Feb 17th, 2008
The Archenemy of Frugality
In considering frugality, many times the thought process considers a more expensive vs. less expensive product to do the same task; for instance, it may be looking at a 17 inch MacBook Pro vs. a 13 inch MacBook when you need a notebook computer. One has more ability than the other, but they both can fit the vast majority of mobile computing needs. It may be comparing a closeout Nikon D40 vs. a Nikon D3 if you’re interested in digital SLRs–for the pro, one is likely to offer more, but the “more” may not be applicable for the casual photographer.
However, while extravagance–paying more for things that might be beyond your use and expectations–is considered to be a nemesis of frugality, the real archenemy of frugality is not extravagance: it’s waste.
While I have an interest in digital photography, I’m far from a professional. A low end digital SLR would more than suit my needs, at least for the next few years, so the Nikon D40 might be an ideal choice for me. To get a Nikon D3 would be paying for more than I could ever use, but if I did so and made use of the D3, it wouldn’t be absolutely awful; I’d have spent more than I needed to, but I’d have and used a great camera.
The real potential for being anything but frugal would be waste. In the case of this example, if I got a camera–even the low cost D40–and never opened the box, it would be a total waste; it would be about the same if I used it for a month and then never did again. Buying and using something extravagant may be spending more than necessary, but it’s far better than buying something of lower cost and not using it at all.
Eliminating the waste in your life–the “stuff” that you don’t use, you won’t use, or you no longer use–is the best way to be frugal. It can result in more simplicity, less clutter, and money in your pocket, either by preventing money from going out in the first place or selling things you no longer use or need.
I find that having a waiting period before I helps me a lot with being frugal. If I don’t run across a lot of times where I could use it, then it’s easier to say “Eh, I don’t need it.”
Very interesting concept Ryan. The opposite of frugality is waste. Hmmm. Kinda like the opposite of love isn’t hate, it’s apathy.
Nice post and very thought provoking.
Ron
Mrs. M:
I’ve done the waiting thing a lot of times myself; of course, a lot of times when I still think “I want that, I kind of need it”, I have to wait some more because the funds aren’t available yet!
Ron:
THanks. I understand what you mean about love, hate, and apathy. Oh, do I understand…
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