[‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎Maria]

Frugalism has helped me pay off my debts, live on a budget, self control, reflect what my priorities are in life and so much more. It has given me PEACE.

Less debt, less stuff, less bills. More time to do what I want and prioritize what is importsnt for me.

I wish people in my life would embrace it too. It makes me sad seeing so many people trying to live like the joneses and struggling with high car payments, cc debt, etc and having to work so much to try and pay things off.

My sister in law works two jobs. I honestly don’t know how she sleeps. I don’t think she sleeps much at all.

I am worried about her health but she does not want to look at a budget.

Sometimes I feel a sense of guilt for feeling at peace when my extended family is stressed and going through things but I know there is nothing I can do if people do not want to change their mindset and habits. I can only control my self and actions.

I will be frugal forever.

[Debra]

There is power in being frugal. Feels like you’re in control instead of things controlling you

[Emily]

I have been frugal forever as a child of parents who lived through childhood poverty and then the Great Depression.

I have always lived well below my means and looked for opportunities to be crazy generous and help others.

Frugal, in my opinion, is the best way to live!!

[Jackie]

Good work. Learning the difference between a want and a need is vital in the frugal journey.

[Fargo]

I’m only in debt simply because I’ve been on LOA (with either low pay or no pay) and had to figure out how to pay my bills such as rent.

It’s not because I wanted to live lavishly.

I want to live frugal but for now, I’m trying to figure out how to catch up.

[Diane]

You can’t live other people’s lives and should not feel guilty that you can rest easy while the lifestyle she leads makes her have to work twice as hard.

People have free will and have to make choices

[Lisa]

The lifestyle of another is their choice and none of your business. It’s ok to feel satisfaction with your life choices and feel bad about someone else’s but it’s ultimately their choice.

Helping and offering advice is often unwelcome because the other person doesn’t see their lifestyle the way you do.

Some people don’t change or they don’t want to. It’s like looking at the world through your hair in your face.

Some won’t want to pull their hair back because their hair gets pulled while others won’t cut it fearing how they will look.

Once a decision is made and the fear and pain is past, the world is different because the hair is out of the way.

Same goes for debt/stuff

[Jackie]

Yep, I like the frugal lifestyle too!! And living debt free is the ticket. No mortgage, no car loan, no credit cards.

We do use one credit card to purchase everything (so we get free hotel points) and we pay it off every month.

Our budget is pretty expansive and reflects reality and our priorities. I watch it closely to make sure we don’t overspend in any category. This really keeps us in line.

Buying used cars with cash and keeping them well maintained is perhaps a huge key for us.

We also spend about $450 a year on AAA roadside service because of the peace of mind it gives if/when our car(s) break down, especially for towing.

We gift our 2 grown kids with AAA too since they also drive older cars.

Regarding other people, we can’t really make them be frugal. I would say just don’t hide the fact that you live frugally.

Don’t be like a reformed smoker and constantly be mentioning it; just don’t hide it. We all learn from one another – eventually.

I have certainly learned from others who are more frugal than I am!

[Susie]

I so agree with you! Its really hard to have to sit and listen to them whine and complain how much they have to work or how far in debt they are etc, but yet they wont listen when you offer to help them with a budget, to maybe cut some spending on their Iphone, fingernails, dyed hair, nights of going out to the club, and eating out every other day.

We are supposed to mind our own business, but yet we have to listen to them complain.

I dont like doing that, and have many times lost my patience with them. *sigh

[Mindy]

I think those of us who are frugal are in the same boat. I’m slowly getting over my guilt.

I’ve worked hard, moved around to get better jobs, and mostly didn’t buy stuff while other women were buying everything all of the time.

[Merrilyn]

You don’t tell of your circumstances (working or Clink or how much you earn, savings, your age, partnered, etc), but
sadly I totally understand where you’re coming from- & most people I know just don’t get it, but just to exist with the cost of even basic living is difficult for anyone these times (unless you’re a politician or the likes of Gina Rhinehard)t!

I’m 67yo working casual (cleaner) which is great but I earn just a fraction too much for a concessions card or Centrelink payments of any sort & it’s just enough to get by (& can at least afford to eat now days with access to some super as TTR to top up my wage, but there are strict rules on how much super I can withdraw until I reach 65yo, so still need to budget & be cautious with the spending)
Clink won’t cover much these days, so I can’t afford to quit work as I like to catch up with friends for lunch once in a while & also like to buy birthday gifts for loved ones (& thankfully I own my own home after working very hard all my life & I do have a little savings now), but I’m scared for my future as surviving on Clink will be tough just trying to somehow live/exist on it, but also scared of the process applying/understanding how to get the most out of it & filling out forms correctly (especially the online process)!

I’ve had to be frugal all my life to get where I am & it will be a constant battle to just survive on Clink, just as it has been in the past working & raising a family (mostly as a single mum)!
Budgeting & having control is imperative yes!

I feel I’m doing ok at this very present moment in time, however the rug could be pulled from under me any time at all if I don’t get enough work any time in future or lose my health or lose my job!

[Mary]

I work three jobs get maybe 4 hours kf sleep and need to make serious changes. It is so hard to know where to start.

I know there are things I can pay off on my credit that will improve it.

I hope to get a chance to address these things.

[Author]

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