery fund. Sure, some things would be necessary, like you gas powered yard implements. I don't think I use 3 gallons of gas a year for mower. Last year I did a no plow garden.
DeleteI am not a real social animal - so that doesn't bother me. I can visit with friends and family without spending money.
You sound like me with a lot of household things!
Simple is fine!
Cheryl, interesting topic today. It would be very hard for me to do this. I also live modestly but lunches or meals out with my friends is a crucial way for me to stay connected. For retired friends, I could feed them at my house, but many of my friends still work and we meet near their work location. But most of the spending categories would be easy to give up ;). I detest clothes and Knick knacks shopping! Hilogene in Az
ReplyDeleteI understand. You could always take a 'picnic' lunch if you had to! I visit at my house and that of family - so no real need to spend. I do like the occasional meal out with friends too - but I could say no without a problem.
DeleteIt is an interesting thing to think about. I thought it might get people really looking at their situations.
Have a nice day!
We've certainly been living close to it since hubs became under-employed.
ReplyDeleteI can see advantages and disadvantages. We went cold turkey to save for our first home. 15 months of pretty much nothing. Our only treat was a Mc Donald's stop on Friday nights for 2 vanilla cones. It came to roughly $1.30 back then. It was completely worth it because it set us on a good path despite the initial mortgage rate. Our same friends that thought we were crazy took another 15 years to save for a similar home. And ours was a much better deal.
That said, except for dire straits, I don't see it being a great thing. Clothing is necessary. In Kansas, warm winter clothing! I don't think that passing up 2 perfect turtlenecks in clearance at Target for $1 ea. so I can buy the same needed ones a year later for $15+ is a smart move. (Yes, I got this fabulous buy!!). Now, if I have 10 in perfect condition, I might pass them up for me, but they might be a great gift for someone. No, I don't think missing a great deal like that is worth it. I believe in being a SMART shopper. Of course there's the argument that if one is staying out of the stores, you don't know the bargain is there. Again, be smart! My friend just texted me a picture of a bargain Christmas planner she found in clearance for 50¢. She bought enough for all her needed birthday gifts this year. Can't beat that! A stamp costs more! She said she'd have bought me one except the shipping charges would kill the deal lol.
You make some good points. I am one of those that figure if I don't go - I don't spend. Do I miss some deals - probably so. But I figure another will come up at some point and the one I missed wasn't meant to be. JMO
DeleteWe went no bones spending way back in the day - paid off pre-marital debt we both had. It was very important to us and it was a wise move. We paid our home off in less than half time as well. Saving for a secure future was our priority, as we knew hubs would have to retire early due to health (was a huge probability & did happen).
We all make choices that are good for us. I don't regret any I made. You have gotten some great deals.
Debby, I think you're my sister from another mother! In college, I worked at Macy's. A few years later, when one niece was an infant, my SIL need post-pregnancy clothes and we went there on a White Flower Day sale. Remember those? She was in the fitting room and I picked up my niece, who was fussing. I held her up and said, "Do you see that sign, E? It says additional 50% off clearance. That's the sign you look for." A former coworker was on the floor and started to laugh. I told her it's never too early to teach the important stuff. LOL!
DeleteWhat's ironic is my in-laws saw me as a "lesser" Christian because I loved to shop deals/steals. Things, they said, aren't a Good Christian Woman's focus. And now BIL will make 3 moving van trips here to fill three 10 X 20 ft. storage units. After selling and donating a bunch of stuff. Do I laugh? Or cry? --Elise
Oh Elise! They saw you as "lesser"? Oh that is awful...You are an excellent steward of God's money! : ) You are the kind of Proverbs 31 woman that should be teaching the younger ladies indeed. : ) I think it's great the way you shop. I know how you feel though, one time when we were first married I had leftover french fries at a sit down family restaurant. I had quite a few left over. I asked for a doggy bag...My mil and sil looked at each other side-eye... Ugh. I just had to laugh to myself. I proudly carried my fries home! I know what you mean seeing them in later ages, you sure don't know whether to laugh or cry...My mil still drives her luxury cars at almost 100 and loves the fancy gaudy junk. It's very unfortunate.
