It’s Friday…and time to talk about Frugality again.

Why be frugal, and does it have to be in everything we do? Does it seep into every action we take, or is it ok to let go sometimes?

That is a question that I have in my mind often.

When my family and I want to go out for a nice dinner once in a while.

When we take a good vacation.

When we buy hand made chocolates by the dozen for dessert.

I think about how I am being the opposite of frugal.

But also, I realize…

I have zero guilt!

On the other hand, buying clothes that I have no need of, I can’t even bring myself to. 

I may buy myself a new book, rather than borrowing from a library, or getting a used one. But it better be a damn good book that I want to have in my collection for years to come.

It’s interesting how we set these boundaries for ourselves. What is ok to splurge on and what is completely out of question.

I think it comes down to our tastes, our interests, our family culture. It comes down to how we view life.

For me, having a good time over good food with my family is important. 

Quality of food is also of importance to us- for health reasons yes, but also because it tastes better? 

We all enjoy food from all over the world (as long as it’s vegetarian), and finding the essence of a culture in food is what we find great pleasure in. 

It gives us quality time to spend with each other, and gives us appreciation for people around the world who are different from us.

For that same reason, traveling is important and joyful to us. 

Connecting with people, with the planet, with each other.

Watching live shows and going to art galleries is something else we’ve been known to splurge on. That too is another point of connection to ideas and people. And the fact that it’s a good wholesome form of entertainment.

But books on the other hand, I have a lot at my disposal- through public library, through little free libraries, through friends who lend me good books they come across. I read A LOT, but I always have a big backlog of books that I want to catch up on. I never have to go looking for the next book to read. For that reason, buying new books does not make sense in my world.

Similarly for clothes- I have way more than I wear on a usual basis. So I definitely don’t need to add to my pile. But use well what I already have.

And when a true need arises, or if I feel inspired to sew something for myself, I will get some.

So the way I justify my frugality is working out subconsciously through the following questions:

What do I love? 

Do I have free access to it? 

Can I get it cheaper than full price?

Do I need it?

Does it bring me so much joy and connection with people I like that I am ok to pay full price for it?

Am I supporting good things? Good endeavors? 

I am glad I thought through my process of decided what is ok to spend on and when to cut corners through writing this post.

It gives me a better map of a good life for myself in terms of frugality.

What about you? Do you, and how do you, practice frugality in some areas of life, but are ok to spend gladly on other things?

[Here is a post where I define my brand of Frugality so far…]