Being a “frugal blogger” (as we’re often referred to in the biz) can lead to a lot of misunderstandings. Of course, this isn’t limited to just frugal bloggers, but (I think) sometimes all of us who live a “frugal lifestyle”. For some of us, we live on less because our family incomes are small and we have no other choice. For others, the amount of income might be enough to spend more, but we feel it is just good sense to spend our hard earned dollars wisely.
Personally, I have fallen into both categories. Even when we had very, very, very little money and no choice but to grocery shop with a calculator (to make sure we didn’t spend a penny over budget), I still considered myself a “smart shopper” more than a “cheapskate”. This mindset of spending my money where it will be best used is something that just seems logical to me – though I don’t always listen to that nagging voice that says “Is that really worth it?!“.
Since I started blogging years ago, I’ve become more aware of the strange looks from other shoppers who see me with my coupons, the confused tones as friends say “You budget how much for groceries every month? But I thought your husband had a good job.“, and now the ignorant emails and responses from brands and PR reps who say things like “not a good fit” and “looking for a more affluent demographic.” If I didn’t find it all so confusing myself, I might be driven mad.
To be honest though, I’m pretty sure I make those same faces, take the same tones, and use the same condescension when I find people who decline a coupon for free milk (yep, I’ve tried to give friends such coupons & had them say “no thanks” with a look of disgust) or hear of friends and family members who spend more on groceries each month than they do their mortgage, or see a brand who thinks it is a good deal to offer a pair of sunglasses for $400 (I mean, can they sprout arms & do the dishes or do they really just block the sun from being so bright?!).
Being “frugal” is about so much more than just being cheap. It is about being smart. It is about being responsible. It is about knowing the difference between what is truly cheap and what is worth the expense. It is about being able to spot quality and balance that with a monetary limit. It is about proper stewardship – understanding that finding the value of a product means calculating the cost, time involved, hassle-risk, and long-term consequences.
I gave up looking only at the price tag years ago. Even if a shirt is only $3 at a mass retailer, if it looks like it will fall apart after the first wash or doesn’t fit right so that I’ll never wear it, then it isn’t a bargain. I’m better off saving that $3 and putting it towards a quality item that I will wear again and again and will endure through years of tough love. Being “frugal” is about finding balance and being smart.
In this world of misconceptions, judgmental assumptions, and monetary superiority, we “frugal friends” need to stick together! I’m so thankful to have all of you who “get it” and are willing to spur me (and others) along in our attempts to find the value beneath the price tag and the joy in a hard-earned deal. Because ultimately, we’re just too intentional, too smart, and too proud to stop at “cheapskate” status.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Absolutely. Being frugal is not the same as being a miser living on a moth eaten mattress stuffed with money. Frugality is, simply, being a good steward of one’s money.
I’m with you about the looking at the price tag. When I first learned to coupon I bought things we liked because they were free or cheap with coupons. Now that I’ve learned a lot more about eating healthy, I don’t buy that stuff anymore.
Its more important to have a kitchen full of healthy, quality food than one full of empty calories and junk-laden products.
You know what though? Our food budget hasn’t had to change. Sure it’s a whole lot easier for me to go over budget now, but I don’t HAVE to, and we still eat well. And now my cart is full of real products that I can feel good about.
Quality over quantity.
What a great testimony, Hannah!!! Thanks for the support and sharing your family’s secret to a healthy food budget
. I’ve got a few more posts planned along this same concept (smart vs cheap) which includes talking more about how to not feel guilty for quality (or expensive) purchases, but rather to weigh the worth to your family and balance it in the budget! Obviously, this is something your family has already learned to do!!