Frugal Basics



As I'm sure you've noticed by now, this site deals with more than just being frugal. I also have lots of tips on lots of other things. I hope you will take your time and enjoy what I have to say. When you start, though, there are a few things to keep in mind. Please read this article and remember them when you're out in the big shopping world!

Bright Blessings!
Rawiya Storyteller


What Being Frugal Isn't

Being frugal does not mean "cheap". To me, "cheap" means that you're so tight with your money, you refuse to spend it on ANYTHING. Being frugal means that you don't have much money, but that you're willing to do what you have to so that your household and life run smoothly.

Being frugal doesn't mean denying yourself all the pleasures and good things in life. It doesn't mean white walls, ugly blankets and a diet of only cheap-o macaroni and cheese.

Frugal, to me, means taking care of what you have, so that it will last. It means enjoying the knock-off cola instead of the name brand. It means borrowing books from the library, instead of buying all the newest best-sellers at the bookstore. It means buying vanilla ice cream and a bag of chocolate chips instead of highly priced fancy ice cream. It means having beautiful plants instead of priceless crystal vases.

Take your time and learn how you can be frugal. You can't go from poor to rich in a minute (unless you win the lottery -- and few of us actually do!). Along the same lines, you can't go from being a super-spender to a frugal-femme in one day. It takes time, practice and know-how.

Some Special Pointers

Don't Be Afraid Of Dollar Stores! It costs a buck, so it must be junk, right? Wrong! I work in a dollar store every day, and let me tell you, there is nothing wrong with our cleaners, silverware, glasses, plates, dishes, scribblers, pens, pencils, crayons, stuffed animals, hammers, candles, matches, catsup, garbage bags, mugs, sanitary napkins, face cloths, slippers, pantyhose, baskets, gift wrapping supplies, etc. Go there and you may be surprised -- that knock off pine cleaner smells just as fresh and does just as well as the stuff you pay $3.99 at the grocery store.

Define "Bargain". A bargain is only a bargain if you will actually use it. Wow, spagetti is on for $.10 per package! Well, if your kids won't eat it, there's no use in buying 30 packs of spagetti, is there? If you get a good sale on something, by all means, buy as much as you need (emphasis on the word "need" -- don't just horde items for the long cold winter). But if you don't think you'll use it, why bother buying it? Leave it for the next mother who comes along who's children LOVES spagetti. She will appreciate it a lot more than you will.

Get Creative! Why are you buying white garbage bags, when those plastic grocery bags work just as well? Why are you throwing out that old coffee table -- that'd make a perfect bedroom altar! Use those old sheets to make new curtains, place mats, or cushions for your kitchen table's chairs! Everything has a use. Before you throw it in the garbage, make sure it's not still usable. However...

Don't Be A Pack Rat! I know this seems like it's contradicting what I last said, but there is a difference. If you decide that you want to use those old milk cartons to make plastic bird feeders with your kids, make sure you don't already have four of them lying around somewhere else, having saved them before for the exact same purpose. If you find an item you have an idea for, but you don't have the time or the oppurtunity to make that item right now, throw out what you don't need. Or, put them in a grocery bag, including instructions and other items needed to make your project, and put it in the closet, so that they're available to make whenever you're ready.


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