I’ve been meaning to talk about frugality but I made myself an actual note after reading the post and discussion on Kelli Agdon’s Blog. And for a non-poet read (more fiction and non-fiction) stop by Emily Harris’ blog for some good laughs and serious debates about everything from scary organic turkey farms to new babies and everything in between.
When I was still working in an office full time, I didn’t give as much thought to being thrifty or to much beyond recycling cans. I was rarely happy while I was working so I used spending as a big outlet to make up my lack of enjoyment at work. That kind of lifestyle can get you into all kinds of debt and with excessive well…stuff and junk.
One of the very first things I did after leaving my job was to have a yard sale. Since then I have saved so much money by just buying less and selling off things that I gently use and can pass on to someone else. It still amazes me that we are better off financially then when I had that good paying job.
But, I still wonder if I am frugal enough. We still have cell phones, high speed internet and DirecTV. I still buy primarily new books and new clothes. We do a decent amount of eating out and I rejoined the Y. What exactly do I save money on?
I set limits. I don’t buy new clothes until mine are worn out. I don’t buy new books (unless it is a really really good friend) until I have read through the ones I have pending. I stick to a budget and plan, plan, plan, but I really feel like I could do better. I don’t want to give up buying new books, especially poetry, because I want to support the authors but I am thinking I could go back to buying more used clothes. I used to be a big fan of places like Goodwill so I’m going to try to do a bit more of that.
What do you guys do to stay more frugal? Or do you not care about it? What do you think you could give up or reduce?
And, of course, you know you can apply this to poetry. What do you over use? Is it a word? A form (like same couplets) etc One of my big problems? As good old Bryan pointed out to me – use of the word SO. I am watching it oh SO very carefully now!
Today’s PIC by the way over at my photo blog is thinking Paper House which is still on pre-order! I’m down to the last 4 submissions for Referential. Hard to make a decision between these great pending pieces!!!
hi, I have received an award from Shakira and I have to share it with the bloggers that I appreciate.you are one of them .check out your award in my blog and good luck to you.
Thanks for the award. I appreciate the thought but I don’t really do the award spreading thing. I do shout outs on Monday’s instead to blogs I follow
Hi Jessie
Great post
I have learned to be quite frugal in the past year( have not bought any new clothes as I really have too many) but the one thing that is hard for me is passing up buying a book that I love!
Heading to the mountains tomorrow morning, so, I will visit you when I return on Sunday.
Look forward to all your new posts
Take care Jessie.
Margie
Margie – Books, I think, will always be my luxury. Not only because I love books but because I want to support other authors out there.
Have a great time in the mountains! We’ll be pounding away at the keyboard down south
I agree with you on the clothes thing. I’ve never been a very vain person so if it fits and it’s warm, it works. I suffer from ‘very bad clothes’ anyway. lol I do sales if I have to and the Sally Ann is terrific for vintage and cheap. My word that I over use is ‘basically’ when I’m not overusing brilliant and ironically.
I don’t think I could save more money because I’m poor as it is. I own nothing Ms. Jessie, but damn, I’m rich with the wonderful people I know and love, you included!
Val *hugs* I know what you mean about surrounding yourself with great people because that is truly what counts. I wish we were a little less debt ridden but our quality of life is still so much better than it was about three years ago!
I’ve had it pointed out to me that I over use the word myriad. I’ve loved tis word since I was a child. I guess I’d better grow up. lol
I couldn’t pronounce sphere for years so I like to use it now whenever I can tis true!
oops! ‘this’ not ’tis’.
Growing up poor, below poverty level is kind of like ribs to me, the sauce sticks to your bones! I had to get hubby on track too, he grew up with eight siblings that all make good money and spend it, but he is doing better.
I read a great article on reviewing words you re-use over and over in your writing, so I keep an eye out for the food stuff, since you can only ‘flip a tasty dish’ so many times
I think when you grow up poor you either become a miser or you do like I did in my twenties- you just want what everyone else has and darn if credit won’t let you have it
I found, on an essay I was working on today, that I had too many prepositions at the end of sentences
Frugal poetry? Oh, I’m always torn between wanting to wallow in words, just roll around in rhymes — and wanting a poem to shoot like an arrow to the heart.
As for frugal $$$? Oooh, i do hate to think about the do re mi. I support a family, including two ISU’s (Independent Spending Units — a/k/a well-loved daughters). So I’m always working, hauling long hours (just wrapping up my day’s work now). I try being sorta frugal, but end up shelling out for pre-prepared food and extra clothes cuz I don’t cook and launder the way I oughta.
Anyway, who cares about money, when I can be part of projects like your Referential Magazine. An insane rush! Love it . . .
http://referentialmagazine.com/contents/roseauslander/
Independent spending units is too funny! And thanks for mentioning referential. I am enjoying all the excitement!!
We are pretty frugal, and I have to coach myself to splurge now and again on art supplies or books. I hate shopping for clothes, so I wear the same things until they fall apart, luckily you don’t need too many clothes in Darwin (too hot) and it’s pretty casual. If I won the lottery I’d have to have a shopping slave to go buy things for me!!
i used to love clothes shopping but it is such a chore anymore. if i find one shirt i like i tend to buy 2 or 3 of the same and wear them till they fall apart! last weekend i spent two days just trying to find a sweater i liked to wear around the house. nuttin!
I just seem to drop in the word “just” just about everywhere.
And justly so!