10 Questions to Enhance Your Frugality
In my post The true earning power and the real cost of luxuries, I discussed the concept of true earning power. If the thought of making only $3.85 from a $30 per hour wage does not motivate you to be more frugal, here are 10 questions that you can use to enhance your frugality:
- Do I really need this, or do I just want this?
- Is there a cheaper alternative that works just as well?
- Can I buy this used from somewhere else instead?
- Is the one I already have still working? If not, can it be fixed?
- Is this going to add to the clutter?
- How much use or enjoyment will I get out of this?
- Will I use this only once and not need it again? May be borrowing or renting is a better alternative.
- Will I be using this a few months from now when the thrill wears off?
- Is there something else better I can do with this money?
- Can I wait another week (or longer) to buy this?
Whenever I am about to buy something, or even thinking about buying, I ask myself these questions. Occasionally, I will ask my wife these questions, but I have to be careful and diplomatic.
Give them a try, they might save you some money.
If you like this article, please sign up for free weekly email updates.
Author
By Pinyo, on Sep 20, 2007
Pinyo is the editor of Moolanomy Personal Finance and an entrepreneur with over 20 years of business experience. He combines his passion technology and finance to bring you informative personal finance articles to help you improve your finances.
Freebies
- Credit Sesame: Get free credit score
- Personal Capital: Free money management tool
- Ebates: Get $10 to sign up, plus earn cash back on purchases
- 360 Checking: Open a checking account and get $50
Popular Articles
- How to Save Money and Cut Spending: 93 Ideas
- Homemade Cleaning Products: Cleaners That Won't Break The Bank!
- 168 Money Saving Tips to Stretch Your Dollar
- How to Make a Budget That Works
- What if I Can’t Afford to Pay My Mortgage Payment?
- 52 Ways to Save Money in College
- My Experience Buying a Used Car with Cash
- 7 Easy Part Time Jobs
- My Husband Lost His Job: How to Survive a Job Loss
- Why the Minimalist Lifestyle Appeals to Me
{10 Comments}
Leave a Reply
Disclaimer and Legal Mumbo Jumbo
I'm just an average mom, trying to live a frugal life and get out of debt. I write about things that have (and haven't) worked to improve my family's financial situation. What works for me may or may not work for you, and you should always consult a financial advisor before making important financial decisions.
In accordance with FTC guidelines, I state that I have a financial relationship with companies mentioned in this website. This may include receiving access to free products and services for product and service reviews and giveaways.
Any references to third party products, rates, or websites are subject to change without notice. I do my best to maintain current information, but due to the rapidly changing environment, some information may have changed since it was published. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers.
For additional information, please review our legal disclaimers and privacy policy.
Thank you for hosting my guest post. I hope your readers will enjoy it.
I have to say that #10 works well, if you can wait a week before buying often the thrill will wear off and you will be able to clearly see that you don’t need a 50″ plasma TV, or whatever it was!
I need to focus on asking myself if I can buy this used somewhere else. I am actually pretty good at enforcing all of those suggestions, however, I always forget about the Salvation Army and the Dollar Store. Thanks for the tips!
@Cardiogirl – You’re welcome.
@Kyle – That one is my favorite as well. My wife and I have been looking at plasma TV for our bedroom. But I told here I will not buy one until to old TV is dead.
@Lance – You’re welcome and thank you! About your time and money, be sure to read my post “The true earning power and the real cost of luxuries.” The link is in the first paragraph. You will cringe once you find out what $15 per hour wage translate to, in term of true earning power.
This is a great post! Thanks Pinyo. I agree with Kyle, #10 works for me too, my mom calls it “Sleep on it for a night or two”.. :)
Another thing that my mom (sorry, I am obviously a mama’s boy :) ) taught me was to figure out what my time and money is worth and how a purchase might fit into that equation vs the amount of enjoyment pleasure that it will give me back. For example, if I make $15/hour is it really worth my time/money/effort in returns to buy that “must-have-item”? or is my TIME more valuable.
Lance
Great list!!
I think I’d add to ask if the item is too cheap and will likely break and need to be replaced soon (aka, should i spend more money on the item one time, instead of buying more than one of a cheaper item)?
“Occasionally, I will ask my wife these questions, but I have to be careful and diplomatic.”
:)
Great tips Pinyo. This is a good list for me to print out and keep in my wallet and next to my computer monitor.
Aaaaaaah. Thanks for posting this today, Pinyo! Our TV just died a few minutes ago, and I’m making myself read this list over and over.
My credit cards are safely frozen in the freezer, so I won’t be whipping one out to buy a nice big Plasma TV, and I’m just going to sit here and read this list until the urge to run right out and get a new one passes. :)
Wow…I think I made a lot of new friends today. I should thank you [Lynnae] for giving a chance to post on your blog. :-)
@Heidi – that’s a great add. I have a friend who buy stuff that I think are too cheap and invariably they break before he gets the full value out of it.
@Erin – thank you!
Just may print this out and put it on the fridge….and the computer…um…the wallet….front door…steering wheel of the car (fast food, ya know)…bathroom mirror – across from the toilet perhaps… Hmmm….the possibilities are endless. Thank you so much for putting pen to paper on this issue.