Frugality Isn't Always Fun

Being frugal comes naturally for me. I don't prefer the title "cheapskate" or "tightwad" but frugal makes me feel kinda special. I can do amazing things with a modest budget. Leftovers are my specialty. I can make yesterdays food look like today's firsts and you don't even want to know what will happen tomorrow! I love garage-saling and thrift stores. I feel like it's the closet thing to passing out the loaves and fishes to the masses.

But, not everyone likes being frugal. And furthermore, when the budget gets really tight even I can get uncomfortable. Scrimping is like a sport for me but when it comes to providing wonderful things for my family, sometimes frugality hurts. That's when being frugal isn't fun.

So, if frugality doesn't come natural to you let me share some points which keep me on track when I really want to buy the kids some wonderful new gift to fulfill my "mommy" yearnings.

All day, every day I tell my pre-teen youngsters to "watch your attitude". It's the key to whether our day will be successful or not. If you measure you day by the amount in your checking account rather than by the blessings you have, you'll struggle. I try to always remember, "I'm rich!".

Don't confuse frugality with poverty. I am absolutely, positively convinced that if I was a millionaire I'd still shop and scrimp like I do today. I just can't imagine paying ridiculous prices for similar items that I can find elsewhere.

Frugality is a lifestyle choice, not a handicap. I admire people who live a disciplined life in spite of wealth or poverty. The more money I can save the more money I have to share with someone else. I put less burden on our family budget and have the "freedom" to bless someone else. It might be something as small as a meal for a tired neighbor or a gift for someone who needs a lift.

Resist the temptation to fall into the "entitlement" trap. Entitlement is the idea that I have the right to receive whatever I want. It's like watching a toddler scream at the check-out line because he wants his mom to hand him that candybar NOW! He makes a total fool of himself and those around him because he wants what he wants when he wants it.

As Christians, we should look different but not like that little temper-tantrum victim. If we call ourselves Christians our life and actions must back up our creed. Our homes should be modest because "we're only passing through". We won't be collecting possessions because we know that "rust and mold will destroy".

Put the "fun" back in frugal by coming up with a plan that does work for your situation. Maybe you have a habit that needs kicked. Do you impulsively grab a drink when you pay for your gas at the local filling station?? Do you grab a movie rental every weekend without thought? Do you "supersize" everything when your belt is actually shouting out otherwise?

Give yourself a workable goal. Put away those nickels and dimes that are slipping through your fingers. This time next year you'll be surprised what you've accumulated. You could have enough money for a weekend vacation or a new item for your home. When you pay cash for that item the pride of your year-long discipline will far outweigh the joy of that moment. And if your children are watching, you've just done the best thing for yourself and the generation to follow. You've taught them patience, financial solvency and frugality....which is ALWAYS fun.

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