I realize that the title of this post is somewhat of an oxymoron, but if you’re a frugal person like I tend to be, then you probably understand that there are some compromises you make when you decide to live frugally.
My frugality is a product of my family’s choices, a decision I firmly support because it has allowed our family financial freedom and the chance to do many other things we wouldn’t have otherwise. I am proud that I find good quality items for less at Goodwill and that I don’t usually fall for impulse buys. Being frugal has also taught me to pay myself first and invest in my future.
However, being frugal sometimes comes at a cost.
Here are some of the issues I face as a result:
- I have a closet of inexpensive items that I bought because they were cheap and in my size. I may not have spent the time to figure out how much use it would have or what value it would bring. In the beginning years of my frugality, this probably cost me more money than what I saved because I barely got any wear out of some clothes. Luckily, I have gotten a lot better at this.
- I can’t shop for real! Seriously, I have sticker shock for good-quality items that I know I’ll wear and use just because they are more than the $3.99 price tag I usually see. I have a hard time justifying purchases I should make, even though I know they are worth the investment. When I purchased my Canon Rebel t3i, I just about had a heart attack.
- I annoy my friends. I think I am a helpful shopping partner when it comes to fit and style, but I am sure that I have annoyed my friends on MULTIPLE occasions when I try to talk them out of something. Generally, a friend will pick up something up on impulse and then the words come out before I can stop them, “Do you really need that? You could wait until it’s on sale. Don’t you have two shirts like that already? I really like it, but is it worth spending $40?” While I am sure that is helpful for some people, I know that it would be frustrating to hear, so I’ve been trying my best to keep my mouth closed and allow people to spend their money as they wish.
What struggles have you faced to save a few bucks? Do the benefits outweigh the “costs?” I think so, but I do want to approach things with a more realistic and understanding attitude.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I actually don’t see this as a problem! IMHO it’s fine to keep a frugal mindset until you achieve some measure of financial security (i.e. you have a minimum 3 months salary in an emergency fund, you have fully funded a Roth IRA / 401K for the year, you are saving ahead for your next car, your first house, your wedding, etc.). The problem with expanding your budget and relaxing your frugal behaviors is that soon you will experience lifestyle inflation. It starts to become difficult to scale back and soon you run into financial trouble.
I think it’s actually fun to see how much you can save and how well you can dress on a shoestring! Finding a deal is like being on a treasure hunt!
I also agree you will likely become slightly unpopular if you continually challenge others for their buying behaviors. It’s usually easier to start hanging around with people who share a similar frugal mindset.
Keep up the good work. You look great in your Goodwill finds! In 20 years you’ll be extremely glad you stayed the course!!
i could have written this post! all of those items apply to me as well, especially #2. i’m surprised i allowed myself to buy two button-down shirts at old navy this week for $15 each without an add’l coupon, even though that sale price was almost $10 off the original price. it has been hard for me to come to a price point i am willing to pay for items in regular store knowing how inexpensively i can find items at the goodwill. but of course that leads to the problem you outlined in #1, which i am definitely not immune from. i’m trying to learn to strike a balance between buying what i want (yes–it’s typically want, not need) but still being smart about it. it helps to know the sales cycles at stores like target too or being diligent about checking online to see if it’s cheaper online and if you can find a coupon code to use online, etc. i think that just makes one a smart shopper though!
heidi recently posted..feb 4-8 {week in review}
You hit the nail on the head! I feel like the majority of my time spent at a store is me pacing and deliberating in my head if it’s worth it or not. More often than not, it ends with me putting it back on the rack. And I’m okay with that! It’s nice to know there are others out there who face the same issues but see the value in our lifestyle
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