Why do people wait to live "frugally" until there is no other choice? I know (actually know a relative of mine) people who will revert back to extravagant living as soon as they are out of debt, got a new job etc.
Living frugally doesn't mean deprivation. It can mean a better life. Eating at home instead of out often means a better diet (and less gas consumption and lower cost food). DH and I love wine - we learned how to make our own, and it's fun! You should try parsnip wine, or elderberry, or maybe some fresh picked dandelions (and weed the garden at the same time).
Home made yogurt; use a thermos, you don't need expensive equipment, and then make your own frozen yogurt.
Make a ton of soup at once (I use a rice cooker - gift from a sibling, slow cooker works). It's healthy, and you have food for several days.
Lentils, beans, other pulses are high protein, and one of the lowest costs food around. (If you eat them at night, the gas will pass while you are sleeping and you won't notice it
)
Maybe car-pool, or even better grocery-pool with friends. You only need ONE Costco membership, then divide groceries amongst yourselves.
We use Discover - pay it off each month but still get the few percent bonus.
We eat our home raised rabbits, ducks, chickens and goats - trade meat for other exotic meats or veggies.
Skills can be traded too.
Now for the Extravagant stuff!
We have a boat. We go out on the water instead of taking vacations - we fish and crab (food for the table).
End of extravagances
The house is paid for, we have some rental properties that provide income, we have a small business that provides income (a laundromat) and DH works. I sell eggs and meat, and do some free-lance design. We save each month
We don't need to be frugal anymore, but we are. We enjoy what we have and what we do. We will have plenty for retirement.
All of you who got into trouble financially, I hope you learn to enjoy this new phase of your lives instead or regarding it as a necessity. When you are out of debt, stay frugal. You won't regret it. You will save and later you will be able to enjoy the
ONE (or possibly two) thing you really are passionate about. You will have plenty for retirement. You will value your new-found
WEALTH (it really is wealth).
Some of my family think I'm nuts - this farming stuff, and living lean. But I find it a joy. I love to sit outside in the evening and watch the chickens and ducks. I know they have a good life here, and we are providing almost all out own meat.
I think the hardest part is the conversion to lean, especially for the children. But think about it - we have all read about the level of obesity in the world rising - perhaps if we have less to eat, but better quality, we would be healthier, and in return, would have less health problems, and less money going to medical bills.
so much going for us all!
Good luck Everyone
