Comments on: Frugality: How Far is Too Far?

By: I lost a ton of money. Now what?

I lost a ton of money. Now what? — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:06:29 +0000

[...] Lynnae from BeingFrugal was kind enough to host a nice article I wrote for her about taking frugality too far. I used to get physically sick even spending money on groceries. I’ve since gotten better [...]

By: Christa

Christa — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:52:03 +0000

Very interesting topic and actually there are two issues that DebtKid brings up. One is living frugally versus living cheaply. The other is living frugally personally versus running a business frugally. It’s this second issue, that as a business owner, I struggled with. I’d been writing a blog as FrugalMomLA where I would discuss all my money-saving behaviors and great deals as a mom and wife. But, during my workday, as a co-owner of a small business, I knew I had to spend money. Why? To make money. We pay our employees well. Why? So that they feel valued and it keeps morale high when they know they’re being paid fairly. They’re not overpaid but we do the best we can. Since I’m the Business Development person, I spend money on hosting seminars, doing marketing and much more to advance our company name, attract new clients, and, most importantly, keep our current clients informed about our products and services. And, I believe strongly in the idea that you get what you give. As a sidenote, since we’ve started tithing at church, our business has really shown tremendous growth. In the end, I felt like I had a split personality by writing a personal blog about saving while in business I have to spend in order to make money. So, I stopped writing FrugalMomLA and I’ve felt much better ever since. But, I miss writing a blog.

By: Alger

Alger — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 13:41:21 +0000

I agree with Catharine that enjoyment is what counts. Living simply doesn’t necessarily mean deprivation. In fact, it can open up a whole new world that gives life far greater meaning than the mass commercialization we’ve become accustomed to.

By: Frank

Frank — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 19:32:08 +0000

Marci raises a good point with the frugal but attitude, mindset, or just your way of life comment. I’ve been frugal for so many years its a comfortable part of my life. While I buy healthy groceries, and the occasional pair of new $20 jeans when the old pair wears out, my “balance” is still highly skewed to frugality or simple living. The few times I splurged on a far-away vacation or a consumer article which wasn’t a necessity I generally didn’t enjoy it as much as a road trip or finding something (a want, not a need) second hand.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:34:08 +0000

I really liked this post a lot. I struggle with this to some degree, because I am in one of those situations where every penny counts - yet at the same time, I know myself and if I don't strive for a balance, I will quickly swing over to the other side and go on a spending binge! Dawn’s last blog post..Critters in the Dryer Vent

By: Catharine

Catharine — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:48:50 +0000

TStrump: Excellent Point! Time is money. And so is energy. I do have a full time career, and an increasingly dependant elderly spouse.

I’m thinking some money well spent on a one time spring house cleaning event would be so worth both my time and energy and money.

I’m thinking of walls, windows, and balcony cleaning. What a relief that would be for me.

By: Jodz

Jodz — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 07:48:54 +0000

Great post and so true. I have made some unwise decisions thinking I was saving money but, if I had spent a little more and looked at the quality, it would have actually cost me less.

By: TStrump

TStrump — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:20:24 +0000

I think it's important to factor in time. Something isn't really cheaper if it robs precious time from your day. Case in point - saved $200 on a non-direct flight last year but it added 6 hrs to our journey. Not worth it! TStrump’s last blog post..Executive Compensation

By: Dana

Dana — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:04:42 +0000

I think excessive frugality is not unlike frivolous spending in that you are going beyond what is considered reasonable given your financial situation. The key is to find that good balance.

By: Frugal Living is the Life for Me - Real Estate Investing

Frugal Living is the Life for Me - Real Estate Investing — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:34:35 +0000

[...] A guest writer at beingfrugal.com wrote about how he went to far to be frugal. He was put in a very difficult situation when he lost his home in 2007 and did what he had to do to survive, but at one point he realized that his frugal lifestyle had turned into an obsession. I spent 2 months living in my office before a family member lent me a $1000 to help me put down a deposit on a small apartment. No more office living for me. About twice a week I was sleeping in my car anyway because it was easier than trying to hide my living presence in the office building. [...]