Frugal Village

You’re happily coasting along with your frugality and enjoying the money you’ve saved. Suddenly, you realize, not only are some people whispering around you, some are bold enough to make comments. Some of your family and friends might be in awe and proud of you, but some are snickering or thinking you’re a cheapskate. Maybe they think you’re hoarding simply because you’re stockpiling. Or maybe they think you have more money than you do because of the deals you discover. What’s a frugal person to do when those around them are negative, spendthrifts or tossing criticism and comments?

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: Know you’re not alone. Even I receive odd comments. Some people tell my husband sarcastically that he’s lucky I’m so simple. Others say there’s no way they’d spend so much time and energy on saving money because life is too short to buy secondhand merchandise. Some people can’t grasp how I can afford to stay at home with four children, and some doubt what I pay for items such as clothing, food and entertainment. I suppose the worst comments came when others have assumed we are poor because I’m frugal and own only one vehicle; the suggestion that our family is too large; and the time a “friend” said my home would be perfect for a decorating-makeover show. Ouch!

STAND PROUD: Be proud of your frugality, not only because you’re saving money but because you’re wasting less and you know the difference between wants and needs. You have learned to make positive choices and to enjoy freedom not everyone enjoys. You’re aware of the value of your time and money and aren’t concerned with appearances. You don’t need the approval of others. I can’t understand why anyone would pay more for an item that is available for less.

NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS: Don’t defend your lifestyle choices. Some people are simply never going to grasp the benefits of frugality. Many people refuse to talk openly about their frugality. Their finances aren’t a topic they wish to share. I agree. Let it be enough that you are doing the best you can for yourself and your family. Continue on the path that reduces debt and saves money. If others want to spend, let them spend. That’s their choice.

Don’t cave in to social pressures that lead you away from your goals. Others may be laughing now or judging you by appearances or decisions, but when you’re living debt-free and have accomplished your goals, you’ll know it was all worth the effort.

If you can’t or don’t want to keep your frugality to yourself, simply smile and share your happiness. In the same way you don’t appreciate their comments toward you, they don’t want to be preached to about your choices. In the end, it doesn’t matter what anyone else assumes about your finances. Trust that you know what you’re doing. In a world that says we need more, more, more, it’s difficult to be happy and “normal” — but you can do it.

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