9 Reasons My Family Is Exasperated By My Frugality

And why I’m equally as proud of those reasons

An uber-famous and successful talk show host once made a comment which has stuck with me for over twenty years.

While her net worth was well into the multi-millions, she remarked that she loved using coupons and shopping at Kmart. When someone expressed their surprise and noted that she could shop anywhere and spend any amount, she asked, bewilderedly, “Doesn’t everybody like to save money? Why wouldn’t I shop at Kmart?”

Hell, yeah! Why wouldn’t you want to save money?

But if you ask my husband and three kids, I take saving money to the extreme.

I was born in Scotland and am obviously aware of that old stereotype about Scots being cheap.

Many find that stereotype to be offensive. I consider it both a compliment, and a challenge.

My grandma would constantly repeat the old adage, “look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves.”

So when my family complains, they know they will hear that same message.

Why do they complain?

1. Repair vs Replace

Why replace when you can repair? This is just obvious and a lesson that has made its way through the family tree. When my 80 year old father was on the roof in the fall, blowing off leaves, standing on a chair to reach the peak of said roof, and the leaf blower caught fire, it was only natural that he jerry-rigged the tool with a quick tweak to the electricals. When a switch on our toaster oven fell off, a set of pliers worked as the perfect replacement. There is rarely a do-it-yourself challenge that can’t be surmounted with a bit of ingenuity – and duct tape.

2. The World Is Bright Enough

Apparently my kids don’t like it when I walk into a room and turn off lights when they’re in there. There’s not always a need for lights. The sun and the moon can both provide ample illumination.

3. The Power of the Sun and Wind

Clothes can be dried outside. My kids have complained at times that their clothes are “crunchy.” And if I do use the dryer, it’s not a popular opinion that dryer sheets can be used multiple times.

4. Fresh Air

When it gets a little bit warmer in the spring and summer, there’s nothing like an open window. Nothing, argue my kids, except for air conditioning. If you keep still, you won’t get as hot. My son has literally used the phrase, “even at the expense of our health.” Clearly I don’t have to spend any money on drama lessons for him.

5. Natural Warmth

Correspondingly, winter weather does not automatically mean the heat has to be turned on. There’s a reason we own sweaters. And slippers. And down-filled jackets. All of which can be worn in the house.

6. Free Resources

Did you know that people buy books? Ummm …. if you live within walking distance of a library, and by walking distance, I mean up to 20 miles, they will lend you books for free.

7. Longevity of Items

Wearing clothes for many years extends their life and decreases the need for new clothes. Yes. I have some items of clothing which are “faded”. Some call them shabby. I prefer the word, “vintage.”

8. Repurposing

Lunch bags are a ridiculous expense. When my kids came home embarrassed on multiple occasions from school after fellow students had made fun of them carrying their lunch in reusable grocery bags, I would simply remind them that those children were probably jealous of their frugal mom.

9. Bulk Buys

If the clothes in one of my kids’ closets have been squished to one side, there’s a good chance that I have found an item on sale which needed to be bought in bulk and stored somewhere. Yes. We probably have enough toilet paper to last us until all cars are self-driving (and that’s even taking into account my assertion that toilet paper should be used sparingly) and we could live off of dried beans until all the kids have left the house. (Not that I’m rushing them out. Why pay rent when they could live with us for free?)

I do give to charities and tip well.

But I can do those things because I looked after my pennies.

And my pounds looked after themselves.