“You can never be too rich or too thin.”
Wallis Simpson
One of the top New Years resolutions for 2013 is to save money. While this resolution has made the top 10 in previous years, it has special meaning for the coming months. There appears to be a consensus – we don’t like debt. We are all looking for ways to trim budgets, reduce costs and live within our means. We live in a world of economic uncertainty and high unemployment. No one is immune to the capricious forces that drive our global markets. There is a definite trend towards thrift.
Recently, I read Ellen Ruppel Shell’s book, “Cheap: High Cost of Discount Culture,” and now consider myself to be a Frugalista. Many equate “frugal” with stingy, penny-pitching, meagre, miserly and miserable. I am beginning to think that “frugal” may, in fact, be defined as abundance. This week, I want to explore the connections between freedom, frugality, wealth, indulgence and satisfaction.
Samuel Johnson, who lived in the 1700’s said, “Without frugality none can be rich, and with it very few would be poor.” It will be interesting to see if those words still prove true in our century.
Lady Budd 
living debt free is great. We save so that in some paces that we really care about we can afford what we like. It’s fun to be frugal.
When you have no debt is when you can really help someone, pay their rent, give them a new computer. Debt free enables compassion.
Have a great journey!
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Beautiful said! Exemplifies abundance, hope, and joy. Freedom to be compassionate!!! The light on my pathway became brighter with your thoughts.
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and then that expensive dinner, or bottle of wine is really precious and special.
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I agree!!! And then it becomes a celebration.
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You’re right, Rebecca. 🙂
And, please read http://indiferentlianac.wordpress.com/2011/09/26/deficitul-de-atentie/
See any connection ?
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I do indeed see a connection! We are on the same trend all over the world. Thank you for sharing your post – it adds so much to the discussion.
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As I may be one of the frugalista, I am looking forward to your posts this week.
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I had a feeling you were a frugalista!!
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I like your words – I think it is important to be satisfaction with your possibilities.
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“Satisfaction with your possibilities” – an extraordinary thought and one that has me thinking more deeply into the subject of potential and achievement. There is a high likelihood of achieving possible outcomes, but the question remains – will we be satisfied with those accomplishments? Thank you so much for adding to the discussion.
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I think clanmother that it be better for our little luck to be satisfaction with our posibilities, because is there no way to change it, we have not to think about it!
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Well said!! You have given me something to think about. We limit ourselves to extremes. For example, I will never be an opera singer, but I can sing. I may not be a ballet dancer, but I can dance. And my singing and dancing will give me great joy. I can take great pleasure attending an opera or ballet event and be thankful that others have pursued their possibilities. Thank you, my friend.
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My husband and I have been debt free for over a decade. That’s why we can live the way we do. There’s a difference between “frugal” and “stingy”. Some of the stingiest people I know can’t manage their money and are deep in debt. They can’t (or don’t) pay their bills, never buy a drink (but expect you to), and then wonder why they never get invited anywhere. But they’ve got money for themselves.
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Congratulations – a decade of freedom to live the way you want to!!!! I think it comes down to how we make decisions; how we view our participation within the world. What do we value most: friendship, love, hope, joy. You can’t find those in “things.” Living abundant lives is a choice. Remember the saying – “Bread and water can so easily be tea and toast.” I welcome your visits!!!
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Great subject! What is that about “a penny saved”?
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I see that you are also a fan of dear Benjamin Franklin. “A penny saved is a penny earned.” Thank you so much for your comments.
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Bling is burdensome physically, mentally and spiritually.
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I agree!!! I agree!!! I agree!!! And it is a heave burden. Thank you for joining the conversation!!!
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Sorry to be off piste for a while. Glad to come back in on another interesting topic – looking forward to this week’s posts and comments! Loving the new banner photos by the way 🙂
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Welcome back!!! I knew that you were off on an adventure. I’m heading over to read all about it!!
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A course in Frugology. I know I will ACE this one. 🙂
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I love the name – Frugology. It has a ring to it. Of course you would ACE it!!! You would at the front of the class leading us all in one of your amazing songs.
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It’s funny, the more you have, the less you’re happy. It takes a lot to keep up with all that “stuff.” The best things in life are free.
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I agree! You can’t buy more time, more love, more happiness. That’s the stuff we hope to feel when we engage in consumerism. I especially like when you said, “it takes a lot to keep up with all that stuff.”
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