Being Thrifty vs. Your Time

By

eveh

I thank God for being raised up poorer than dirt. I learned so much from watching how Mama would cope. I can get a meal with very little money and sew and fix most things when they break or find a substitute. We were taught to use things up, reuse them, barter them and just in general how to save money. I never felt like I was missing very much. Being poor is not all that bad if you know how to make do.

I know a lot of my friends, we are all poor, are a whole lot happier than Hollywood, who has everything given to them. I actually feel sorry for "rich" folks. They never know the satisfaction of making things with your own hands. "Poor and happy" can go together very well. So take heart if you are poor and just learn everything you can. Learn a new skill every year. Learn to garden even if it is in pots. Learn to sew. Learn to really cook frugally. Learn to decorate from books or videos. Learn to make jewelry or sharpen up skills you already have and sell your wares. Learn to use tools if you are a woman. Start with an electric drill. My favorite gift was one of those drill sets. I am never at the mercy of waiting for a man to do it. LOL I have one, but he is always going to get to it tomorrow. So I learned how to use an electric drill and screwdriver. They come together in a kit. Learn.

By

jayhawk67

Doing it yourself not only saves you money, it yields a sense of accomplishment. This is particularly true if the task is one that has in the past been daunting.
Most DIY revolves around your home. You can make it fit your needs and personality. It really was not that long ago in the larger scheme of things that the task of building an abode was done by the dweller to be.
Regardless the task; landscaping, room decoration, garage organization, try your own hand. It is not as hard as you might think.

By

si67oux

Ahh, yes, attitude is everything. I believe the culture of the world is turning in your direction, where consumption is no longer held in such high esteem. Thanks for your 2 bits.

By

kneuv

My Husband thinks that gardening is a waste of time because if you figure the time spent, the vegetables are more expensive then the ones at the farmers market. But I love to garden - it gets me outside, it's great exercise, and it is also very satisfying to bring in baskets of fresh vegetables all summer long.