The Thrift Thread

[suzdoyle]

Some great ideas on this thread!I would add that money is really just energy, and that it amplifies our basic nature and view of life (e.g. scarcity versus abundance). From which viewpoint are we saving money? I think that makes a difference.In the Millionaire's course, Marc Allen suggests that true success is related to your intention about what you want to create in life (not just "things-wise," but the flow of your day, how you spend your time and energy, etc.). If you are a pauper or a tycoon, but miserable, then you have not created success. If you are either of these, but love your life, then you are successful.I have friends who intentionally live under the poverty level (for political reasons), some friends who are millionaires, and ones along the spectrum inbetween. To me, the ones who are successful are those who are creating exactly what they want in life -- and living in a state of gratitude and flow. Doesn't matter what the income level is.To me, when you set an overlying intention about your life (including your relationship to money), then the details about how to manifest that tend to take care of themselves.Just my two cents (pun intended) . . . !!SuzP.S. And personally, I like the idea of voluntary simplicity - over-consumption of things to me feels like a burden and a distraction (too many "things" start to own you!). Living lightly and simply (which of course includes a music studio full of amazing musical instruments/ equipment!!) makes life feel balanced and nourishing, at least for me. My measure of wealth is having ample time each day to do what I love and be creative. When I used to be addicted to busyness and overdoing, I realized that I could take better care of myself by creating more space and time in my life. So I started saying NO to more things, and began focused on and leaning into the empty space and time in my days. LOVED IT! And over the years expanded upon and created more and more of that unstructured open time, which to me is now an essential part of my self care practice.I've been completely self-employed for almost 10 years, and am able to structure my days exactly how I'd like -- and still pay the mortgage, be a mom, and be all about music and creativity. Pretty nifty!

[mojobone]

Great post Suze! That articulates very succinctly some things I could go on at great length about. Living simply is something I do with intent, but not for political reasons; it's more about what I'm willing to do and not do for the not so almighty dollar. When someone asks the question, "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?" I'm at a loss for a reply. It wouldn't be smart to tell them I'm rich.

[feaker]

chitMarried 39 years, my wife and I are always looking for humor each day.We also do not like to waste. When either one of us is on the pot, the other (if in need) will yell out "hold that flush" Thrifty Paul and Roz

[davekershaw]

Quote:When either one of us is on the pot, the other (if in need) will yell out "hold that flush" That's a strange thing to yell out Paul!My wife usually yells: "save some'a that joint for me!"

[aimusic]

Sept 11, 2008, 3:51am, davekershaw wrote:Quote:When either one of us is on the pot, the other (if in need) will yell out "hold that flush" That's a strange thing to yell out Paul!My wife usually yells: "save some'a that joint for me!" Dave,You cracked me up on that one!!! Gotta love the English Sense Of Humour!!! Growing up with my dad kinda forced me to think that way - ya know the "everything's gotta have a double meaning"

[davekershaw]

Quote:A great method of shopping my girl and I found is, try shopping only for the next +-4days, don't bulk shop (as many do) because then you have a tendancy to buy stuff you don't needHey, speak for yourself Brad!I've been waiting years for a buy one, get one free offer on Stella Artois.Finally, Tesco's done it!!I bought enough to last me a month yesterday!Bulk buy gooood!!!

[davekershaw]

Quote:Just buy bread, same thing just with a slight difference...I see where you're coming from,but it don't quench my thirst in quite the same way.AND it's nearly as expensive now!AND I'd feel daft asking for a pint of bread in the pub!

[crystallions]

Sept 11, 2008, 7:45am, aimusic wrote:A great method of shopping my girl and I found is, try shopping only for the next +-4days, don't bulk shop (as many do) because then you have a tendancy to buy stuff you don't need. Try plan meal ideas for the next 4 days and buy ONLY what you need, we've managed to reduce our weekly shopping by like £20/$40 a week...Planning what you are going to eat and only buying what you need for those meals is great.We started dong this recently and found that we are saving lots of money as well. Used to buy everything bulk but as you said we would buy extra things + we would never have time to eat all of the fresh produce before some would go bad. I have also stopped going to the stores that carries more than food such as clothes and jewelry etc. I always used to see things that I "needed" and ended up spending much more than planned. Now I go places where all they have is food. Saves me a lot of money. ~ Lydia

[jchitty]

Sept 11, 2008, 3:29am, feaker wrote:chitMarried 39 years, my wife and I are always looking for humor each day.We also do not like to waste. When either one of us is on the pot, the other (if in need) will yell out "hold that flush" Thrifty Paul and RozHey, Paul and Devin....glad you folks are enjoying the thread here....I've enjoyed reading all these great tips and observations.