Sometimes you have to have little splurges to keep you from making big ones. Sometimes it is more frugal to spend money up front on a more expensive item. But much of the time, making financial sacrifices is where you save the most. That is how you get the most out of your frugal lifestyle. Those sacrifices can come in all sizes and shapes. One of my small sacrifices comes in bath and body items.
I used to always use the hand soap from Bath and Body Works. I always thought I was doing fine financially because I would wait for one of their sales to stock up. Then I ran out…and didn’t have the money to get more. So I had to use store brand soap. A year later, store brand hand soap is all I use.
The same is true for me with body wash and shampoo. I can get those things free or for pennies if I don’t care too much about brand. I used to get name brand on those items. Now, I’m perfectly happy with Suave. With coupons, I’ve been able to stock up on shampoo for $0.50 for the Suave Professionals line. Same with my body wash. Instead of spending almost $10 on a bottle, I now spend less than $1. And I really don’t notice a difference.
My husband is about to make a big financial sacrifice. He has wanted to replace his little 2-door Focus with a super crew truck with a full bed with a cap for awhile. Because of the full bed, it can be hard to find. Used, those trucks go for $20,000+. We just plain can’t afford that or a payment on that. He has decided to get a small SUV instead. He’s still very specific about what he wants but $10,000-12,000 is a whole lot more manageable. He would still like to have the truck for many reasons but he is making that financial sacrifice for our family.
Financial sacrifices can feel just like what they sound, sacrifices. They can make you feel frustrated and angry, even sad. For us, it is important to remember the big picture so we don’t feel that way. We are making these sacrifices for the good of our family and our budget. By spending less money, we are able to put more towards things like groceries, savings, debt, and even the occasional splurge. The sacrifices today will make ten years from now so much better.
What financial sacrifices does your family make?
Life Breath Present says
We make sacrifices as well, in order to stay within our meager budget. I no longer buy any beauty products, instead making our toothpaste, mouthwash, and lotion. I’ll also make lip balm when I need it, as well as household cleaning products. We spend a little bit at the crafts store, but it’s so I can make useful things for us (and one day maybe open a shop)! 🙂
We know we’re doing the best we can and making choices that are right for us. And that’s what’s most important! 🙂
Julie says
That is what’s most important! I’ve been making most of my household cleaners as well.
Reelika says
So true, thanks for sharing! I am constantly making lots of financial sacrifices and there are days when I feel great about it, and days when it stresses me out. But at the end of the day, if I have a certain goal in mind, it is all worth it!
Julie says
The goal does make it worth it. 🙂
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
We make a lot of sacrifices because we have a dream to be debt-free.
I have realized, however, that it all comes down to how we look at things. Sure, we don’t live like the Jonses’, but we also don’t live in utter poverty like too much of the rest of the world does.
Others would see our “sacrifices” and think that we are crazy. I find that when I count my blessings each day: running water, clean water, food, shelter, clothing, and transportation, I really have nothing to complain about.
For me, it’s all about perspective. Thanks for sharing yours with. Blessings to you and yours.
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup recently posted…19 Ways to Cut Back an Already Bare Bones Grocery Budget
Julie says
It is about perspective. I’m sure many, even in this country, would consider me rich even though, in my eyes, we are just scrapping by.
Maegan says
That’s a lot of 50 cent shampoo savings for a husband’s $10-12,000 vehicle. I hope that you get some of the fruit of your diligent efforts, too.