DeleteIt was a different time back then, Amelia. Some 34 years ago. Thank you for the kind words. Because I began working at a young age, paying my own way (so to speak) for clothes and things, I learned the value of deep discount shopping. Working at Macy's reinforced that when I saw what the markups were for regular retail pricing. Then it became a kind of game. My in-laws were well intentioned folks. I will say I was shocked to see just how much stuff was in their house. --Elise
DeleteNo, this isn't something I could manage to do. I like to meet with friends, for a coffee or occasional meal. I have, however, cut down significantly on my spending since retirement - partially out of necessity and partially because I don't need a lot of stuff. Other than footwear, I don't buy new clothing - it all comes from thrift stores. When I first retired, I didn't think I'd be able to save money, but I have a set amount I put aside each month for certain annual expenses and the unexpected. So far, so good. :)
ReplyDeleteI think after a lifetime of being exposed to advertising showing people consuming stuff with happy smiles on their faces and handsome guys and sexy girls, people equate consumerism with happiness and success. The make do and mend folks are pitied as less fortunate. Once you develop a way of living that embraces minimalism, you feel the satisfaction of being free from caring what others may think of you. Air, water and soil become more important to you and that is what you focus on improving. I have such contempt for corporate giants like Nestle, Bayer/Monsanto, etc that it is no hardship to boycott their products. After years of frugality, money is no longer an issue, in fact it becomes superfluous. I am a senior Canadian though so I realize how lucky I am to have superb free health care, free drugs, free dental care. I saw on an Australian blog someone from Alberta, Canada mention that the cost of everything is going up and seniors are not getting an increase in pensions. That is not true. I noted to my husband last pension payday that our monthly benefits increased $350. per month since January of 2022. That's more than I spend in groceries in a month. I think if you want to stop wanting stuff you need to look at what you have. Value it. Make it work for you.
ReplyDeleteAMEN! You are relating much of what I feel. We are being honed to think we need stuff to be happy! We do not. I am not minimalist at all - you have seen pics of my house! BUT I sure don't feel the need to shop much.
DeleteI got a great raise on my Soc. Sec. this year - nothing to sneeze at. I do pay for healthcare - but I am OK with that - as it keeps taxes lower.
I love your last words.
"I think if you want to stop wanting stuff you need to look at what you have. Value it. Make it work for you."
I think back to when I was single, 3 jobs, and I had 4 cats and one dog. (Technically, I had one cat and one annoying family). I was always penny pinching! My friend and I lived far apart, but worked in the same city. So, it was smart for us to meet after work twice a week. We missed the worst of traffic and saved gas from a weekend jaunt. A local frozen yogurt place put 2 B1G1 coupons in the paper. We used them faithfully for a tasty dinner. $2 would get us 2 medium yogurts. We each paid once. Afterwards, we'd take a long walk around the university nearby and chat. If the weather was bad, we'd meet in the uni pub for a slice of pizza instead. $1 each! A 90 minute visit and dinner. We both had major things happening in our life then and even still we talk about those evenings as such a pleasure.
ReplyDeleteBefore COVID, my friend and I here met a couple of times per month wherever one of us had a B1G1 free coupon. No more dollar deals, but I think a $3 breakfast sandwich and coffee was a good deal for our little pow wow!
Can't fathom prices like that now! That would be nice.
DeleteWe each find pleasure where we can.
Yes, those were the days, my friend! :-)
DeleteEating out typically once or twice a month is something we enjoy. I also still get my hair cut usually three, maybe four times a year. We did stop all of these in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid so yes, I can give them up if I have to.
ReplyDeleteI count H&B and household items all in with our grocery budget. I'm not much of a shopper and really don't enjoy traveling much anymore so we're good there.
Yes, Cheryl, it did, but after 6 months w/o a haircut, I was weepy. Seriously. I don't wear make-up more than a handful of times per year. Do use skin care (and have since my early 20s). But I felt like a ragamuffin. Wearing masks meant (to me) people would notice my hair. Thankfully, everyone looked rough! --Elise
DeleteHmm, I had a post but it is gone. So here we go again. If I had to I could go without for a time but I like my books, estate sales and thrift shopping. I or should I say, We enjoy a meal out once in a while, more often than I really like.
