It can be satisfying sometimes to look upon the frugal life you’ve created for yourself with the sigh of a martyr. After all, look at all that you give up in life by living frugally. That seems to be the intuitive way to look at frugality, but it’s not truly the reality. Here are some of the side benefits I didn’t see coming when I started my adult life as a part-time teaching marrying a composer.
Knowledge – While explaining the chemical properties of vinegar to a friend, she exclaimed “How on earth do you know that?” My response? “I’m cheap.” When you go out of your way to find lower-cost alternatives to buying convenience items at the store, you take it upon yourself to know more about the way things work. Through research and experimentation, I’ve discovered ways to run my household better, because I don’t just go out and purchase a product whenever I have a problem.
Skills – I once read that it takes less time to learn how to make muffins from scratch than it takes to go to the store to buy a mix. Not only is it usually cheaper to learn how to do something for yourself, it gives you a sort of independence you can’t get if you simply pick up the phone and call for a repairman every time something goes wrong. I was raised on Hamburger Helpers, boxed cake mixes, and fast food. It wasn’t until we first got married and I realized I couldn’t afford such luxuries that I really learned how to cook. I wouldn’t trade that skill for anything. One of our proudest moments this summer was when my husband and I successfully replaced the flush valve on our toilet (on the first try!)
Freedom – When all is said and done, a frugal, debt-free life is a life of freedom. When you push yourself to do as much as possible with as little as possible, you find out what you are truly capable of.
What unexpected benefits have you received by being frugal? Share in the comment section below. We love it when you comment!
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