Things I won’t do in the name of frugality (my dirty little secrets)
We’ve been on our debt diet for a few months now. And of course I write about money all day so it's safe to say, I am focused on finance 24/7. But I thought I’d take this opportunity to admit a dirty little secret: there are some things I can’t do in the name of frugality.
Unwise as this might be, there are a few things that dramatically increase my level of happiness - and it’s hard to put a price on that.
Here are just a few things I either can’t do without or just can’t do, period (apologies in advance to you diehard coupon clippers):
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Give up baths in favour of showers: I can’t live without my tub. I know: it wastes water and has our water heater working overtime. Sure, showers are cheaper. But I just can’t bring myself to give up those long hot soaks to save money. And, on the up side, a hot bath warms me up so no need to turn up the heat after!
Tote my own coffee: I love coffee. I love buying coffee at my local coffee shop. I realize that buying a cup of coffee every day costs money over time and that I could make it at home. And I realize that by cutting out my cup, I could save hundreds of dollars a year. But there are just so many other things I would rather give up first!
Clip coupons: I realize this admission could get me into a lot of trouble. But I just…can’t. For one thing, my purse is messy enough - it’s already packed up with diapers, wipes, business cards and other sundry paraphernalia of working parent life. Even if I did remember that I had a coupon for dish soap there’s a good chance I wouldn’t be able to find it at the checkout. Of course, I do follow online coupon sites like Groupon, etc. but for the most part, I am probably not going to tote around a piece of paper guaranteeing me the cheapest tin of tuna in town.
Give up our house cleaning service: I am a slob. My husband is a total neat freak. Ours is an Oscar-Felix kind of relationship. Our cleaning lady is why we are still married. Enough said.
Okay so that’s my list of things I won’t do in the name of frugality - what’s on yours?
