What's the MOST EXPENSIVE thing you've given up for frugality?

[RickLee]

Some people here seem to have grown up frugal all their lives. For me, I started growing up in a frugal family, became a careless spender in my twenties and early thirties, and now am re-integrating into frugal life. Some of the things I have had to do:

1. Gave up buying expensive clothes. Moved from high end retail shops, to thrift and vintage clothing stores. Saved hundreds of dollars PER ITEM.

2. Gave up leasing new vehicles. Moved to buying used cars. Saved hundreds on insurance and total costs of ownership.

3. Gave up on mortgage interest. I wasn't going to include this one, but we really did give up on other things just so we could pay off our mortgage as fast as we could -- which we did within ten years of home ownership. We did it by: Buying a smaller and cheaper house than our friends were buying; negotiating hard for the best terms and interest rate; paying bi-weekly rather than monthly; paying double the payment each time to attack the principal directly; using tax refunds to pay down a chunk of principal at the anniversary date.

[hermione]

My biggest struggle has been cable because I LOVE television. We haven't had cable since 2000/2001 when it came free for a short while with a rental unit because the cable company didn't get around to disconnecting it for a few months after the old tenants moved out.

I used to be an avid X-Files and Friends watcher and also easily got hooked into other shows, and not being able to keep up with them was hard. (In fact I still don't know how those 2 shows end - waiting for a day when the complete series DVD collection goes on sale.) But we decided that we didn't need it, and instead made up for it by buying a couple of DVDs a month - usually off the $5.50 rack at Walmart.

It's worked out OK for us, and then when I learned about Hulu last year and I no longer feel deprived. In fact, I wrote a post on it a few months ago: Go on, cut that cable! Websites for Watching Free TV Full Episodes, Movies and News Online

Aside from the money we've saved by not getting cable, I think it was a good decision because I'm sure I would've wasted a lot of hours watching mediocre crap instead of working on my blog, reading and doing other more edifying things these last 8 or years.

[MNfrugal]

I really don't feel like our family has had to give up much to live a frugal lifestyle. We haven't had cable in 4 years (kids were watching too much TV anyway). I don't buy too many clothes.

But we have 4 computers hooked up to wireless internet through a router. Two of the computers belong to our kids, but they saved allowances and gift money to buy them (helped them learn the value of money and saving).

We eat well-- lots of grilled meat in the summer. But we buy beef and pork direct from farmers and save a bundle. I buy other meats on sale and freeze them.

We never could afford big, splashy vacations, but we go to a "resort" for a week every summer, visit family, and take a trip half-way across the country every other year (drive, pack lunches, stay in less expensive motels, etc).

We're debt-free and have a good amount in savings. When my husband and I get small "bonuses" for our work, we split it into charitable contributions (10%), taxes (15%), and 25% each for "family fun," and my husband's and my spending money. That's money we can save for things like new computers or spend on whatever. It's nice to have a small amount to spend as we want.

Like you said, RickLee, it's about making choices, setting priorities. We're pretty happy with ours.

[gt0163c]

There's not a lot that I feel like I give up for being frugal.
I don't have cable television or a cell phone. For lack of cable, I "survive" by watching television on the internet or broadcast networks, buying the occasional DVD box set (on sale or used. Much cheaper overall than cable.). Not having a cell phone can be a bit more complicated, but mostly because most people are convinced that everyone has one. It takes a little more planning ahead and it does help that I'm usually either at home, at work or I really wouldn't want to talk to someone anyway (I don't understand people talking on the phone while on the cardio machines at the gym.). My friends know that leaving a message on my answering machine, voice mail or, ideally, sending me an email is the best way to get in touch with me.

I also, generally don't take big vacations. I do mission trips with my church (often leading them, so the church pays), go to camp with the high school kids (I'm a volunteer youth leader, again, the church pays) or go visit my family. But I'm also single, so my situation is a little different than many people's. My family does go to Disney World every five years or so for a week long vacation. I save up frequent flyer miles for the flight, share a hotel room with my parents, eat oatmeal for breakfast and take sandwiches and snacks so that I usually only eat one meal at a restaurant (and a few snacks. Hard to pass up the Micky Mouse shaped ice cream bars.). And a few years ago I spent a week at Space Camp (and plan to go back in another few years). Those are more expensive vacations, but the frequent flyer miles help a lot.

I don't live in a huge or fancy house nor fill the house I have with high end furnishings and electronics. But that's fine with me because that type of stuff isn't really what I'm into. I drive a fuel efficient car which I plan to keep at least 10 years (Toyota Matrix so there's a good chance it will go longer than that) and, aside from an occasional desire to upgrade the stereo, it's a great car for me. When I do make big purchases, I do a lot of research and look for the best bargains for the quality items I'm looking for.

I do have a few weaknesses/items I splurge on. I like expensive socks. I generally wear only merino wool socks. But I find them on sale an they last for years and years. I can't wear cheap shoes due to weird feet and knee problems. But, again, I buy quality shoes when they're on sale and they last for a good long time. I have a weakness for backpacks. Most women carry a purse, I carry a backpack. And I have to regularly remind myself that I have more than enough packs and don't need to buy anymore. When I do get a new pack, it's a good quality one that I've found on sale/deal/web bargain (Campmor.com is my friend for both socks and packs).

I think a lot of frugality, at least for me, is more about attitude. I'd rather buy less but buy quality items that I know I can use and will last. I greatly dislike poor quality items that I can't rely on. I also have no problem with used items that are still in good, usable condition. Some would describe my lifestyle as cheap. I'm not really worried what people think of me. I live and enjoy my life, give a large amount away to support missionaries and other causes I believe in and don't really consider any of it a sacrifice.

[GeeZee]

I am frugal except when it comes to these things....you need quality:
1) Good Doctor and Dentist
2) Car Insurance
3) Toilet Paper - Am I right?

[kim-mm]

I still struggle with the idea of frugality.

[Buck Nekket]

Originally Posted by GeeZee

I am frugal except when it comes to these things....you need quality:
1) Good Doctor and Dentist
2) Car Insurance
3) Toilet Paper - Am I right?

I totally agree with you! For me it was cable and TV, but then I think it's just months and months of cable since I spen all that cash on computer hardware and software.

[TexasNative]

Originally Posted by gt0163c

I do have a few weaknesses/items I splurge on. I like expensive socks.

This made me giggle.

[ValL]

1) I never go on any organized trips - I shop around and book accommodation at my destination to make the most savings (can be a bit stressful if it's a busy time though). I make my own touring arrangements and stay away from those packaged tours that can double prices (especially true for South East Asia).

2) Thought about buying a flat in the last few years but waited. Hoping the right time will come soon...!

[BGMeyer]

Giving up debt is the most IMPORTANT thing to do.

I never had balances on my credit cards, but saving so I could live cheaper and have a career of my own (instead of working for others) meant giving up the little things, not the big.

Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves, is an old English proverb, and I think a true one.

Some buy a house, some just a smaller apartment. There is no right way to be frugal. Just make sure you are living within your means, and nothing else matters.
Barb