Since Boglenaut's "That Frugal Thing You Do" has been revived of late, I thought that our expressions and practices of frugality should be balanced with our enjoyment of life's extravagances (however you care to define them).
The question is:
****************So, what keeps you in balance between frugality and the core enjoyment of life? What's worth the nickel?
From April of 2009:
There's a good thread underway on "That Frugal Thing You Do." In this forum, that is like throwing high-arching slow pitches during batting practice. By nature, this group is going to be thrifty, do budgeting well, and think through the long-term effects of short-term pleasures (such as that $3.50 latte each morning).
I want to turn the question around. After 15 years of budgeting, attention to detail, and "the big picture," our lifestyle is one of thrift (homemade lunches to work, used cars, an organic garden) *and* some well-thought out luxuries and splurges.
So, what is worth the full ticket? What trumps the budget and the quest to save? For us, it is unflitered, cold pressed olive oil (I don't care how much it costs!!!), premium dog food for our dogs (one of whom is a Hurricane Katrina rescue), an annual trip to Italy (though we live very basically once we are there), donations to church and charities, and house cleaning twice a month. Its an odd assortment, but it reflects "living in line with our values."
So, what keeps you in balance between frugality and the core enjoyment of life? What's worth the nickel?
-- Cinghiale