As someone who is trying to live a frugal lifestyle, and get my money to go as far as it possibly can, there are certain traits I think I have that make me a frugal person. Living frugally means I can have a good life that I can afford, but it doesn’t mean sacrificing lots to get there. It means getting the best within a budget.
10 ways to know you’re a frugal person:
1) You prefer quality over quantity. Living a frugal life means making the best of everything, and having a lot of stuff is not necessary better. Getting something that’s of a better quality, and therefore will last longer, is better. Even more so if it’s a bargain in the first place!
2) You shop around before buying anything. Whether it’s a pair of shoes, or the weekly shop, you check online at the offers before stepping out of the door. After all, you don’t want to end up paying more than you should!
3) You actually enjoy “brown bagging” it. Taking your own lunch to work rather than relying on the canteen is a good thing for you. It’s cheaper and better for you anyway – win!
4) You buy food items in bulk, but only if you use them regularly. Buying in bulk is only effective if you buy things that you use regularly, so that they don’t end up going off. But, it’s an effective stately for saving money if used right!
5) You know that expiration dates can be taken with a pinch of salt. Milk doesn’t magically go off the day after the expiration date on the carton. Do the smell test here – if it smells okay, it’ll taste okay* Food definitely doesn’t need to be wasted just because of a small printed number on the front of a package.**
6) You live in a house just the right size. No McMansions here – it’s not necessary for a frugal lifestyle to have a massive house. Where would the value be in that? Plus, a smaller house means less energy bills, less stress and less things to go wrong.
7) You like shopping in thrift stores. Some of the best furniture deals are in second hand or thrift stores, especially if you’re willing to do a bit of work on them. We’ve got a sideboard in our house that we get in a seconds shop, all because one of the shelves was missing inside. One of the best purchases we’ve ever made!
8) You know where your local library is, and use it. Lots of people wouldn’t know where their local library is but it’s such a valuable resource. So many free books in so many genres. Free internet and the daily papers. Audio books and dvds are also there. What more could you want?
9) You don’t go overboard at giving times. No huge piles of Christmas presents under this tree. You give accordingly and give more thoughtful gifts, things that are useful rather than the latest gadget that’ll be outdated in three months time.
10) You enjoy being at home! There’s nothing better than staying at home on a Saturday night with a homemade meal, drink and company. Maybe some candles burning, film on the box and a cup of hot chocolate to finish with. No nights out until 3am here – couldn’t think of anything worse.
Do you agree with these? Have I missed anything out? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
* within reason, use your common sense here…
** I have a friend who throws everything out that is in her fridge if it’s past its expiration date. WITHOUT even checking! It drives me mad as it’s so wasteful.
#11. You prefer to watch DVDs instead of going to a movie house.
😀 well, I am this kind of person! 😀 #5 and #10 really describe me. My friends sometimes thought I’m weird, low-class and introvert. I am a proud home-buddy and just enjoys playing board games and writing and doing stuff and whatever!
Some people just don’t know the importance of being frugal. Being frugal is being productive in some way! 😀 Amen?
Yes to #11! Can’t believe I didn’t think of that 🙂 I think frugal is productive too – people just don’t know it! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I relate 8 out of ten, which makes me a frugal person! That is something I can be proud of. Haha! I was simply smiling reading your number 2 because I really spend so much time before I buy like for hours especially on clothes.
Glad this made you smile 🙂 8 out of 10 is pretty good!
I’m an 8/10 too!
Found your site becuase of your crush.
“It means getting the best within a budget.” Love this, Nicola, and #1 is my favorite. Instead of our old ways of going out to eat at mediocre restaurants all the time, we now prefer a really nice restaurant once a year or so. Quality is definitely better than quantity. 🙂
Thanks 🙂 we prefer going out to a special restaurant for an occasion rather than go to a poor quality one more often – it makes it more special!
Numbers 6 through 10 are definitely me!
Thanks for stopping by 🙂 glad to see some frugal people agreeing with the list 🙂
I think you’ve nailed it, Nicola. For me it’s all about living within your means (and being happy with that), saving for the things you want instead of buying them on credit, and understanding the value of what you’re buying versus the cost.
Thanks for stopping by 🙂 I agree – those three things are the basis for a happy financial future 🙂
Nicola,
Great list!
Couldn’t agree more. And the local library is always an awesome place to check out free movies. I’ve noticed some libraries have extensive new Blu-ray selections, which is mighty impressive.
I live in a 900 sq. foot apartment with my girlfriend and her son. Small spaces are more intimate anyway. I couldn’t imagine living in some awful 10,000+ sq. foot house where everyone is spread apart. What a waste!
Best regards.
I do all but #7 so we must be pretty frugal! I was amazed at how pricey items were at our local Goodwill. I can actually find great deals on new items although they may not be as ‘unique’.
Yes! I passed the quiz, I’m a frugal person ;)! This really is a great list. A lot of this we’ve just done on autopilot for years, we don’t even think of it as “frugal” anymore, it’s just how we live. #10 is pretty much verbatim our weekend nights–hot cocoa and all!
It is how we live as well, on the whole, but lots of my friends wouldn’t consider some of these options at all as everyday living!
I’m really struggling with #3 right now, with two trips to the local supermarket and one to McDonalds this week!
Gah, also I feel crap for eating all this fast food.
To make it worse, I don’t even have any excuses – I’m just being lazy! Although having a cold doesn’t help (damn changing seasons in the UK, is it autumn or winter – make your mind up!)
Dom
I think when the weather changes and gets colder, it makes you want to eat more food, the more stodgy the better!