ReplyDeleteI would rather have people over and cook a meal. I think we need to get back to that kind of socializing. Covid really messed a lot of things up.
I think people showed they could do without during C - but now they are going back to old ways with a vengeance! Let's spend what we don't have, or like we have it!
DeleteI like entertaining at home as well. I can go to the library for books. I used to love thrift stores and yard sales - haven't been to any in over 3 years! Hmmm - I guess it hasn't hurt me!!! LOL
For myself, I spend very little but I enjoy buying for others. I am still working a flexible schedule at age 76 and enjoy it a lot. I have around 40 clients who are disabled and I give almost all ( a couple have families who are generous) a $25 gift card for Christmas and their birthdays. I also have 5 grandkids I like to order books for and give them a check on holidays. Unfortunately they don’t live close by. I am so glad when my husband was alive- he died at age 48- we did some traveling in Europe and also Hawaii with the kids. I rarely eat out, haven’t been to Target or Walmart since preCovid almost 3 years ago, and cut my own hair. I shop at Aldi and BOGO at Publix. I eat very little meat so don’t spend over $50 a week on groceries. I love reading too and am a member of the book of month club but those are the only books I buy. Nan
ReplyDeleteNan, what a generous heart you have!!!! I bet your clients love you. That is just so kind.
DeleteI love gifting too. I have found so many in my family have gotten to the point that they really want homemade gifts. Something they can eat or something that they can hang on to.
How nice that you have such wonderful memories of traveling with your husband and kids.
It sounds like you have created a wonderful life of caring and giving. Such a big heart - I love that.
Thanks, Cheryl. I like to bake and made heart cookies to distribute but so many have dietary restrictions, I can only give to a few. The ones in group homes have only a bedroom and a few share, so a gift card is best. They can buy personal items or a want instead of a need. All are on Medicaid so don’t have much income. If I wasn’t working, I wouldn’t be able to be do it. Fortunately like you my house and car are paid for and my medical insurance is inexpensive. I have house and car insurance and property taxes plus usual phone, electric, water and internet. I stream TV so no cable bill but Hulu. I’ve been on my own since last child graduated from college14 years ago.
DeleteWell, not only is it inspiring - but you give a wonderful gift of love the people - and you give yourself a huge gift as well. Compassion is a wonderful thing.
DeleteInteresting thoughts to ponder today, Cheryl. Thanks! Now for my own answers (after pondering awhile):
ReplyDeleteCould I?
Been there, done that. More than once. Back when our oldest was a baby and we were struggling to manage a $10K loss on our 1st house in TX while in CO, which was a recession in the 1990s. Next during the recession of 2007-2011. And finally, as most of us had no choice, during 2020 and Covid.
Would I?
If I had to again, absolutely. Needs must. But would I for no urgent reason? That's another story. It's a rough ride emotionally and psychologically to live tight to the bone. No treats. No outings. No anything other than absolute essentials. From experience (and I speak only for myself, we're all different), after awhile it can feel like the Bataan Death March. 2020 aged me significantly, physically. And I'll admit it here for anyone who needs reassurance, I wound up on a low dose anti-anxiety prescription in 2021. The isolation of it all is the worst part. So...
Do I?
When I have to, yes. We live pretty doggone frugally most of the time. Last year was an exception with the move, but even those costs were "essentials" for the most part. I've though about doing it again, but we've already given up so much (like cable, land line, etc.) that a walk through a thrift store or antique shop is a joy to me, as is a meal out once in a great while. Those are the things that help keep me sane. --Elise
Oops... it was our youngest son in the 1990s. --Elise
DeleteI like that you had different answers for each question. I think many of us have been there. I am frugal by choice now - used to have to be. But I find it a challenge now.
DeleteI truly didn't feel much different during the past few years. I went to the store when I needed too - never had a delivery. Family still had a few get togethers, we did cancel a few.
