This Is What Living Frugally Means

When someone hears the word “frugal,” many different things may come to mind. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, frugal is defined as “characterized by or reflecting thrift and efficiency in the use of resources.”

The word frugal actually comes from the Latin word frūx, which means “fruit,” among other things. I found this incredibly interesting!

What is Frugality?

1. Being frugal means that you’re intentional with your spending. Rather than buying frivolously, you buy something because there is a direct need, purpose, or value.
2. Being frugal means you’re resourceful. Rather than replacing, you repurpose, repair, or reuse.
3. Being frugal means having a long-term focus rather than a short-term focus. Rather than buying many cheap, disposable goods, you invest in higher-quality items that are meant to last.
4. Being frugal means prioritizing financial health. This means eliminating unnecessary debt, increasing your savings, and creating financial independence.
5. Being frugal means being a good steward of what God has entrusted us with so that we can be grateful and generous givers.

“The bee is more honored than other animals, not because she works, but because she works for others.” – Words of wisdom by Saint John Chrysostom.

What Frugality Is Not

Being frugal is NOT being cheap or stingy. Being cheap is spending as little as possible at the expense of others or quality. This is something nobody should strive to be.

5 Simple Ways To Live More Frugally

1. Budget and plan. Track your spending so you’re able to identify areas of improvement and stay on track with long-term goals.
2. Be mindful of your shopping. Focus on quality over quantity and implement a “72-hour” rule before buying something. This allows you time to think about your purchase rather than buying impulsively.
3. Meal plan. Start using a meal plan and cooking at home.
4. Reduce and reuse. Rather than discarding, see if there’s a way something could be reused (for example, reuse an empty jam jar to store food leftovers in).
5. Save energy. Shut off lights that aren’t being used, unplug phone chargers when done, and invest in a clothesline to dry your clothes.

A frugal life is a creative life.