None of us choose to be frugal. They say money cannot buy you happiness, but I am pretty sure it would improve my mood significantly. Nevertheless, there are benefits to being frugal. An appreciation for the finer things in life, and the basic things too perhaps. We look at the benefits of frugality.
Cutting Out The Takeaways
Ah, I’m talking about food again, as always! But there is a relevant point to be made here. I have been stuck in a routine of getting a weekly takeaway. And to get delivery, you have to spend a fair amount. This means eating more than i need, spending money i don’t need to, and wasting food. It is not good for my health in many ways. But by cutting out that takeaway, i save money, what better, and any dish is a possibility.
Perhaps best of all, a rare takeaway becomes more of a joyful experience when it is only bought once every blue moon. You get more out of the experience. And that is one of the key things you can take from frugal living. The treats may be less often, but you sure do appreciate them more.
General Socialising
Like the takeaways, an occasional treat such as a meal out or a trip to the pub is certainly appreciated more now. Especially with the lock down. But having spent most of my time at home, i have noticed that my lack of exercise by being house-bound has been negated somewhat by not spending time drinking alcohol on pubs and bars. It’s great to socialise often, but it is not good for you, and has to be cancelled out with plenty of exercise.
The Benefits Of Frugality – Clothes
It is frustrating not being able to afford new clothes every now and then. It increases everyone’s mood to get a new outfit, shirt or shoes. But let’s be honest. We barely wear most of our clothes anyway. Anything you do buy will probably soon be near the back of the wardrobe. So frugality allows you to make more of your existing wardrobe, and perhaps fall back in love with previous purchases. You probably already have all the clothes you require. Most people do, but feel the need to keep buying more and more.
The Benefits Of Frugality – Bargain Hunting
Whether you have money or not, many of us love discovering a bargain. There is a sense of contentment when you find real value for money. For those living frugally, it becomes a necessity. But sourcing good value is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is an achievement to make your money stretch as far as possible.
New Skills
It is easy with money to get someone in to deal with every little inconvenience in life. A cleaner, a builder, and more. But if money is tight, you have to learn to deal with some things yourself. And that does not have to be a bad thing. Becoming independent is good, and you learn new, useful skills along the way. And much as i hate cleaning, there is a real sense of achievement and an improvement in my mood when i see the results of my labour.
Ethos
Above all, you learn to spend wisely, and not waste. You learn not to be greedy, and the value if things in life. And hopefully these are skills you will carry with you when brighter times arrive.
