Frugality is really an interesting subject for me..I love it..probably as much as being a landlord
I suppose it a control issue, and also a challenge.
Most people have a finite amount of dollars available to them.
After we pay our P&I mortgages, tradies, employees,business expenses, we only have a certain amount left over. We could spend that money without any care of the cost until the money is gone, and then use our credit card...but this will only go on so long. Eventually you reach your credit limit.
Or..
We can buy all the same foods we normally buy, but when they are on sale/reduced and stock up. Only replace clothes when we need them. If that is second hand or when on sale, doesn't matter. Replacing a "whatever" instead of buying another to throw in the drawer...then we have the money to enjoy an afternoon lunch with a friend at a cafe. Buying more food than I can physically eat, and leaving it on my plate, does not appeal to me. Some things I want to order, do not reheat well, even if I take them home.
There is always going to be a segment of the population, where buying is very important to them. They need to update their wardrobe constantly, because they can't be seen wearing the same thing too often. For these people, 'having enough' is not part of their vocabulary.
I usually buy second hand, but this summer I did buy 10 new tank tops.After the sale price, and the store incentive loyalty coupon..they cost $2.75 each. I'm good for tops for a while now.I bought one of every color.
If you look at the Depression of 1929 it was caused by over consumerism.
Also read the article link Ricardo posted from MMM. It is very interesting.
Bayview has a thread where he is stating many people he comes into contact with are struggling (paraphrasing). This is what happens when expenses exceed income. When this happens you have 2 choices: earn more or decrease expenses.
Not everyone wants to get another job.
Sometimes it just makes more sense to 'buy better'. If you don't watch much tv, cancel or down grade the cable pkg. Same with your phone & internet.
Need to save on your electric bill? Don't have the a/c running when you aren't home, but program it to come on 10 minutes before arriving home.Shutting it off at night, and open the windows.Close drapes in daytime. Using the clothes line, and if you are too busy during the week, do it on weekends. You get the idea. It's all about choices.
Some things you can't do anything about, such as car rego prices, but anything that is dependant on your consumption, you can.
