Retirement, Simple Living and Me
This retirement thing is working out really well so far. I have been reading more, walking more, and hanging with my hounds more.
I also spend some time reading blogs. I read them as a blogger to gain some pointers on writing as well as for enjoyment.
One of my favorites is The Frugalwoods. This chronicles the lives of a young family that has saved half of their income for the last few years and now have bought and settled in on a homestead in Vermont. Mrs. Frugalwoods writes the majority of blogs telling about their financial habits and offers tips for living frugally. The family includes a baby Frugalwoods as well as a Frugal Hound. They describe themselves as "hardcore frugal weirdos."
As I have mentioned before, I am all into living simply and have now started reading about and thinking about frugality. I have to say that while I don't consider myself a "hardcore frugal weirdo," I can certainly understand the reasons behind living a frugal life. When I read articles with simple living ideas or minimalism tips or how to be frugal, I find that I agree with and already have incorporated a lot of this philosophy in my daily life.
So what is the meaning of frugality or being frugal. Webster's defines it as "careful about spending money or using things when you do not need to: using money or supplies in a very careful way: plain and simple." A list of synonyms includes; thrifty, economical, careful, prudent as well as my "favorites" meager, scanty, paltry, and skimpy. Ok, so I'm thinking that while I don't mind and I'm sure others don't mind having a chosen lifestyle being called thrifty or economical, I can't say that many of us would want our lifestyle to be classified as meager or paltry!
We live in a fast paced world with the mantra that sings out, buy, buy, buy, and when you can't find anything else to do, buy some more! But I'm here to tell you that a fulfilling life does not need to include buying until you fall out, but can and should include giving thought to what you truly need (and want), using what you already have to meet your needs, having an affordable place to live, and driving paid for used cars. Also, "insourcing," as in hiring yourself as the handyman for chores and repairs around the house is a great way to save money. Things such as cleaning, painting, small plumbing repairs, new tile in the shower, and doing yard work for one's self, if you are willing and able, which fortunately my husband and I are, (well, ok, my husband more than me), can save money that can then be used for the fun stuff, such as visiting the granddaughter or traveling to see Jimmy Buffett in Paris! (I had to throw that in.)
In today's world "normal" life is, I think, best described by nationally syndicated columnist Ellen Goodman, when she states, " normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work, driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for, in order to get to the job that you need so you can pay for the clothes, car, and house that you leave empty all day in order to afford to live in it."
While it is true that we obviously need food, shelter, clothing and some sort of monetary support for ourselves and our family members, it seems that we quite often go "too far" by spending and accumulating more and more.
Cutting expenses, living with less, driving old cars, having a limited wardrobe, and simply not shopping for unnecessary items either in stores or online, quite often takes a change in attitude and a conscious effort. It has to be a choice that is made by you and the other members of your household that includes deciding what things are most important to your health and well-being both physically and mentally. I have made my choices and must say I am very happy with them.
In the Simple Living Guide, by Janet Luhrs, she tells of an interview with a man whose philosophy on life was this: " The bottom line for us is, if you can become self-sufficient in the basics of life, which are shelter, nutritious food, and clothing....if you have these things covered, then all you have to do with the rest of your time is make yourself a peaceful person, rather than spending that same time buying things you don't need."
I think that's cool.
That's if for now.
Check back later!
So what is the meaning of frugality or being frugal. Webster's defines it as "careful about spending money or using things when you do not need to: using money or supplies in a very careful way: plain and simple." A list of synonyms includes; thrifty, economical, careful, prudent as well as my "favorites" meager, scanty, paltry, and skimpy. Ok, so I'm thinking that while I don't mind and I'm sure others don't mind having a chosen lifestyle being called thrifty or economical, I can't say that many of us would want our lifestyle to be classified as meager or paltry!
We live in a fast paced world with the mantra that sings out, buy, buy, buy, and when you can't find anything else to do, buy some more! But I'm here to tell you that a fulfilling life does not need to include buying until you fall out, but can and should include giving thought to what you truly need (and want), using what you already have to meet your needs, having an affordable place to live, and driving paid for used cars. Also, "insourcing," as in hiring yourself as the handyman for chores and repairs around the house is a great way to save money. Things such as cleaning, painting, small plumbing repairs, new tile in the shower, and doing yard work for one's self, if you are willing and able, which fortunately my husband and I are, (well, ok, my husband more than me), can save money that can then be used for the fun stuff, such as visiting the granddaughter or traveling to see Jimmy Buffett in Paris! (I had to throw that in.)
In today's world "normal" life is, I think, best described by nationally syndicated columnist Ellen Goodman, when she states, " normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work, driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for, in order to get to the job that you need so you can pay for the clothes, car, and house that you leave empty all day in order to afford to live in it."
While it is true that we obviously need food, shelter, clothing and some sort of monetary support for ourselves and our family members, it seems that we quite often go "too far" by spending and accumulating more and more.
Cutting expenses, living with less, driving old cars, having a limited wardrobe, and simply not shopping for unnecessary items either in stores or online, quite often takes a change in attitude and a conscious effort. It has to be a choice that is made by you and the other members of your household that includes deciding what things are most important to your health and well-being both physically and mentally. I have made my choices and must say I am very happy with them.
In the Simple Living Guide, by Janet Luhrs, she tells of an interview with a man whose philosophy on life was this: " The bottom line for us is, if you can become self-sufficient in the basics of life, which are shelter, nutritious food, and clothing....if you have these things covered, then all you have to do with the rest of your time is make yourself a peaceful person, rather than spending that same time buying things you don't need."
I think that's cool.
That's if for now.
Check back later!
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