Hello everybody, I have a few questions in regards to the frugal lifestyle and myself so I will try and not make this too hard to follow (because in my head, it often is... :p).
I am a big fan of frugality. I shop at the shops where you can buy worn clothes that were donated, for literally 4$, 10$. Ofren big brands such as Hugo Boss or Ralph Lauren. Why buy 100$ pants when you can get them for a tenth of the price. I know the new one will probably last longer but 10 times longer? That's a bet I'm willing to take. I look at rebates on food, rebates on all the things I buy, no alcohol, no drugs, no going into bars. I am a fan of minimalism and I try to only keep what is necessary for me, in my life. All this went so well, until the day I realised a few things.
First, I got into this mindset because I grew up in a poor family. I could never get that nintendo 64 game I wanted because of money issues, I could never get that Love Hina manga, I learned living and surviving with the strict minimum. I rented books at the library because I couldn't afford to buy books but then I saved up a relatively good amount of money.
I bought some mangas, I bought a Nintendo Switch, Zelda, it was the time of my life ...until I saw the crater it made in my budget!
These things make me incredibly happy but seeing my savings burn, does not. I realise if I don't spend more than I earn and stick to a strict budget, I will be fine but there is more.
Which brings me to point number two. Because we were so poor in my family, I grew up somehow remorseful when I spent money on things that were not vital and this is making me seriously wonder if I am truly frugal or there is something more to it.
I believe I am but I also feel terribly bad and guilty when I buy things that aren't necessary. I go to watch the latest Avengers, I feel guilty because it will come out in 2 months and I spent 15$ with the 3D. If I buy a book that is available at the library, it's even worse because it was available for free at the library. I feel full of remorse when I go eat at a restaurant because I believe I could have cooked myself something and this goes on and on.
I wish I could be frugal and not take it so personally when I spend some money.
Anyone ever felt like I do and found a way to get out of it?
Am I frugal or just living some sort of PTSD? Because they say money doesn't make you happy and I agree but it does make me happy when I buy things that make me happy. And then my overthinking kicks in and I get into all these things that I buy but are free (books) and I try to convince myself that owning these books make me happy and it probably does but I'm starting university in 4 months and I feel bad spending when I should be saving!
I think way too much, what a curse, to be so intellectual. :p I try to save money everywhere and I pushed frugality wayyy too far (or so I believe), literally only saving money and not buying things that make me happy.
I feel like the hobbies I love would make me terribly happy but are too costy (video games/manga) so I end up buying nothing and feel a little dissapointed. I learned to live with nothing and I can survive with nothing but having something once in a while would be nice...
Thanks in advance for the replies, I appreciate it!
May 06, 2018 at 01:57PM
