Tuesday, June 03, 2008

My Frugalness is Conflicted

I just saw an interesting article on extreme frugal living. I'm intrigued by those who manage to simplify their lives so much while still maintaining an acceptable standard of living, and... well... still being happy.

I agree that rampant consumerism is a problem in our society. However, I still like the comforts my current lifestyle provides. Am I willing to change my shopping habits and sacrifice (or at least modify) some of the niceties I've come to expect in my life?

That's a tough question.

I have Dumpster dived (though not for food) and pulled stuff out of the neighbors' garbage the night before trash day. Sometimes I found things for my own use, sometimes something to sell (there was a time I made a living through garage sales, swap meets, flea markets and the like). That was all pre-wife and kids though.

A couple years ago I announced that from then on I would buy all my clothes second-hand at thrift shops or on eBay. I'm a stay-at-home dad, so it's not like I really need the latest fashions. That lasted less than a year, when I discovered that it wasn't easy to find things in my size and that I really did need to dress up on occasion. Still, I think I could probably handle the second-hand clothes thing if I tried harder.

Then there's all the other stuff I buy: books, DVDs, books, food, books, household items, books, stuff for the kids, more books....

Could I really be more frugal about those purchases? I'd certainly like to be, especially with all the rising costs in other areas (like gas). Hmmm. Maybe I could cut down on that stuff.... Well, except the books. ;-) How about you?

Tags: ; ;

Bookmark and Share AddThis Feed Button