How Being “Frugal” Can Help You Gain Financial Independence

To maintain control over your financial situation, you need to limit yourself. When doing so, be strict - but not too strict that you will be more apt to give up. With self-discipline, you are bound to succeed in improving your financial situation. In other words, learn to enjoy life as a cheapskate!

Being a cheapskate doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life; it just means you enjoy life while making a conscious effort to budget and save money. If you admit you get pleasure from actually spending money, then I would suggest you first realize that this is a problem, especially if you don’t have the money to do this. Even if you do have the money, unless you are a multimillionaire, spending for the sake of spending may be detrimental to your financial condition in the long run. Take the necessary steps to convince yourself that, as a cheapskate, you can enjoy life too.

When I was younger, I was teased and talked about because of my frugality. Those who know me would make statements such as, “You’re so tight, your butt squeaks when you walk.” My feelings would get hurt and I would be sad. Those days are long gone. Today, when people joke about my frugality, I not only laugh with them, but I think to myself, You are going to one day wish you were like me. Being a cheapskate has allowed me to make financial accomplishments. Because of these accomplishments, specifically having become totally debt-free, I am truly proud to be considered a cheapskate, even though I have been teased about it.

Once you have begun to make a lifestyle change and have become a cheapskate, it’s your choice whether or not you want others to know how frugal you have become. With so many people having financial problems nowadays, don’t be ashamed of becoming frugal. Instead, consider it a privilege, and an honor, to be called a cheapskate.

Whether your goal is to pay off your mortgage loan in less than five years and to become totally debt-free, or you have different financial goals, you must keep your eyes on the prize. Keep focused and make goals that are attainable. For example, if you save $10,000 a year, then an obtainable goal may be to pay off a $100,000 mortgage loan in about ten years, not five. If you save $20,000 a year, then you are able to pay off a $100,000 mortgage loan in five years, not two or three. So, make sure your goals are obtainable. Nothing is more discouraging than not meeting a goal you’ve set for yourself.