But for the most part my life was the same. I know it affected so many people in a bad way. I have been a loner much of my adult life. I guess that was a benefit for me!
It is nice to know now, that I can get anything I really want - but nice to know I don't so much want.
I agree a walk through a store (even if not buying) can lift spirits!
More times than not (many more times) we buy nothing in thrift stores or antique shops. I've always been a people person, being a middle child. The isolation about did me in during Covid, which is why we got vaccinated as soon as we could; the promise was we'd all get our lives back. In some ways, I'm still waiting. --Elise
DeleteInteresting topic for today. Could I? Perhaps not entirely for an entire year. But, after my hubs passed and I was highly concerned at losing 50% of his pension (a'la about 30% of our household income; my expenses for home and utilities did not change), I went 6 to 9 months without making any non-essential purchases and I changed my grocery buying habits. Today, now that I'm retired, I still watch all non-essential purchases. Clothing is typically purchased on sale and with any coupons that are available; I have built up a sizeable pantry (dry goods and freezer) and went most of January with only perishable food purchases (lettuce, onions, tomatoes, milk, etc.). I'm working to learn new skills to allow me to do even more with homemade -- yogurt, breads, and gardening to provide those perishables during the warmer months. Last year and again this year, I set a budget for monthly expenditures for food, entertainment (including meals out with a couple of groups I belong to), and fuel, and I try to stay within that budget, unless absolutely necessary. For me, I completely recognize the importance of frugality. But I also know the importance of allowing a few well-thought-out "gifts" to myself every now and again.
ReplyDelete"Gifts" to yourself is your reward.
DeleteYou are right the home expenses don't really change when you become a household of one. Groceries may go down a bit - paying insurance for one instead of 2 - but most things stay the same.
I love that you are learning new skillsets and trying new things. That is wonderful. Sometimes retirement allows us to reap a few benefits.
Great post! I'm always shocked at how much others spend at coffee shops. My daughter worked at a major one years ago and had folks who came in twice daily - unbelievable. I do meet a group of friends about every 2-3 months and have a chai tea or regular tea as a treat. Otherwise I agree about most of what you wrote - except for thrift stores. Living in a small town, there are no places to shop for clothes here except thrift or consignment stores (where I sell what I'm not wearing anymore). I also love books but only buy those used when I know I'll read them more than once or share them with friends. We buy meat on sale and have our freezer full as well as other food - always on sale. Haven't had a house payment in 20+ years and no other debt which is a huge blessing. Try to shop wisely for gifts, too, and catch sales and specials, often online.
ReplyDeleteAgree - shop wisely and catch sales and specials - a way of life!!!!
DeleteI can't remember the last time I bought new clothes. Oh, yes I do - it was 2 pair of new jeans, something I had not done in years (always bought 2nd hand).
Sounds like you are doing it right and taking full advantage of your income and brilliant ways to shop.
It amazes me too - what people spend on coffee. The price is crazy any more, shoot you can get just about a whole can for what some spend on a cup!
Twenty five percent of what comes in each month goes straight to savings so I don't feel a need to do a no spend year because we are always saving and always have. We pretty much buy only what we need anyway so all is okay in our world. Today I bought a security camera for our backyard because we had a prowler two weeks ago. I was waiting for a deal and it came along so now it is ordered and on the way. This was a need. I would not have bought it a month ago but I did not think anyone would actually open our gate and go into our backyard with a flashlight while we were still up. Pretty stupid!
ReplyDeleteYes, I would say that is a need. Glad you got one. I have had no problems - but I think about it - since I am alone. I have dusk to dawn lights.
DeletePretty dumb burglar to be!
25% is a wonderful saving program! You are doing fantastic.
YES!!!! I could do it, if on my own, although I would occasionally eat out with my daughter. Everything else is easy for me.
ReplyDeleteYAY - glad to hear it. I really think it would be pretty easy for some of us.
