Being frugal isn't about what you "do", so much as what you don't do. And most of what you "don't do" is exactly what all the advertising WANTS you to do.
Consider our correspondent Frank, who pointed us to a posting he made on Craigslist. Frank advises us that he doesn't mention this list simply to prove a point, but because he believes this list is part of why he's such a happy guy. He does not actively avoid these activities...he's simply never been drawn to them. If you never buy a car without a scratch, then you'll never suffer the emotional trauma of getting that first scratch.
Here's his posting, as he forwarded it to us:
"I have never:
"- Paid to watch anything on TV. No cable, no rented movies. Strictly over-the-air or movies borrowed from the library for free.
"- Bought a car new
"- Bought a TV new
"- Bought a computer new
"- Had any service on my phone beyond basic - no call waiting, no caller ID, etc.
"- Used dryer sheets or fabric softener
"- Had more than one house cleaner in the house at a time (just water and vinegar does all my cleaning)
"- Paid for a night at a hotel for recreation. Yes, on business trips, but for recreation (family vacations), it's either camping or staying with friends.
"- Eaten all my meals for the day at restaurants. Even when on a trip, I'll hit up grocery stores and make sandwiches, because then I know what I'm eating, which is NEVER true at a restaurant
"- Purchased bottled water. Ever.
"- Purchased pre-mixed fruit juice
"I'm pretty sure that 99% of people have done that entire list...and I have not, ever. Is that odd? I don't think so. But others might.
So, are you going to be one of the crowed? A sheep, drawn by the persistent advertising? Or will you be your own person? A one-percenter like Frank?
One thing is clear - if you're going to live gently, simply, and without requiring an executive income - you can't do what 99% of all people do. You have to figure out what aspect of the Jones' life you don't need to keep up with.
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