Frugal Living: Learning From The "Experts"

Money has been a big topic of interest in our home the last couple months. It's just starting to "sink in" financially that my paycheck is no longer part of the equation and the sad state of the U.S. economy is not helping matters.

Although the concepts of reducing, reusing, saving and sharing are not new to our family, it never hurts to get advice from people who have more experience in the art of frugality. So, who are these "experts"? I'll give you a hint... they don't work on Wall Street or own fancy cars.

Our Ancestors

A late summer trip to Sauder Village was a lesson in living well with less. The guides and artisans at this living history attraction in Archbold, Ohio demonstrated the resourcefulness of the early pioneers while reenacting important parts of daily life. We actually enjoyed learning about bartering, gardening and the resourcefulness of early settlers (who used scrap fabric for clothing, rugs and quilts).

The wisdom of our ancestors was also evident in the LEAF community discussion about preserving foods. Charlotte Partlow of Berry Good Farm learned the art of food preservation from her parents and grandparents. As a result of internalizing these time-tested traditions of gardening, dehydrating, canning and freezing she lived a life of comfort (and even abundance) when times of economic hardship inevitably arose.

Plain folk

In her recent book (available at Lakewood Public Library), Money Secrets of the Amish: Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving Lorilee Craker investigates the cultural values that allow the Plain to thrive despite economic recession. Carter, a Mennonite herself, had strayed from the spending habits of her faith community and went to the heart of Lancaster County to learn how the Amish manage to remain contented when America is in financial crisis and save money despite having large families and no internet connection. The book is packed with time-honored financial wisdom such as:

• Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make Do, or Do Without - I'm sure you've heard this one before, but how often do you really follow the advice?
• Delayed Gratification - I know this is very un-American, but it is critical to financial health (and relieves stress, too!).
• Responsible Gifting - Here's a news flash, you don't always have to buy new... make homemade, try thrift stores or check in your own closet for thoughtful (and frugal) gifts.
• Teaching Children The Value of Money - Spoiling children is not only a financial issue (according to the Baby Center calculator, we will spend more than $240,000 on each child from birth to age 18), it also has negative effects in terms ofbehavior.
• Eating Well on a Budget - Craker touches on bulk buying and food storage (which are important to the Mormon community as well) and the joy of cooking and eating "real" foods.

Not surprisingly, these principles of simplicity are very similar to the concepts of financial margin. Although there are many wealthy people who live in large houses and drive fancy cars, there is a level of peace and purpose that comes from living simply. Don't listen to the predominant cultural messages... frugality really can be A Blessing in Disguise.

Do you feel constrained by budget or do you love living frugally? What tips and tricks do you use to save money and live well on a budget? Want more information about living well on a budget? Check out my blog at http://writeonjana.com.