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Cheapism readers all have one thing in common: They’re savvy consumers who don’t mind pinching pennies. That said, we all live frugal lifestyles for different reasons. Your parents could be tree-hugging radicals who reject consumerism, or maybe your family cut corners to make rent. Frugal Redditors recently reflected on their own motivations behind their thriftiness, sharing their personal philosophies, family histories, and aspirations.
In a country wherein tens of thousands of people die every year simply because they don’t have health insurance, it’s no surprise that Redditors feel like we live in a selfish, dog-eat-dog world. Once you come to that conclusion, you realize that “you only have yourself to rely on for your material needs,” one commenter writes. However, other Redditors pushed back on this idea, reminding commenters that community remains important, especially in other cultures.
The more wasteful we are with our money, the more time we waste, one Redditor argues. “So buy what you need, and try to save money in the process; this will allow you to work less and enjoy your time doing something else,” they explain.
Some Redditors live frugally because that’s all they know. “I grew up fairly poor,” one commenter shares, adding that they continue to live below their means so that they have a “financial cushion” to prepare for the future. “I lost my job last fall and am really thankful for the frugal living prior to that."
There’s a reason this is (more or less) our tagline. The cost of living is so high that thrifty living is a necessity — whether we like it or not. Or, to put it more bluntly, a lot of people are frugal because they’re poor.
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And then there are a few weirdos who enjoy budgeting. To be fair, it makes sense. Like anything that takes time, patience, and effort, financial success can be satisfying, even addicting.
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Other Redditors cut down on spending because they’ve realized that — contrary to what our culture might say — buying useless crap won’t make you happy.
Related: 10 Ideas For Leading A Simpler, More Fulfilling Life
Environmentally conscious Redditors make similar arguments. In our constantly accelerating, ad-driven world, it’s hard to resist the pull of fast fashion and affordable consumer goods from Amazon. But once you realize Americans throw out billions of pounds in textiles every year — most of it burned or shipped to landfills — you start to wonder if we really need all this junk.
Related: Thrifting 101: What Is a Thrift Store and How Is It Different From Other Shops?
The top comment sums up the thread with a four-word phrase: Work Less. Live More. The ultimate goal of frugality? To pay off your debts, work part-time, and live your life.
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