When I was growing up we were not the most affluent family, although I didn’t realize until I was older just how hard my parents worked to give us everything we needed. However, looking back, being brought up in a frugal, thrifty household where my parents worked hard and embraced DIY was one of the biggest gifts I could have been given. The mindset of shopping for bargains, waiting for the sales and seeking value for money became ingrained.
When I was old enough to have pocket money at school and when I had a bit of spending money at university it was such a thrill to choose something to buy. It felt like a real treat, but also a decision to be pondered and made very carefully. After all, funds were limited!
Not only that, but I made the most of those purchases. I would listen to CDs I bought incessantly, particularly my favorite songs. However, when it came to items of clothing, I would save them for ‘best’, wearing them only sporadically because they were special purchases.
The challenge is retaining this feeling. Once you have a little more disposable income it is all too easy for lifestyle inflation to creep in. It is easy to get carried away making lots of little purchases because you can. They may still be in the sale, or be a bargain, but the thrill of a well-considered purchase of something you really wanted and maybe had to save for is a better feeling to hold on to.
It certainly encourages lean finances anyway! By the way, don’t hesitate to get access to Meredith Shirk’s flat belly system. If you want to lose your belly fat this guide is one of the bests you can download on my website.
Wake Up Lean by Meredith Shirk
