Living on a Shoestring Budget

This past Thursday, Ginger taught a class about living frugally. She's very good at living the principles she teaches.

I may have not completely overcome my profligate ways, but at least I recognize the value Ginger brings to the marriage in terms of economical and smart spending.

I didn't realize it was over $200,000 in value, however!

As part of the class, we prepared a spreadsheet on how much can be saved over one's lifetime (40 years) if a family did a few basic things to save money, from something simple as borrowing DVDs from the library instead of buying them to something as difficult (at least in this day and age) as giving up cell phones and cable TV.

By only doing 10 of these things--there are many more--the frugal family saves $270,000 over the family that does not do these things.

Another data point. It would take a part-time worker 66 years to pay for these extra "indulgences". Whether you agree or disagree with the details, we could all find ways to trim expenses and still be happy. In fact, frugal living === happy living.

Click on the spreadsheet below for all the gory details. Email Ginger if you want her complete handout on Living on a Shoestring Budget.