Frugality for fun and profit… but please, not necessity

On occasion I have claimed to be frugal. But after a bit of research, I’m not sure that is always true. For sure we have avoided debt except a mortgage. Our last car loan was thirty years ago and we never had credit card debt, but beyond that my claim of frugality slips a bit. I think we may just be prudent.

When I read a comment about being frugal as part of living in retirement, my tendency is to assume that’s a necessity to make retirement work. That may not be true at all. Some people live frugally because that is their lifestyle before and after retirement.

But are we on the same page defining frugality? 

From ChatGPT:  Frugal means living within your means and stretching your money without sacrificing your quality of life.

From Grok: Being frugal means living economically by prioritizing value, minimizing waste, and making thoughtful financial choices. It involves spending intentionally—focusing on necessities and long-term benefits over impulsive or excessive purchases. Frugal people often seek deals, budget carefully, save diligently, and avoid unnecessary debt. 

From Gemini: Being frugal is about making careful, thoughtful, and intentional choices with your resources—primarily money, but also time and energy—in order to achieve a long-term goal. It's a mindset that prioritizes value and purpose over excessive consumption and waste.

It appears considerable thought and effort must go into most spending decisions along with personal habits. Is that correct, is it always fun or desirable? 

Below are examples of frugality. I have indicated which of these I think I can claim. As you can see, I am conflicted. Some yes 👍, some never👎, a few maybe at times 👍👎. 

Cooking at home instead of eating out frequently. 👍👎Buying used items (clothes, furniture, cars) instead of always purchasing new. 👎Repairing things (shoes, appliances, clothing) rather than replacing them right away.👎Using coupons, discounts, or sales to save on groceries and necessities.👍👎Cutting unnecessary subscriptions (streaming, gym memberships).👍👎Using public transportation, biking, or carpooling instead of always driving. 👎Energy conservation—turning off lights, lowering the thermostat, or air-drying clothes.👎Buying in bulk for items you use regularly (rice, beans, cleaning supplies). 👎Packing your lunch for work or school instead of buying every day. 👎Delaying gratification—waiting before making a big purchase to see if it’s truly needed. 👍👎Borrowing or sharing items (like tools or books) rather than buying your own. 👎Avoiding brand-name goods when a generic version is just as good. 👎

I’m surprised DIY as opposed to hiring someone is not on the list. For me avoiding DIY is a matter of survival - definitely 👎

Honestly, the older I get the less frugal I have become. I just don’t care as much. We still live within our means - meaning our pension and social security income which is a natural constraint on spending. My goal is still to maximize the legacy for our children through minimize use of investments. Although we will do so if necessary. 

I don’t advocate living any of the adjectives opposite frugal (lavish, spend thrift), but hopefully frugal living is a life choice - and fun, not a necessity. 

Gotta go, on our way out to dinner without a coupon, driving my “newer” car, but wearing eight year old shoes. 

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