Frugality vs. Cheapness

Personal Perspective on Frugality

Frugal Life: Always lived frugally, strict budget, tracks every penny in spreadsheets.
Simple Joys: Draws joy from simple activities (dog walks, cooking, books, podcasts, etc.).
Reason for Frugality: Values freedom over material possessions.
Balancing Act: Compromise is key; saying yes to one thing means saying no to another.

Housing: Prioritizes having a nice home, lives in Toronto where cost of living is high.
Quality over Quantity: Saves in many areas to enjoy quality in important aspects of life (home, food, etc.).
Minimalism: Buys only what brings long-term joy, no interest in status symbols.
Clothing: Buys clothes on sale, values function over brand names.
Price Matching: Actively price matches groceries, saves a significant amount.
Energy Saving: Unplugs unused appliances, uses electricity during off-peak hours.
Coupons and Discounts: Searches for coupon codes, waits for sales unless urgent.
Service Comparisons: Routinely compares prices for insurance and utility services.
Cooking: Prefers home-cooked meals over eating out; saves restaurants for social occasions.
Pet Medications: Fills pet prescriptions at the pharmacy to save money.
Reusable Items: Reuses aluminum foil until it's no longer functional.
Smart Buying: Buys second-hand tools and resells them after use.
Heating: Keeps the thermostat low in winter; wears extra clothing to stay warm.

Generous with Others: Willing to spend more for the comfort and hospitality of guests.
Personal Care: Limits personal expenses but doesn't compromise on quality for others.
Hosting: Enjoys hosting friends and cooking for them.

Home: Invests in a comfortable and beautiful living space, values interior design.
Pet Care: Spares no expense on pet's health and well-being.
Stress Prevention: Prioritizes reliable car and phone for work.
Healthy Food: Willing to spend more on nutritious food to avoid health issues.

Instinctive Living: Sees frugal living as a habit and means to achieve personal goals.