Although we're retired, we're comfortable, so long as we budget sensibly and watch how we spend our finances.
Our kids will tell you we've always tried to spend below our means and never incur a debt except for our house mortgage. Until the kids protested (when they entered high school), I used to buy their clothes at rummage sales. We didn't take trips overseas until we were sure the kids were old enough to remember them and stayed at less than 5 star hotels. We also socked away money directly from our paycheck for the kids' college expenses.
This is just to explain why we are still quite frugal in how we operate. When we go out to lunch we often buy one large drink and just share it. At Yummy's Korean barbecue, we buy the full meal for about $9.00 and we split it.
We even share our shave ice. We don't need so much sugar so we just buy one and get two spoons.
I have a feeling that Tif and KC will not agree to this method of frugality. We've already promised KC her own shave ice.
And we keep our promises (within our means)!
Our kids will tell you we've always tried to spend below our means and never incur a debt except for our house mortgage. Until the kids protested (when they entered high school), I used to buy their clothes at rummage sales. We didn't take trips overseas until we were sure the kids were old enough to remember them and stayed at less than 5 star hotels. We also socked away money directly from our paycheck for the kids' college expenses.
This is just to explain why we are still quite frugal in how we operate. When we go out to lunch we often buy one large drink and just share it. At Yummy's Korean barbecue, we buy the full meal for about $9.00 and we split it.
We even share our shave ice. We don't need so much sugar so we just buy one and get two spoons.
I have a feeling that Tif and KC will not agree to this method of frugality. We've already promised KC her own shave ice.
And we keep our promises (within our means)!
I've found food portions have increased over time and we can easily split an entry too...
ReplyDeleteI'm sure her grandpa's wallet will be a little less tight with KC there...and he won't mind it a bit.
ReplyDeleteFor me, frugality is essential. Friends joke that when I pick up a penny, Lincoln screams. I've almost made it into an art -- according to my friends -- so I applaud you.
ReplyDeleteYears ago, I had to practice extreme frugality. We had three kids and only one income (by choice). There's only two of us in the house now, but the habits I learned have stuck with me. I'd like to think that will help as we gear up for retirement down the line.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and happy easter....
ReplyDeletesome say cheap, but you need not worry what others have to say. Your loyalty is to your bottom line. only you know the true state of your finances. If you and your husband have no issue i say frugal away.
peace...
rhapsody
Stemming from an old, bad joke, don't get so frugle as you get older that you share the one set of dentures and take turns to eat!
ReplyDeleteSounds like your plan has worked well over the years. You could always make a lemonade stand! DrumMajor
thats exactly what Garry and I do, we even split burgers if we have them, the portions are always to large it seems, we find we are satisfied with half.You have done such a good job, thanks for giving great tips, Happy Weekend to you,
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with being frugal...it keeps one out of debt for sure!
ReplyDeleteOur goal is to live in comfort and peace, and if that means spending money on 2 meals rather than one, we will do it. Same goes for cable TV: we can't do without it. Yet, we live within our means. We are just not frugal.
ReplyDeleteDavid and I get one meal and share it. I have read it is better to eat small meals if you have stomach issues, which I do thanks to the meds i take.
ReplyDeleteWe too have always lived below our means, and i just finished paying for my youngest granddaughter's college plan. No student loan debt for my four granddaughters. Dianne
As a result of being frugal you're able to share some wonderful times with your family now. Our son and his wife are extremely frugal. That's why they were able to afford their trip to Japan. We never worry about Rodger's finances. They don't even throw away the last two squares on a roll of toilet paper, you can use those to blot your lips, or blow your nose. Our daughter does not share that trait. She goes for the very best but she makes enough money she can afford the best.
ReplyDeleteAs I look back, I believe I rebelled against my parents' Depression-caused frugality. Also, I married a Greek-American woman and that culture values "being a sport," which means don't be frugal. The result is I am rather loosey-goosey with money.
ReplyDeleteThere's another word for frugal . . . smart.
ReplyDeleteDear Kay,
ReplyDeleteWe have more in common than just the same name!. We need to go shopping together. Pity the poor millionaires, they will never understand the thrill of finding a bargain!!
I love being frugal I say it takes intelligence and self-control to spend money wisely. I figure if I can't pay for it in cash then I don't need it. I first learned to be frugal out of necessity; now I practice it out of common sense. Luckily my husband agrees.
ReplyDeleteFrugality can be very healthy!
ReplyDeleteThere were many years when we had no choice but to be frugal. Now we enjoy having a bit more freedom in our spending.
ReplyDeletehey, money don't grow on trees.
ReplyDeleteWe don't throw our money around, because we think that is a tacky thing to do and an insult to people who can't spend freely.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! We are the same.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried Chun Wah Kam on Waimanu a block ewa of the mall?
AWESOME FOOD & DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL! It's smart to be frugal. So many plate lunch places give so much food - more than enough for 2 people to share.
ReplyDeleteI consider myself frugal too. I know where to save, but also know what I should be saving up for and when to splurge.
I love it when you complain about being frugal lol...we also split plate lunches and in fact lately we've gotten even more frugal and started bring our own brown rice and jug of iced water when we go out and have to eat lunch somewhere. That way too we can order just one take out order of Chinese and split it. More dining options when you BYOBR (bring your own brown rice) lol
ReplyDeleteL. from W.