quality lifestyle

“F” is for Frugal.

Would you describe yourself as “frugal”? How does it make you feel when someone calls you frugal? Do you secretly cringe and feel like a cheapskate when it happens?

So many people do not like to be labeled as frugal because they think it is a bad thing. Take it from me, it’s not! Frugal does not mean cheap! Here’s what it really means.

Frugal: economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful.

So, now that I have given you the correct definition of frugal, memorize it and you can use it as a reply the next time someone calls you frugal. You can say something like “Why yes, thank you for noticing. I am economical in my use and expenditure.” Then smile and watch the look on their face. Frugal is fun, don’t you think?

Maybe I’m stretching things a bit, but you get my drift. The point is if you are comfortable with being economical (shhh…frugal) then the label of frugal will be a compliment for you rather than something to explain and defend. You probably already know that the quickest way to knock the wind out of anyone’s sail is to agree with them and turn it to your advantage.

Here’s an example of me being frugal as usual. I was in LBI and stopped at 7-11 for two cappuccinos. The machine ran out of cappuccino when my second cup was only three quarter of the way full. I told the guy behind the counter that the machine needed to be refilled. Right away he said: “We don’t have anymore.”

I said: “Oh. Well, my cup is only three quarter full. I’ll still take the coffee if I can pay three quarter of the price?” Then I gave him a BIG smile! He smiled back. He waved me away and said: “Ah…..just take it, you can have it.” I made a big fuss over what he did as I paid for my first cup. He ate it up! I had two cappuccinos for the price of one. Now, I don’t know if he really was out of cappuccino or maybe he just didn’t feel like refilling the machine, but whatever it was, the haggle worked for both of us! I got my free coffee and he got his ego stroked a bit. When I walked out we were both smiling. I think I made a friend.

I’m just naturally frugal. I just seem to always think in that mode. That’s why I haggle. Haggling is just another way to stretch your dollar and make wise use of your money. One other thing that I found with being frugal is that you wind up really appreciating the value of things. I just know when I should and could keep, reuse, recycle, remake, and/or reduce things in my life. In my family, I’m known as the “person” to go to when anyone needs anything. I always seem to have just the right “thing” for their needs. I try not to waste a thing or waste my money. Think of frugal as another way of being “green” for the earth, too!