DeleteWe do most years: eat out only because we want something high calorie I will not cook, clothing is limited only to true need (ie we each have 3pr jeans and replace when they are dead or socks/bra/undies are shot), I dislike shopping and knick-knacks so crap that lays around is nada, extreme rarity to buy prepared food-even that roast chicken at Costco. We have no financial need for me to start cooking alfredo sauce, queso/chips, nacho platters. Those are generally our eat-out meals and the occasional BBQ.
ReplyDeleteOur monthly expenses in 2022 were the same as in 2016 and in 2022 we had a monthly payment for hubster's truck bought in 2020. I retired in 2019 so I drive about 2000m less per year but that means I've gone from 7 tanks of gas down to 4. Not a big deal overall. As well, we had major travel in 2022 that had over $10k in cost and we didn't travel in 2016.
I've always been good at scratch cooking and shopping sales to stock the freezer/pantry.
So that's a round about way of saying, "yes, with a few exceptions".
When the morning show has those 'shopping must-haves' I just shake my head and wonder how many impulses shoppers have credit card balances. I have purchased from those exactly once. A custom card collection as a Christmas gift for a sister who prefers to send mail and has beautiful handwriting. I like to give something that individual would never do for themselves ;-)
So I don't know if my habits "count" or not. But that's us in a nutshell :-)
That is fantastic that your budget didn't change in 6 years. You have done quite well in an upward inflation period of time.
DeleteI have saved more in the past few years than we did in many before that. It sure can be done.
Good job!
We're pretty frugal and I love being home too. I could do pretty well on a year without shopping for anything but household things but I don't. lol
ReplyDeleteI like to eat out every now and then at a sensible restaurant, and consider it an extra perk in life. Usually there are restaurants tried and true...Greek, Mexican, Chinese and Turkish. We don't enjoy fancy restaurants, no reservation thing for us. The Greek is one of our faves, you order at the front. It's very "city" atmosphere in a good way, old fashioned. But we definitely are not the kind of folks who eat out every day. Usually just twice a week, for lunch. At night we're at home watching an old 40s movie or maybe Andy Griffith. I like simple and you know I'm an old soul...Love it. : )
But yeah...I do sew some clothes when I get the druthers but am trying to use what I have as far as fabric.
*PETS*? Yes, those little fur babies can be expensive but I have found Canada Vet Express to be a wonderful option for many supplies as far as meds and also Pet Shedd. You can also obtain various prescriptions eye drops from Chewy and vets will sign for them. Sometimes free and sometimes a ten dollar fee but it's still WAY cheaper and my little fur babies are taken care of.
Once in a while I buy a picture or plaque for a wall from Hobby Lobby but that is a treat for sure. For years we could never buy anything like that because hubs was commission only as a Realtor Broker, so we lived far below our means always. Never blowing money. I homeschooled our girls and used money to buy books and curriculum.
Interesting forum here Cheryl, I look forward to going back and reading everyone's tips and ideas. Fun!
Hope you are having a nice day! ~Amelia
I love that most could do this - and most still have their 'treats'. That is OK and fine. I think knowing it could be done is a big part of the process.
DeleteI will always take care of the animals too. That is just part of my monthly spending.
I love putting these thought provoking questions out there. I like all the different responses.
Oh, and I also cut and dye my own hair, hubs does too with electric clippers. And on household, I meant paper goods and things like that but really, I could use all cloth if I wanted to. : ) I could go on...I love this subject! : D ..Just yesterday I ordered from Chewy, our doggies canned food, cheaper than Walmart and a 3.5 pound bag of healthier peanut butter cookie treats, a big savings there and ear mite drops for $4.99. Free shipping, so it pays to shop around online. I don't get to the stores much since it's not convenient unless I'm already in town...so online shopping for pets is a blessing for me. My pet's dry healthier dog food comes form Sam's. I try to get that online too. My dog's canned food is a treat, usually during the afternoon. Usually just one can a day for all with their dry. I just love my pets! I know you can relate!
