I never really set out to be the frugal Franny I am today. Growing up, we did often shop at thrift stores, primarily purchased groceries from Aldi, and learned to first save money to get what we wanted. By the time I reached college, a frugal lifestyle just didn’t appeal to me. I planned to make money to buy whatever I desired. I imagined living in a big city, fancy coffee in hand, commuting to work in my expensive attire.
While that was fun for approximately five minutes, I quickly realized that the more money I made the more I desired to spend it; and the more possessions I accumulated only left me wanting more. I had spent my first eighteen years of life saving up ten thousand dollars in my bank account just to spend it on trendy Trader Joe’s snacks? I don’t think so.
My mindset started to shift when I graduated college.
During a celebratory graduation dinner party, my parents gifted my sister and I with the best present anyone could receive after walking across the stage: paying off our college debt IN FULL. The Lord financially provided more than anticipated through their business. Even after all their own hard work, they didn’t hoard the money for themselves. Instead, they thought about the future for both my sister and I. No student loans meant financial freedom as we both walked into adulthood. It was a gift I will cherish forever.
Few people can share stories like this in their lives. In fact, most adults are still paying back student loans well into their thirties and forties. But the gift of tens of thousands of dollars being wiped clean from my own debt revealed why it is so important that I did grow up in a frugal home. As a twenty eight-year-old woman, I now understand that living a prudent lifestyle is not just for me. It’s a sign of respect to my best friend and husband to show him how I desire to earn and spend our money wisely. And it’s a tool for teaching the generations growing up behind me – specifically my two children – how to steward what God has so preciously entrusted to us.
My husband and I lived our first couple years of marriage paying for more schooling. Travis spent two and a half years in seminary, and we were determined not to go into debt. I applied what my mother had indirectly taught me about a frugal lifestyle growing up. From the way she cooked to her affordable fashion sense, I learned to live off less than most others around me. I’d always use up the food already in our home before grocery shopping again. I’d hit the thrift stores over the department stores for necessities, and you’d often find me working multiple side jobs to create more fun money for our family.
Fast forward five years and my little family of four can now happily thrive off less $50,000 a year. It’s just how we have learned to live no matter our income. It’s not always the most comfortable life, but God doesn’t call us to comfort. He calls us to knowledge, growth, and action – all of which are required for living a frugal life.
What if you didn’t grow up with a money-saving mom like I did? What if you know nothing about beginning to live off less?
Well, you’ve come to the right place. Allow me to be your very own money-saving mama. I’ll teach you the simplest tricks and easiest hacks for living off much less than you do right now.
I’m overwhelmed by the support in my own frugal life. A huge thank you to my hard-working mama, who set my path straight toward financial freedom. Another thank you to my papa (dad), who held steady jobs, therefore allowing us to live in memorable homes and take incredible family vacations. You both taught me how a frugal lifestyle can bless the many generations to come.
So, what will your future look like based on your lifestyle today?
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