Frugal living means different things to different people. It’s about a simpler, less complicated lifestyle, not about being cheap. While those who put a frugal lifestyle into practice do tend to be thrifty, there is a method to their madness.
People who practice frugal living tend to look for ways to save time as well as money, and generally prefer a slower, more laid back pace instead of the hectic “rat race” life so many others lead. While it’s not for everybody, many believe it’s better to do without fancy furnishings, high tech equipment, the latest trends, or a big house or car, if it means they have more time to enjoy their families and more time to relax and be at peace instead of always chasing some elusive element that will ostensibly make everything right with the world.
For others, it means saving money now to put away or invest for later. People who don’t have pensions know they need to start saving early. There are still other who find a frugal lifestyle is a necessity. This may be true because they have a large family, because they have low paying jobs, or because they are living on one income so that one parent can always be there for the children. Whatever the reason, frugal living is more than getting the most out of every dollar. It is living well for less, and it takes skill and effort.
There are some tried and true methods for frugal living, such as never shopping without coupons, but there is much more to it. It’s not just saving money, but stretching money to make it go further. It’s living well within a tight budget, making sure the family is secure and also happy, without spending the rest of one’s life paying off what many people consider unnecessary debt.