This may seem like a silly question. But stop and think about it. Websters defines frugal this way:
- Economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful: a frugal manager.
- Entailing little expense; requiring few resources; meager; scanty; a frugal meal.
For me, to sum it up it means to start using less and saving more. Now here is the kicker. Do you have to maximize every savings in order to consider yourself frugal? I say no. Look, if you are just wanting to be scrooge and hoard away a bunch of cash just so you can have a bunch of cash, I believe you will have an empty life. Balance is the key. Don’t be afraid to take a vacation, go out for an occaisional dinner with friends, or buy something you don’t need. Just be responsible about it. Plan ahead. Lets say you always wanted to take a vacation to Australia. You may have to wait a few years, but set a goal and adjust your budget to put the money aside for it. The point is, use your frugality to enhance your life, not diminish it.
-rebel
