A minimalist is not a cheapskate
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Ready to prove minimalism isn’t about being broke? Discover why there’s such an odd misunderstanding around this lifestyle choice. Turn the tide on cheapskate-fuelled assumptions!
My journey toward minimalism
Growing up in a middle-income home can create quite a habit- forming lifestyle.
The gifts that kept coming often had me chasing the next newest shiny thing!
But despite this cycle of consumption, I’m grateful for how it has helped me to understand and appreciate my blessings even more deeply.
Ready for an upgrade?
I threw out my old ways of unchecked spending, and welcomed in a new Marie Kondo-styled lifestyle.
Bye bye impulse purchases; hello minimalistic bliss!
It was time to say goodbye to the same tired resolutions – this transformation would actually bring me joy beyond New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Determined to revitalize my life, I embarked on a decluttering journey.
After evaluating what was essential and nonessential in my home, only useful items that bring me joy remain!
Now when something’s used it goes back where it should be — no more ‘misplacing’ of things here anymore!
Despite the effort put into this task, I’m grateful for having taken precious time out; discovering how much can change with reorganized chaos has been invaluable.
Why am I telling you all of this?
Banish the clutter and open your heart to a simpler, more fulfilling life!
Ditch all that’s dragging you down so there’s room for even greater happiness.
Maintaining a great level of clutter-clearing is essential, but it can often become monotonous.
As such, some people mistakenly try to break the tedium by buying random items they don’t need… and then wondering where all their hard earned money went!
As I’ve learned from my own experience – think before you buy!
Aside from being sensible financially, resisting temptation has gained me respect amongst friends who formerly assumed I was an impulsive spender.
Though in saying that; sometimes somebody else’s opinion isn’t necessarily wrong or right so consider listening politely without condemnation or overly compromising your values either way.
What is a cheapskate?
Dislike spending money? Take it to the extreme with ‘Extreme Cheapskates’.
Here you’ll find people who are so dedicated to saving a penny that they don’t even seem human anymore.
From collecting dirty shower water for cleaning rags, harvesting restaurant trash cans for their next meal, and refusing drinks out of principle.
These cheapskates have taken budgeting frugality one step too far!
We all know someone like this; whether it’s your stingy friend at the bar or your hoarder aunt in charge of Christmas presents – let’s just say some folks really take ‘saving cash’ seriously…
How do cheapskates behave
These cheapskates are only satisfied when they get a good deal, even if it means sacrificing quality.
They search for the lowest prices no matter what and end up replacing their items on an almost monthly basis.
Though this might save them some cash in the short-term, they’re actually wasting much more money and time than necessary over long periods of time!
The irony? These bargain-hunters don’t want to spend any coins or effort…except on themselves, that is.
Being tight with money isn’t just an urban myth – it really does exist!
Cheapskates are often wealthy and still live in fear of being poor, which is why they’ll pester you endlessly when you borrow from them.
And there’s no way to escape the collateral damage either.
If that money-saving maniac ever lends something out, expect a grumpy reaction once they realize what has happened :).
When the fear of losing what they have creeps in, it seems like some people’s saving account grows while their hearts shrink!
Greed and thriftiness create a tragic spiral: money piles up, but so do emotional walls.
Eventually someone ends up with neither – except if that person is the bank benefiting from all those years of stockpiled cash…
Ultimately leaving them without having savored any emotions or material rewards during life’s journey.
What about minimalists?
Going with less can be a wise decision, and some of us are able to see beyond the fear of loss.
The minimalist mindset serves as an example for many when it comes to recognizing that quality trumps quantity.
Efficiency reigns supreme over luxuries which may not last long-term.
Grandparents often challenge our preconceived notions on possessions by using up their items until they need replacing.
Why buy something new if what you have is still reliable?
Minimalists prioritize utility in order to make decisions based on needs rather than wants…the ultimate sign of financial responsibility!
Living the minimalist life isn’t for everyone, but those who embrace it have something in common: a conviction that saying “No” to anything superfluous is key.
According to minimalists, Yes should only be said if an item brings joy – whether it’s clothing or furniture (ya know…the basics).
Wise words from individuals with more substance than stuff!
Even if what your minimalist friend spends on varies from person to person, they all share a common thread –they make each dollar count.
Minimalists look for quality products that last and steer clear of clutter.
It’s nothing personal; just an appreciation for the beauty in simplicity!
Minimalists understand that freedom is priceless; rather than ripping their lives apart with the ‘stuff’ of excess, they put more emphasis on experiences and living life to its fullest.
Money might buy things like gadgets but these aren’t really a substite for joy -rather just tools along the journey towards greater goals and comfort in life.
So why I’m not a cheapskate?
Not every minimalist is a cheapskate, and there’s more to buying less than just saving money.
When it comes time for me (and likely many other minimalists) to make that purchase we strive for quality over quantity— not just any item from the store will do.
We want an experience — something special even in our limited selections!
When it comes to shopping, there’s no rush – unless you’re headed for the clearance rack!
So don’t be a sucker and jump at every sale sign.
Research your product thoroughly until you have peace of mind…then hit that buy button.
Frugality can be wise, but when it comes to purchasing an item that you need and want-like a good night’s sleep or peace of mind.
Investing in something top quality is always worth the money.
I’m not afraid to splurge if I know what I am getting out of it; after all, pricier products often come with better materials, features and longevity!
After suffering through ear-bleeding plane trips with cheaply made headphones, I decided it was time to invest in a quality set of noise canceling cans. My Sony model has been my constant companion ever since – blocking out the world so I can be free from its sonic woes!
When it comes to shopping, quality over quantity should be your mantra!
Splurging on something special may cost more upfront – but you’ll get years of use and enjoyment out of them while saving money in the long-term.
My own experience can attest to this; after shelling out 280 bucks for noise cancelling headphones 4+ years ago, they still work perfectly today without missing a beat.
Whether splashing cash or being thrifty with items at hand, always remember that what’s important is taking good care of whatever you possess.
A minimalist will always prioritize their needs in the moment and not their wants.
Minimalism is not a way of becoming stingy – it’s learning to prioritize what really makes us happy.
Succeeding at minimalism means understanding that we don’t need everything in our lives and letting go of material items will free up valuable space for the things which bring joy.
That might be overwhelming, but put simply: Minimizing teaches us how to identify exactly what matters most!
Here are some other Minimalist Lifestyle posts you might find interesting.
A Minimalist Is Not A Cheapskate
Avoid These Minimalist Mistakes
Reasons To Take Your Shoes Off Before Entering Your Home
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