Comments on: On Spending Consciously

By: Michael Anderson

Michael Anderson — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:05:19 +0000

I definitely agree that budgeting for pleasure spending is imperative. I also feel being able to budget for household spending is even more important. I work with Low Cost Power, and have found it helpful to be able to save tons of money on my electric bill and budget for it at the same time.

By: Slinky

Slinky — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:22:29 +0000

Great post. I think spending consciously is the most important thing to managing your money well. It doesn’t matter how frugal or not you are, as long as you’re choosing what to spend your money on. I decide how to spend my money and I put it in my budget. Then I stick to it because I know that’s how I really do want to spend my money. If something comes up, I have to decide where the money for that thing will come from. Can I cut another budget category or is it worth putting off my big savings goal a bit? Funny how it’s rarely worth doing that!

By: Dawn

Dawn — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:45:25 +0000

I agree with Miranda – I was just thinking about this the other day. As long as you are making conscious choices and have the money to do so, then you should spend as you see fit. It is only when it is happening without prior thought – or planned money – that it becomes a huge problem. Great post!

By: DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad

DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:56:23 +0000

Nice post!

True, bringing lunch is frugal and helpful in reeling in spending, but I wouldn’t call your co-worker unfrugal. He rightfully points out that he is selective in his spending. That’s what frugality is about– being selective and careful with your spending.

By: Kristia

Kristia — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:42:47 +0000

Enjoyed your article. After numerous financial mistakes, I’m learning to become frugal. And I also agree, frugal doesn’t mean cheap.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:30:49 +0000

Miss M, Sorry I missed your post. And you’re right – some people think the term “frugal” equates to cheap, which isn’t the case at all. It’s all about making the financial choices you want to live the life you want. If that means saving money on eating out so I can save more for retirement, or drive a nice car, so be it. Frugality is making the best of the resources you have available.

By: Miss M

Miss M — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:25:58 +0000

Ha ha, I had a post like this a few months ago called the CoCo Revolution. CoCo being short for Conscious Consumer. I think frugality has a negative connotation that is unwarranted, there is nothing wrong with being more aware of our own spending.

By: Kelly from Almost Frugal

Kelly from Almost Frugal — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:25:05 +0000

I agree. I absolutely have to budget for things like this, and doing so helps me to save money. I don’t spend money on a lot of things without thinking about it, but that’s a recent development! It was only after I gave myself permission to spend €25 at Ikea every month and eat out twice a month that I stopped splurging once a month for much bigger amounts than I spend now.

Nice post!