Inspiration

What inspires you to try to save money in the places that you do? As I was wandering through Blogland and visiting my many frugal friends, I have found that it is obvious that everyone makes the efforts that they do for various reasons. I thought I would share a few of the reasons I have come across and share my own.





Necessity: Strangely, it does not seem like this is the one that is the most prevalent although many people would assume it to be. There are a lot of people who live frugally because they have no choice. Whether it be due to location or circumstance, there are some people who just simply cannot live beyond the bare minimum. The news would have you to believe that this is the reason everyone will soon be living frugally--due to what they believe is the pending recession. However, we all know that too many people will continue to live beyond their means and go further and further into debt while setting themselves up to appear rich today while being poor tomorrow (and today, if the truth be told!).

The Higher Calling: There are some people who choose to live frugally because they feel that there are more important things than money. Sure, we can all say this, but these people really live it out. They give up big-paying corporate jobs to live simple lives so that they can do philanthropic work or raise/educate their children as they desire. Some do it to pursue religious callings or give more back to society than they are taking from it. Although many people might shudder to believe it, many home-schooling-full-time-stay-at-home-wives-and-mothers could have/did have well paying jobs to match their high levels of intelligence and education. However, they sacrifice promotions, bonuses, and even adult interaction to provide a place that they want their families to experience. I have known of former CEO-types to give up the "life" to sell everything and become full-time missionaries in war-filled, disease-ridden countries.

Saving for Something Special: There are some people who are just goal-oriented and want to save money throughout the year in order to take a huge vacation or buy that certain special car you've been wanting with cash. Or maybe you're really putting back for retirement so that you can live-it-up once you are footloose and fancy-free again. Either way, these people are willing to live for the long-term goal. They have set their sights and are preparing for that Big Day. Often, they will do this over and over again, setting their sites on next year's trip to the Mediterranean...or whatever their hearts desire.

If I Can Just Get Ahead: Some people have found themselves lying underneath a pile of debt and really want out. Maybe you have had creditors calls that you have avoided, or had a car taken from you. Or maybe you caught yourself before it was too late. Or maybe you were not approved for that mortgage and your eyes were opened. Either way, you had a moment of realization and decided to do something about it. Good for you! Whether it be from previous irresponsibility (just HAD to have a nice car, clothes, house, shoes, trips, etc) or from prior responsibility (student loans), you have set your mind set on becoming debt-free. What will you do once you are out from underneath its grasp? Maybe you will then buy (with REAL money) those things you previously could not actually afford. Or maybe you will learn that the simple life isn't so bad. Either is completely merited (in my humble opinion) once you have achieved that goal.

Because It's Fun: Yes, there are these people. Some people have no need to live frugally. They just get a kick out of saving money. Yes, these people are secretly laughing at all of the ignorant people paying full price for clothing that will be "out" in 6 months while also getting free toiletries at their favorite pharmacy-of-choice. It's like beating the system. This is the shopper's way of "sticking-it-to-The-Man."

Practicality: This is where I fall for the most part. Yes, I do enjoy saving a buck or two. However, I don't pursue free items at CVS because I think it is fun (although I have been known to giggle occasionally while doing it). I do it because I can. Yep. That's it. If I can get something for 1/2 price, why wouldn't I? If I can pay $0.24 for a stick of deodorant, why in the world would I ignore that and pay $3.49? It just doesn't make sense to me. I'm actually probably too practical for my own good sometimes, but it is who I am. And it not only saves me money when there are sales, but it keeps me from buying things that I do not need in the first place. For instance...I will not buy a pair of shoes I don't have an outfit for. It does not make sense to me. I also will not buy an outfit that I do not have a pair of shoes for. This keeps me from buying either unless they are staged by one another in the store or if it is a special occasion, and Nespy and I have decided that an entire new outfit is required.


So, I have crudely grouped all of Frugal Blogland into 6 basic groups. Where do you fit? Have I missed anyone?


Photo credit: Peter