I bet you don’t realize how much a frugal life and friendship go hand in hand.
I’m not talking about just any friendship, I’m talking about a friend who will walk alongside of you in your own frugal journey.
Think about it – if you surround yourself with people who love spending money and desire to always have more, what will you want? Likely, the same. However, if you choose to surround yourself with people who also value saving money, you’ll likely desire a more frugal lifestyle as well.
Personally, I love all friends. Actually, some of my best friends are spenders and it’s somewhat refreshing when someone pushes me to say yes to the shoes or asks to go out for coffee.
But if you’re in a season where you really need to cut the spending and create more frugal habits, your frugal life and friendship choices should really align.
Allow me to share how the right friendships can impact your own frugal life.
As kids, we make friends with the little girl right next to us on the playground. You don’t stop to think if that particular seven-year-old will help you learn to plant a garden or someday leave sourdough bread on your doorstep. When it comes to childhood friends, maybe you’re the one who drives the frugal living mindset. Don’t be surprised if you’re the only one suggesting free activities or making homemade ice cream shakes to enjoy with late night chats on the couch. Our world is miles and miles away from a frugal lifestyle, but you still have the power to do so! If the friends you grew up with have now become shopaholics, encourage thrifting or reselling as enjoyable activities to bond over rather than just spending.
You don’t have to be a follower. Think about the impact you could have on your more expensive friendships if you could contribute some money-savings options into your time together.
But as you’re walking through adulthood, you’re able to somewhat control what friendships come in and out of your life.
Here’s a few places I love meeting new frugal friends:
At the park. If you’re taking your kids to the park, you’re likely looking for something free to entertain your children. Other mamas at the park are likely doing the same thing! (Similarly, at the library or neighborhood kitty pool.)
In school. Colleges and graduate schools are full of students living off loans. This is the prime time in life to learn to live off less, or that student debt will rack up all the more with excessive spending. Make hanging out with school friends as free as possible!
At church or biblestudy. Some families at church align with our own beliefs that family and spiritual life comes before work. Yes, we need to work to survive (and thrive). However, families at church often agree that no amount of money can buy back family time.
In Facebook groups. I’ve joined a few pages and chat groups that exist to simply bounce frugal tips and hacks off one another. After some time, you get to know the group members and grow true friendships together.
On the job. If you work, you likely have coworkers. People with jobs are using that money to afford life. Join together to share ways you’re using the money you earn at work to make the most of life at home.
In the neigborhood. We live in a very middle-class (lower middle class) neighborhood. The families living around us have similar income, therefore, similar lifestyle habits. Extra perk if they’re families with young kids and you can do parent life together.
Friendships come in all shapes and spending sizes. If you don’t love the pressure to spend money or keep up trends, you’re free to make new connections with new people. I deeply love the friends I already have and I actively search out new friendships to inspire me on my own frugal journey.
Looking for ideas for free activities with friends? Check out my list of 20 free activities with friends you can enjoy during your next gettogether!
Frugal Friendship and Giving
True friendship is give and take – but MOSTLY give. Remember that in any friendship, giving is an important way to cherish one another. Making frugal friends can be most impactful as your money-saving habits produce more ways to give to one another. Consider how you can generously give to friends, even in the midst of frugal living. Make a gift homemade. Give of your time and talents, not just treasures. Double your dinner recipe and share half with neighbors.
The goal of a frugal life should be to bless others with any excess your savings can produce.
Remember, we love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
See ya around!
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