Frugality

"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak."

- Hans Hofmann, Introduction to the Bootstrap, 1993

What Frugality Is:

Being frugal means putting very careful thought into any purchases in order to reduce waste and cut-down on unnecessary spending of money that can be used to achieve a more fulfilling purpose

Being frugal means being resourceful: using things you already own in a creative way; taking advantage of money saving opportunities; trading/bartering with others.

Being frugal means not falling into the financial trap that most people walk blindly into: you are in control of your finances, your finances do not cause you major stress, you feel rich with what you have, and you are free to pursue more important goals.

Being frugal means "living simply, so others can simply live."


What Frugality Is Not:

Being frugal does not mean being cheap, it just means not spending blindly.

Being frugal does not mean going without, nothing is sacrificed because the point of it is to be better taken care of.

Being frugal does not mean you don't have anything, it just means you don't have anything you don't need or really want.


What Is The Point?

Frugality and healing the earth go hand in hand: the less you use and the more thoughtful you are about the way you use/reuse things, the less impact you have on damaging the earth and her resources.

Frugality is also a very spiritual practice: it frees you from being weighed down by debt, clutter, and financial worry so that you are more free to live and work on your other goals. It is also spiritual because it gets you more in touch with the land you live on and makes you appreciate the resources it gives you.

And finally, frugality makes you rich! You will just naturally have more money if you practice frugality. Those savings can be used in any way - buying a house, donating to good causes, financing a dream you've always wanted to fulfill.

The fact is, the earth is being raped of all her resources. We are killing the very thing that allows us to live, and as little sense as that makes, it continues to happen - all for money.

We need to stop and no matter what they tell you, your impact does matter.

"With greater emphasis on working to live, not living to work, we are creating awareness for simpler solutions, a more creative existence with healthier, happier longevity, for those brave enough to accept the challenge."

-Tracey Smith

Here's a two part article for more information:

Voluntary Simplicity part 1
Voluntary Simplicity part 2