I’m Frugal Because I Love To Spend

Pinching pennies in some areas lets me splash out in others.

Are you a tightwad or generous, a saver or a spender, a hoarder or a squanderer? When it comes to your money the answer doesn’t have to be either/or it can be both/and.

I choose to be frugal in some areas so I can spend generously in others. Fashion isn’t a high priority for me so I purchase most of my clothing from thrift stores. Travel, on the other hand, is the joy of my life so I use the money I save not buying new clothes to explore the world.

Where you choose to save and spend will depend on what matters most to you. The important thing is not to get locked into thinking of your approach to money as a binary choice.

Look at your current spending. Are there things that don’t add much to either your long term or short term happiness? Is your lack of spending in some areas causing you serious frustration?

Denying ourselves is painful. You can make it a lot easier if you have a clear purpose and pattern.

Dive deep into looking for ways to cut costs in the less significant to you areas, not for the sake of being frugal, but because you want to spend money where it really matters to you.

Savoring your daily cup of Starbucks may be exactly the luxury that is keeping you on track to meet your other financial goals. If so, own it and don’t feel guilty. Conventional wisdom is for the conventional and you are going to do you. But if you brown bag it every day because you prefer to wear the latest fashions, that might be the perfect choice for you.

The world may try to pin a label on you, but you don’t need to accept it. Spend so you can save, and save so you can spend.