I had a reader ask this great question while reading one of my blogs, “How do you stay frugal when it comes to hobbies, parties, gifts, etc.?” The whole point of being frugal and minimal is to not have more stuff, meaning material things, but to have more experiences. This is where you can splurge because this is something that you can make memories out of with yourself or loved ones. When it comes to vacations, my husband and I tend to spend more so that we can have a more fulfilling experience to remember for the rest of our lives instead of buying useless “souvenirs” to take up more space in our home and lives. The money that you save from not buying souvenirs can be used for a better dining experience, an excursion, or a hobby while vacationing.
This is the same when you attend parties, weddings, birthdays, and more. Frugality and minimalism teaches us to give more than we take. All the books and blogs that I’ve read all live by this rule. It makes absolute sense because when you give more than you take, that in itself is an experience. My husband and I always give 10% to either our church or a charity that we are passionate about.
Like I said in my other blog, don’t forget about all the fun while you’re staying or starting a frugal or minimal lifestyle. This process is to make your life more fulfilling, not boring and mundane. It’s not an overnight change so do not be discouraged as it took me a year to finally get it right.
Sincerely,
Melissa Lee