Frugality and the Single Gal
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I love to research and read, so when I first made a conscious decision to be frugal, I took a trip to the library and picked up every money saving book I could find.
As I flipped through the books, I noticed something that annoyed me. It seemed that every book assumed that you were either married with children or a fast paced business professional who needed to slow down and live a more simple life. "Buy cloth diapers!" one book screamed, while the other advised me to sell my yacht.
This advice is valuable and good- if you're a mother or a yacht owner. I was neither. I was a single woman with no children, and I was yacht free at the moment. It really irritated me that frugality seemed to be a club that only families could join. I was frustrated with tips that would not save me money in my current life situation.
After I got over my tantrum, I realized that single people can have a tremendous advantage when it comes to frugality. I did not have two incomes, a large space to store bulk purchased food and supplies, or the advantage of not working outside the home, but that did not mean I could not be frugal. I could take advantage of my singleness and use that season in my life to learn the art of frugality. I could save money in ways that a married mother of five would have a hard time doing. I could even use the books that I had so carelessly cast aside to learn from those who had come before me.
I am no longer single, but I well remember those early days of frugality when it felt like I had no advice guru to turn to. Over the next few Tuesdays, I will be discussing the advantages and tips and tricks especially for those who are single and trying to be frugal. (I call it The Single Gal, but the guys are more than welcome at this party!) I hope you'll come back on Tuesdays to check out:
The Single Gal and Food
The Single Gal and Living Space
The Single Gal and Entertainment
The Single Gal Seeks a Mate
Resourses for the Single Gal
See you then!
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9 Responses to “Frugality and the Single Gal”
October 7th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Hi!
Great idea for a series. I couldn’t agree with you more. Might I suggest adding “Single and Frugal over 50,” another area that’s often ignored on the frugal sites? I’d be happy to guest blog that one for you.
Best,
Sandy/the Frugal Home Office
October 7th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
THANK YOU LORD!
Seriously… I check out all the coupon blogs and green blogs and wisebread, etc… most are as you say… assume that the audience has a NEED to buy diapers and the like.
Thanks in advance and not to add any pressure, but I’m waiting with baited breath!
October 7th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
FINALLY. I’m a young, single, semi-professional woman without any kids and it drives me crazy to have to wade through tips on making my own baby food or whatever. There are those of us who already skip manicures every week and are still looking to simplify our lives.
October 8th, 2008 at 9:18 am
THANK YOU!
No kids, no husband, no storage space plus a hard time eating food before it goes bad, no time to shop because I have all the other chores of my house to do plus a job, and health problems that mean I can’t just stock up on preserved crap that can sit in my pantry forever. But I need to be as frugal as possible to get out of debt.
October 8th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Thanks! This single gal is looking forward to this feature.
October 10th, 2008 at 11:55 am
This is so great! I feel like I’m always adapting advice geared toward people whose circumstances couldn’t be more different from mine–the bit about the cloth diapers on one hand and the yacht on the other made me laugh out loud. I’m so excited to read what you come up with…
October 22nd, 2008 at 5:19 pm
This is so awesome! I too am tired of hearing about tips for saving on diapers. This is going to be a great series.
November 2nd, 2008 at 8:11 am
Greta! I am 55 (just had a birthday!) I have no children, work, and trying to be very frugal as I lost my husband a year ago9. This would be great if the no children, single, frugals get together!
November 2nd, 2008 at 8:32 am
Let me share just a few things that may help someone. After my husband passed away, I had to run a business by myself. The first thing I checked into was all the insurances we carry – personally and for my business. I was able to save a great deal on some of the insurances. That was my first start. It is a good idea to review all of your insurances. Then I found out about the Share program – it is a food program (available to anyone, income not an issue) My sister and I place an order once a month and we split the order. It is helpful and has good choices – you only need to order at least $6.00.You may google that and see if it is in your area. I then started to look into retirement and review the plan.A lot of companies will offer a dinner or nice lunch – that is a bonus, I have picked up something from each program I attend – I am a little weak in investing, but doing much better! My husband did not have life insurance, so things have been tighter than what they should have been. I live in Florida my neighbors and I have fruit trees which come in handy. That helps me with the food bill each month.My church has been a blessing as they put my hurricane shutters up and will be taking them down now. So I did not have to pay for that. I have also been looking for a room mate – but it is more of a concern to find a 50 something with a good background.You must be careful and run a background check. I am still working on that one – I have checked with my church-but nothing yet.
I have the house mostly open these days, as I don’t need to run the air or heat. That is another blessing. My bill next month should be lower.I found out by keeping your SOS pads in the freezer save money on that need – it keeps them from rusting! I have learned to make homemade soups and that is a very healthy and cheap meal! Lentil, black bean,northern bean, all are good and cheap! They will last also for many dinners. OK that is a few of my tips for now! Hope it helps. Got to get ready for church now!
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