Message 1264 of 3610

What Is "Creative Frugality?"

view link
.

What is Creative Frugality?

.
Most people understand what creativity is, and have a good idea what it means to be frugal. But the idea of putting the two together is a little hard to grasp. Because creative frugality is one of those things that is easier to show than to tell, here is a quick list of dead giveaways for identifying creative frugality in action.

It’s making something out of little bits of nothing that the average person would have overlooked or just thrown away.
.
It’s stubbornly refusing to pay full price because you know that if you hold out, the store will have a sale soon.
It’s using your talents, skills and abilities to produce a gift that’s priceless because it cannot be purchased in any store.
.
It’s looking for free or low-cost ways to have just as much fun as if you went out and spent a bundle.
.
It’s finding unusual ways to make things last longer or go farther so you don’t have to spend as often.
.
It’s making dinner with what you have on hand rather than what the recipe calls for and ending up with a tastier dish than if you’d followed the recipe.
.
It’s figuring out how you can reproduce some expensive something sold in stores for next to nothing at home.
.
It’s being happier with extra money in your bank account than a new toy in your garage or entertainment center.
.
It’s enjoying the thrill of the bargain-hunting chase much more than the instant gratification of just going and buying something.
.
But most of all, it’s understanding that your mind works a little differently than everyone else’s and being proud of it!

Copyright Nancy Twigg 2000
TempestStorm's profile
A niece called, she is making a "Love Box" as a present for Grandma...we each will write a note saying something we love about Grandma and the notes will be put on the box, which she bought for $3 at Michael's, decorated with pix of family-times. On Christmas eve we will sit around as Grandma opens the box and reads her Love-notes.

Creative and inexpensive! And the family has agreed to no present exchanging, we only buy a very small gift for the few kids in the family. Focus is now on getting together rather than lots of gifts. I love it!
k4749's profile

over 2 years ago
What a great teaching your family is passing on to the children. You are celebrating love. Money is not your god.

Thank you for this most inspiring share.

What a beautiful lesson. Grandma will be very happy to receive this gift. I would.
TempestStorm's profile

over 2 years ago
Grandma will cherish this gift. She probably doesn't need more "stuff". I know I don't and was grateful that my family decided to cut way back on the gift exchange this year.
eecgeorgia's profile

over 2 years ago
I have an older sister who absolutely refuses to have anyone send her Christmas gifts---------------so, I've devised a way to achieve her request as well as still alow me to sort of "gift her--------I am sending her a card with a crossword puzzle on it, which she'll have to solve to know who sends her Christmas greetings. I made up the puzzle and the clues.---How 'bout this Creative Frugal-ness??!!

ii
zebrasandsuch's profile

over 2 years ago
Great idea! Very clever!
TempestStorm's profile

over 2 years ago
"Creative frugality". I love that idea, BreatheofFire! I do all my clothing shopping at stores like Marshall's, Ross's, TJMaxx, etc. To me, that is creative frugality. I enjoy the hunt for something wonderful at a bargain price. I definitely don't get the same enjoyment shopping at the mall.
MountainTraveler's profile

over 2 years ago
I find the best bargains at the clearance aisle and end-of-season sales. At least 90% of my Christmas gifts were bought on sale or with a coupon. Like Bed Bath & Beyond -- I am constantly getting 20% coupons in the mail and sometimes I'll get a coupon for $5 off if you spend $15 - the cool thing about that store is that they'll still accept their old expired coupons, plus you can use multiple coupons -- like one for each item you buy. Works for me. I know 20% isn't a super discount but every penny helps.
gaild13's profile

over 2 years ago
Check...check...check....yup, all those things are creatively frugal alright. I like the other ideas here as well.
OneEyedDiva's profile

over 2 years ago
Buy clothing at the very end of the season! HUGE markdowns, in some cases. Summer and winter are going to come around again soon enough, and then you'll have something new!
StillAYankee's profile

over 2 years ago

Eons Picks

Visit Eons-Only Specials
For a limited time, get FREE SmartSound Earbuds on purchases of $100+! Use the code “EONSBUDS” at checkout.

Eons Rewards Club
Great shopping deals & savings for Eons Members!

Save on Eons Games
Eons Downloadable Games. Now just $6.99!

Read Member Blogs
Eons has great blogs—read the latest from members or start yours!