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I like to spend money on hobbies and experiences so I will save money in other ways so that I have the money for what I value.
I have bought an inexpensive car, buy some generic brand groceries, etc. It just leaves more money for what I like to spend it on. Having a flashy car isn't important to me, and as long as the generic is the same quality as the name brand, I don't care what name is on the label.
I live frugally to spend on items of quality. I am blessed that all my needs are met, and I don't have many wants at this point in my life (been there, done that, can do without if the price is ridiculous). However, I don't buy low-end food products, I like to enjoy my food. I go to the dollar store for cards, office supplies (Magic scotch tape, security envelopes, sticky notes), holiday decor, I love going to Estate Sales where I have a list of items from "back in the day" that I need to replace or add to, I get expensive cleaning and Health and Beauty products here at really low prices (Wasp sprays, ant sprays, laundry products, perfumes, lotions, craft items, home decor), wrapping paper for all kinds of holidays, greeting cards, books, CD's, picture frames, and what I save by buying at these sales or at thrift stores I have the funds to buy better cheese than Kraft, name brand food products, and specialty food items (as I don't like to cook).
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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None of the above.
We live frugal by choice
1) VERY early retirees
2) Never a double income family (hourly pay / single 'night-shift' earner.
3) Gave away most our wealth in our 30's (to a family foundation that will gift to perpetuity)
4) Don't want to ruin my image with my kids (who were on their own the day they turned 18 (and before that for expenses such as cars / clothes / and college (They started college at age 15))
5) Don't need more.
This who have read my posts know I had serious medical issues in the late 90s, had no insurance went through the retirement and savings I had and actually wound up being homeless, living under a bridge next to the RR tracks. It was a lonely bridge so I didn't have to share with anyone. And, NO my family would NOT help me out, meanwhile giving my sibling money to buy several rentals!
I've been through tough times too; although not homeless, I was often one paycheck away from it. Nobody would help me either, and what's particularly astounding is that my church friends didn't offer to help. In one case, I confided in a so-called "Christian" friend that I was out of food. She just said she'd pray for me and that was it. She had a great job as a fashion buyer. I'm guessing she could have spared a couple of cans of soup. She chose not do.
Years later, she is going through difficult times now too. Karma - what goes around, comes around. And she's quite miserable about her life circumstances.
I've learned that some people get help, others don't. That's just the way it is, I guess. But I did realize that I needed to stop going to that particular church and find a better group of people.
G...H, I, J, K, and L. It started with medical debt.
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(who were on their own the day they turned 18 (and before that for expenses such as cars / clothes / and college (They started college at age 15))
