Simplicity & Frugality: Crisis as Opportunity

August 15, 2009 9:48 pm Dr. Duffy Crises, Miscellaneous, current topics/ opinions

I have always been thrifty as I grew up in a poor family. As a professional I used to be somewhat embarrassed at my thriftiness. NO MORE! I am now personally cutting back even more in my life, downsizing and trying to not WASTE money. It is nice to know I am not alone. I am sorry for those who are being forced to downsize due to the economy, but I sense that some of us are enjoying it also.

It now is no shame to look for bargains, shop in the second hand stores and compare bargains with others. You can even say “I want the cheapest one” (or lease expensive if you want to say it with a little more class). I hear people saying this all the time and it makes me proud! We no longer are shamed into spending more then we want to (or can) by some pushy sales person.

I often play a game with my friends. it is no longer about who bought the most expensive item, but who got it for less.

I feel more green these days ( and yes virtuous), waste very little, shop for bargains, use my leftovers for creative meals, eat more vegetables and fruit, shop farmers markers, compost and recycle like mad. I am even looking for less packaging when I buy things. Did you notice some stores are responding to these new consumer demands by lowering prices? The Wegman’s grocery store in our area did just that and I wouldn’t be suprised if they have increased their profit with more customers.

The NY times and the web are full of advice on how to save money. I love to read them and say smugly to myself, I KNEW THAT a long time ago!

Make being frugal a challenge and it can come close to fun. I am proud to say I am using some of my extra cash in my volunteer work in Africa. One of my biggest thrills is going to garage sales and buying kids books for 10 cents for the orphanages in Kenya. (no hard cover so I can get as many as possible in my suitcases). Some times when I tell the seller these are going to an orphanage I get an even Better Deal.

When thinking of my values Simplicity is right up there with Authenticity and Generosity. Think about your values and how you try to live them. It will truly give you a boost.

By the way this post is by no means meant to make light of the people who are struggling to pay the rent and eat.