Living frugally seems like voluntary poverty. The very word–frugal–sounds cheap. Parsimonious. Ebenezer Scrooge-ish.
Frugal may sound that way, but that’s not really what it means.
Frugal means not wasteful. It’s Latin word root, dating from 1590, actually means “fruit” as in “producing fruit.”
So living frugally means a lifestyle that produces fruit.
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And learning to live frugally is directly related to simplicity.
In a practical way, living frugally means buying less. Wasting less. And it also means wanting less. (There’s the rub!)
Hopefully, though, the goal of simplicity is more peace in your life. More time spent doing the things you value and with the people you value.
So, oddly enough, living a frugal life does produce fruit. The kind worth having.
In what ways do you live frugally? Share in the comment section for a chance to win a copy of Amish Values for Your Family.
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Hmmm,that is a good question! Some of the things I try to do include growing an organic garden, opening windows instead of turning on the AC, trying to turn off lights when the room is not occupied and trying not to waste food and trying to do all the errands together as much as possible. Sometimes I forget or someone in the house forgets, but we try!
Living frugally in our house means not having steak for every meal or wearing the latest fashions, although treats every once in awhile are ok. Simplicity is valuing the things that are important like family, God’s Word, faith, and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When your health is not as good as it used to be valuing each day as a gift from God. I love practicing frugality, it makes a person stronger. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I LOVE the expanded definition of frugal!!! I’m a single mom, and this gives me an entirely new perspective to share with my kids! THANK YOU!!
So we can still enjoy a meal out, we share a double hamburger meal . . We don’t eat bread & are eating less so it works perfectly
My family is the ultimate frugal family. We reuse or recycle everything. we also buy ever thing second-hand;clothes, toys, books, household furnishings and even Christmas presents.
We are learning to live frugally after my husband lost a large chunk of his monthly pension. Also he is now disabled so we had to buy a van so that a lift would be installed in the rear of it for a scooter.
I have had my doctor change my meds to one’s costing less so I’d have a lower copay. I’ve stopped all mail orders except perscriptions. I cut corners by reusing a lot or things like plastic bags . Not going out to eat as often. Checking out books from the library. Not running out to every sale like I used to. My car is very old but runs great. When it dies out on me it will not be replaced and we will become a 1 car family. These things sound hard but it’s actually kind of nice. Instead of going out to an expensive place to dine if we go out at all its Wendy’s or McDonald’s. Many restaurants give free drinks that are refillable to senior citizens but you have to ask for your discount. Meal combos are out and actually are cheaper when you just get sandwich and fries and your drink is free. We save every way we can.
We try to limit eating out, use coupons on sale items to get the best savings, buy clothes at end of season clearance. When we go to the movies or visit local amusement parks or events we try to buy discounted tickets. We use our county library for books, cds, dvds and movie and craft nights for the family.
I admire new cars but keep driving our 11-year-old vehicles that we bought used. I plan to drive these until they wear out and expect to replace them with used ones again. I also wear my clothes until they start getting frayed.
Living frugally is something I’ve enjoyed doing as my Dad taught me this lifestyle. I recycle, freeze and can produce when in season, open windows when possible instead of AC, second hand stores, etc. There’s a peace and joy living a simple life style instead of with so many electric gadgets. I don’t desire all the new electronic gadgets or other items that has no value in light of eternity. Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven and not no earth where they’ll waste away and be outdated in no time.
I drive an 12 yr old car, make most all meals from scratch, shop from thrift stores for everything before i buy new, have a garden, don’t have cable,find things to do at home instead of going to movies etc. I have learned to be content by reading, and being with family, that means more to me than spending money unwisely.