I’ve never been comfortable with the word “frugal”, I admit. I always think I spend too much to be truly frugal (and I admit, I don’t really like the sound of the word – strange? perhaps). For some reason, I’d much prefer phrases such as “intentional living”, “financially responsible”, or “prudent spending”.
So although Punch Debt In the Face proudly declares that he is a member of Club Frugal, I’m not sure I deserve or want a membership card. There are so many blogs out there praising the the virtues of frugality, and now with the recession, it has almost become trendy to be frugal.
But what does frugal really mean?
According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary,
Pronunciation: \ˈfrü-gəl\Function: adjectiveEtymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin frugalis virtuous, frugal, from frug-, frux fruit, value; akin to Latin frui to enjoyDate: 1590: characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources
Now, doesn’t that sound like to be frugal is to enjoy yourself virtuously? 
I like that.
I suppose I have been turned off by the extent of extreme frugality – I really can’t imagine dumpster-diving for food or living a life so devoid of material comforts. But just as I think it’s unfair to judge a religion, a movement, or an organization by its most extreme elements, it’s also wrong to judge a lifestyle by its most extreme manifestations.
Am I frugal? I don’t know. But just as I don’t see wealth accumulation as a goal in and as of itself, frugality is not the be-all and end-all. After all, money is only a tool. I don’t have frugality as a goal, but I can use it as a tool to get to reach my other goals.
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I think frugality gets a bad rap. I remember telling my grandfather that I consider myself "frugal." His response? "You mean cheap!" But to me, frugality just means spending the money I earn wisely, looking for discounts when I can and avoiding the excess that seems to dominate American consumerism.
I think that a lot of us grew up with "frugal" being a dirty word because of the consumerist society we're in. That said, I definitely like my material comforts. I don't think I'll ever be as frugal as my mom. She grew up with it in a more urgent sense — the family was frugal because that is what it took to survive. So she's more often willing to go the extra mile than I am. I am fine with buying canned beans, rather than soaking dried ones. I rarely wash out ziploc baggies to reuse them.
And I like my technology more than she does. She doesn't have a TV. Originally, it was to help her avoid distraction while she was back at school for her BA. I am curious to see what will happen now that she's out of school. Let's just say, I'm not holding my breath that she'll get a TV anytime soon.
I like clothes that look nice (as opposed to "nice clothes" which I can't afford) and care more about my appearance. I use makeup (sometimes) and she doesn't. I have necklaces, earrings, etc. Not so for her.
Despite all that, though, I consider myself frugal. Just not as frugal as she is. Still, I'm a lot more careful with my money than a lot of folks I meet. Far more intentional, to borrow your word.
It's all just a matter of degrees, I think. Though I like the idea of calling it something with no negative connotations. Intentional living sounds very sophisticated.
I prefer the term "fiscally responsible". Like you, and others, I don't consider myself frugal. I spend way too much eating out, buying clothes, etc. However, I contribute 10% of my income to retirement, I have a 6 month (and growing) emergency fund, I don't have any debt other than my student loan and my car (which I'm on track to pay off a year early), and I don't make extravagant purchases.
I don't consider "frugal" to be a bad or an embarrassing thing. I wish I was more frugal! However, I think it's important to enjoy life. Sure the best things in life are free but I can't live on sunshine, smiles, and hugs. As long as I plan for the future and live below my means, I'm good.
It's all a balancing act. As long as you are saving more than you are spending , you're doing great.
I'm frugal, but I still enjoy life (water skiing, waver runner riding, motorcycles, Disney, Hilton Head vacations, etc…). Deprivation shouldn't be equated with frugality.
Frugality isn't a definitive point, it's more of a range… From the Freegans (whom I respect but wouldn't want to partake in their activies), to someone investing more in their 401(k)s to save on taxes…
I'm personally more frugal so my kids can enjoy life a little more. They dress better and do more exciting things than I did as a kid (and that's the way I want it!). Plus, I have to save up for their college expenses (this is a task that takes year and years of saving).
Deprivation shouldn't be equated with frugality. Frugality isn't a definitive point, it's more of a range…
That's because the crazies have appropriated the word and used it to mean making pillows out of dryer lint and giving them out as presents.
I am frugal about some things, but not about others. I think some things I live with to save money would appall others, and I think the "frugalists" would be appalled at how much I spend on clothes!
making pillows out of dryer lint and giving them out as presents.
Honestly, I just strive to make a lot more money than I spend, that's all.
I like the 5:1 ration. If I make $100,000 more this year, I'll spend $20,000 and save the other $80,000 (before taxes to make this illustration simpler).
To nit pick about $5 bucks here and there is a pretty crappy way to go through life. Focus on making more and sticking with a ratio.
That seems like an excellent ratio if you can achieve the level of earnings that makes it possible. If you make $40K a year, your ratio would probably look more like spend $35K and save $15K. If you make $150K a year though, you can spend more – $50K and save way more $100K (tax effect not illustrated here).
I think longer-term income maximization is still the route to go, but maybe in the short-term expense minimization can work.
I think the word "frugal" and "cheap" gets a bad rap. By the definition, it's not bad. It's just utilizing your resources to the fullest extent. To me, that's a virtue – especially in a world where consummerism is seen as good and reducing/reusing seems bad. I think that people tend to just think of the bad connotations when reflecting on what frugality means – using coupons, haggling, buying bulk. As if these are hassles and a status of poorness. But frugality just means not stretching yourself to the brink of over excessiveness – not buying items SIMPLY out of desire and want but out of neccessity.
Hmmm….
I don't think I would describe myself as frugal. Or cheap.
Perhaps miserly right now.
I would call myself "determined" – determined to spend as little unnecessary money as possible to get out of debt. And if that develops into something more when the debt is gone, then so be it. I highly doubt any outside observer would call me frugal though. Just… boring.