DeleteI may have to shop online for dog food as well, Amelia. The store have dog food, but never consistency in brands/types (it seems) and Blue has a very sensitive stomach. The last bag Hubs brought home she ate a bowl... and immediately threw up. Thankfully, we still had some of a brand/type that works for her. I'll try doing what you do. Thanks! --Elise
DeleteElise, If you are a plus member of Sam's Wholesale Club? The shipping is free! Yippee! It's wonderful and if you spend I think...$35. at Walmart? Shipping is free too! And of course Chewy offers similar free shipping *plus* prices are sometimes slightly lower than wally. : ) Anyhoo...Pretty good options out there for our fur babies! : )
DeleteI'm sure it could be done, but I don't really want to! Covid was ok for me, I never changed the basics of my life, but the bigger fun parts all disappeared. Fortunately there were some other local folks who felt the same way and we got together outdoors support each other.
ReplyDeleteMy little IRA is paying out now but I'm not spending it. It is going to savings or for the grandkids schooling. Awfully glad my hubs started that account for me all those years ago, it's given me some peace of mind and a financial cushion.
Now my spending is utilities, insurance, groceries, medical. Although I did buy some new long underwear recently - old clothing does sometimes become unuseable. ;) And a big book I've wanted for years, from abebooks (cheap/used). Also I meet an old friend for coffee a few times a year, just to catch up on each other.
MaryB in NC
Sometimes those saving accounts come in some so handy and just make life a little more comfortable. Glad you have that cushion.
DeleteNice that you used to option (outdoors) to get together when it was bad. My family did the same.
You wants are very simple - that says a lot. You aren't out spending all willy-nilly.
I think I lived like that for so many years when the kids were little, that I don't want to do it again. But my goal is to live on 1/2 of what I take home. I can't do that right now, but eventually. I want to travel and I save for that.
ReplyDeleteGreat goal. You will get there. Having the GOAL is a big part. It sure gives you something to work for and reach. Time - in time.
DeleteCould I? I lived that way for years when first husband left me with two sons and cleaned out the bank account. Would I? Heck, NO! Life is meant to be lived, and obsessing about money is not truly living.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I haven't been on vacation since 1998. We haven't eaten out (including fast food) since 2018, and that was because Husband had a medical appt. across town in the late afternoon. The dinner was such a bad experience with all the rude, loud diners that we swore never again. I just bought a 6-pack of socks for the first time since 2017. I don't snack unless my blood sugar is low, then it is perhaps a piece of cheese and some fruit. Since recently making changes to our way of eating (greatly reducing sugar and starches), we do not eat dessert. Gave up soda years ago. No cable TV since 2010. Cheap cell phones/plan with Tracfone. Quit buying books unless it is a good reference book. Get my hair cut once a year. No makeup since I lost my job almost 6 years ago. Get all my Project Linus fabric & batting from the chapter. I will not give up thrift stores and yard sales, but shop with a list of things and rarely deviate from that list. So I don't feel the least bit guilty when Husband subscribes to a number of magazines and publications or when I bought a new rug for under the computer desk or a tablet for reading library books.
I have noticed that some of these people who publicize on their blogs that they are buying nothing non-essential for a year also say that they pre-bought things or plan to buy them after the year is up. In my opinion, if nothing is learned from the experience and incorporated in to their ongoing lifestyle, then it has been nothing but an attention grabbing virtue signal.
Hi there. So glad to see you post. We have all been worried about you!!!!!!
DeleteGirl, you say no, but you are basically doing it! I don't obsess over money either - I mean shoot, I can't take it with me. I like security - but that is about it.
You are right, you live such a nice and frugal lifestyle for yourself, that NO, you should never worry about those little things that you happy.
I, in the recent past, bought 2 new rugs for living room and dining room on sale - mine were at least 12 years old. It really boosted my mood. I buy virtually nothing else, so I had no problem.
I 100 % agree with this:
Well said
I have noticed that some of these people who publicize on their blogs that they are buying nothing non-essential for a year also say that they pre-bought things or plan to buy them after the year is up. In my opinion, if nothing is learned from the experience and incorporated in to their ongoing lifestyle, then it has been nothing but an attention grabbing virtue signal.
Don't stay away girl - love hearing from!
