Frugal living tip #19. May 11, 2009
Posted by ourfriendben in Ben Franklin, homesteading, wit and wisdom.Tags: frugal living, frugal living tips, frugality
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Silence Dogood here. Another Monday has rolled around, and that means it’s time for another Frugal Living Tip here at Poor Richard’s Almanac. Today’s tip is about attitude adjustment. Self-denial is not a virtue much embraced these days, at least outside a monastic setting. Depriving ourselves of things we want or think we need in the name of frugality can often push us towards self-pity, especially when our finances make the need for these sacrifices ongoing. How can we turn necessity into something upbeat?
I was pleased to see that the Parade magazine that came in yesterday’s Sunday paper devoted two features to frugal living. I’ll confess that I hadn’t read a copy of Parade in years, and remembered its content as being pretty frivolous. But spending an early-morning hour in the kitchen with our new puppy Shiloh, ’til she settles enough to have the run of the house, has made a newspaper reader out of me once again.
The first article, “How to Save Smarter,” had some very interesting (and sometimes contradictory) advice from a number of experts. If you missed it, check it out on their website (www.parade.com); it’s worth reading. But it was a sentence in the second article, “Finding Joy in Frugality,” that really caught my attention. The title of the article sort of set my back up—oh no, not another person telling us how we should rejoice in our newfound poverty—but author Alix Kates Shulman had a wonderful insight to offer. She said:
“Instead of buying what you think you need, adapt your needs to what’s around you.”
One thing I especially like about this is that you can suit it to your own personality. If you’re a spiritual, meditative type, you can read it as a call to work on acceptance of what is rather than longing for what is not. If what motivates you is a challenge, this is a great one: How little can you buy and still get by? If you love being creative, it’s the perfect invitation to see what you can make out of what’s already available to you. Whatever works, right?
‘Til next time,
Silence
Oh I love this. Making a challenge of how to get by, or make what you need, or just seeing how empty the fridge can be and still have meals at the ready is a fun game I like to play here. Genetically frugal, or maybe just not wanting to waste things has been our way from the beginning. Sometimes it was from necessity, sometimes not, but always the challenge that feels good to meet.
Frances
So true, Frances! Every little accomplishment adds up to more good feelings!
Hmm…This is stretching your ideas a bit! We were talking about this in relation to buying shares in community gardens. It’s a great way to have fresh garden produce (if you don’t have a garden) and it helps the local farmer…But here’s the rub! You must be willing to cook with what you get! Or the whole experience is compost!
I haven’t seen a Parade magazine in years! I can barely tolerate reading our local newspaper anymore and instead read the NYTimes on line!
Gail
Ha! At least we have chickens to help us out with our CSA overload as well as compost bins, Gail! Our Friday Night Supper Club helps us share the wealth, too. But you’re right, when that produce is pouring in, it’s a real challenge to see how much you can use! Don’t forget, if it’s really too much, you can always go in with another family and split a share. As for newspapers, I too read the NYT online, but we’re trying to support the local paper by subscribing, and OFB just *has* to have his Wall Street Journal…
I think that was good advice, albeit advice no matter hard I try, I cannot seem to heed. I am working on that. I found for me that prioritizing works better than anything. Only investing time and money into the most important things.
Ah, now that requires discipline, Heather, something more of us could use! Every time I see your wonderful projects I know that you’ve succeeded in putting that particular principle into the very best practice!
I love this message as well — we’ve had some pretty lean weeks over the past couple of years (though things are gradually improving) and I’ve always found it a challenge — a game, if you will — to try to see just what you can make do without. And how creative you can be with what you DO have. That way, it never seems like you are deprived, but rather, that you are somewhat clever.
You’re right…it’s all about attitude.
Ha! I love the thought of feeling clever, Nancy! That would certainly work for me! And I’m glad things are improving up your way!
Very good tip for the bookaholic too. Hundreds unread on the shelf but always want to buy more. Same goes for music – old favorites that haven’t been listened to in years. We’re usually cutting bigger ticket stuff from our budget but these really add up.
Ditto for us, Jen! Books, music, movies—oh, dear! Thank God for the library, Netflix, and used book, video, and music stores!
I often do exactly what Frances stated, finding inspiration in what’s in the fridge or pantry to whip something up for dinner. I hate wasting food, if I can help it. I also like the idea of repurposing things, or swapping things with friends – it might be their trash, but it’s new to you! My finances have been extremely tight this year and it’s amazing what you really DON’T need — and how much you really appreciate what you have!
Great perspective! I especially like the part about appreciating what you have. Amen to that!