It may not be “cool” to be frugal. But I’m tired of pretending I care. I’m building wealth, I’m living richer, and I’m feeling better about my financial health than I ever have before. And you can too; join me in being “uncool” with these five frugal habits.
Living Beneath My Means
I don’t think it’s cool to have stuff just to have it. I proudly live in a way that keeps me conscious about the financial decisions I’m making. I don’t need a giant apartment or a flashy car. I’m perfectly content with a decent-sized space and a car that gets me from point A to point B. T
his approach has allowed me to save a significant portion of my income, which I can then invest in my future. It’s even helped me build up my emergency fund, which I was meaning to do for literal years.
Cooking at Home
I don’t know when cooking at home became “uncool,” but I’m massively proud of being uncool if it means I get to cook. Everyone else is spending hundreds of dollars a month going out to eat and wondering where all their money’s going.
And meanwhile, I’m meal prepping, saving a fortune, and eating the best I have in my life. Sure, I still like going out to eat, and I don’t cook every meal at home. But learning to cook and meal prep has added so much joy to my life and cash to my pocket, even if I look silly in the apron.
Thrifting
Thrifting is in a weird spot. Some people think it’s cool, but that’s usually only for things like clothes or home goods. But I’m down to buy secondhand for basically anything, including furniture or electronics. While most people wouldn’t be caught dead with a used laptop from two years ago, I simply don’t care. It works, and it saved me literally hundreds of dollars. I’m thrilled.
Saying No
I say no to lots of things, but I’ve fully embraced the immediate, full-stop no when things are outside my budget. I’ve made it a point to resist the urge to buy things on a whim. I politely decline invitations to go out if my dining out budget is expended for the month.
But the best tip is to try the “no, but…” in some of these situations. Like if a friend wants to go out for drinks, I might see if they’re free to come by for coffee another time. This way, I’m not becoming a shut-in just because I want to spend money.
Living For Experiences More Than Things
Whether it’s traveling to new destinations, attending workshops, or spending quality time with loved ones, I’ve learned that experiences create lasting memories that enrich my life far more than material possessions ever could.
I’ve finally made my way out of the cogs of consumerism and focused on things that actually add value to my life, and I couldn’t be happier, even if that makes me uncool.