I agree Frances. It's like stocking up for $1000 at Costco and the bulk foods aisle to stuff the freezer/pantry and then saying my grocery budget was $10/month for milk and eggs. Ummmmm ok?
DeleteYep, and they say look at me. Nope that isn't how we frugal queens do it!!!!!! LOL
DeleteI totally agree. I saw this very thing from a vlogger I watched today!
DeleteI like the way you compare extreme frugality and poverty. Some folks won't part with a nickel, even if would enhance or make their life simpler. I do agree with Miss Frances that life is meant to be lived. Happy to see her comment!
ReplyDeleteThere is a big difference in my opinion.
DeleteYep, life if a one time thing - do what makes you happy.
I was happy to see her as well.
Could we do this? Yes, but would I want to...no. ;) LOL! While we have cut way back, I still enjoy finding good bargains and, as you know, I shop year round for gifts for my family and friends. I do enjoy a good trip to a thrift store and also yard sales. Many times I leave with nothing, but it sure is fun to look and sometimes the items there will bring back good memories and/or give me ideas.
ReplyDeleteIt is fun to look. I would probably be overwhelmed to go to one now - I have gone so long without going.
DeleteYou do get some good deals.
We watch our pennies - just to spread them a little further!
We do live a very frugal lifestyle, so it would be hard to cut back much more. However, I suppose there is always a bit we could reduce.
ReplyDeleteI do as well - but I know I could cut back more. It is all about what we want and need in our lives. If it makes you happy, then keep doing whatever it is, as long as you can afford to.
DeleteThanks again, Cheryl, for this thought-provoking post today. It's good to see how different--yet in many ways the same--we all are. During various lean years in times past, many of us tried to come up with ways to bring in a little extra income. Some did crafting and sold at craft fairs. Some baked and decorated cakes. Some offered child care and/or after school tutoring. A few women I knew did freelance business writing and book keeping. One friend made some extra income as a mystery shopper. Given the times now, would you consider a post (or two) about ways to add to the money jar, so to speak? --Elise
ReplyDeleteWell thank you for your words. I love to put out some thought provoking questions now and then. It kind of makes us all go inside ourselves to see what perhaps we could do if necessary.
DeleteThat is a good idea. We will do that at some point in the near future. I think we all had something we did to make extra money.
Thanks!
I, like you, am a very basic, content with what I have person. My husband on the other hand :) but we do make it on SS income only. I do save a little every month just in case. If hubby wants to really spend on things for himself he picks up some work doing handy man stuff.
ReplyDeleteYou sound very down to earth. I feel I am so blessed in so many ways. It is always nice to be able to continue to save.
DeleteI like that your hubby has a method to make extra money. A handyman is always in need - great idea.
We have to go to yard sales for Bailey’s business, and I would miss it otherwise. But I could easily go one year without stepping into a retail store other than groceries. I think we did that during the pandemic anyway. 😂
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of people did. It kind of showed many the difference between wants and needs.
DeleteYour daughter has such a great business - I love the re-purposing and recycling of it all.
(Little Penpen) great post and I love reading through the comments. I do tend to stay away from the big stores, but still love to drop into my thrift stores. But even there, I’m trying to stick to smart buys and needs. I found myself two new looking spring dresses this past week for just a little over $4 each. I’m ready for Easter. ☺️ But yes, I can stretch going to the grocery store much further these days than I used to. It feels good to be stocked up.
ReplyDeleteIt sure does feel good. I love those weeks when I can skip the store and not worry about a thing. I need to go thrifting one of these days! Yes, buying smart is huge!
DeleteYay for being all ready for spring!
Well well......color me embarrassed. I just found an amazing deal on new sweatpants and slippers. Hubster really is in need of replacements. I ordered 3 pr of the sweatpants and 1 new slippers. He is set for another 10 years :-) This weekend his threadbare sweatpants can go into the garbage rather than the hamper. (His legs cannot possibly be warm but those were the only pair he had to put on).
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I have a couple pair of jeans that need leggings underneath in the winter! Yep, pretty thin - fine for summer!!!! LOL
DeleteI bet he will be one happy and warm hubs now!