Can you be Frugal and Generous?

As we adapt to a more frugal lifestyle, it is easy to start worrying about what other’s think of us and how we spend our money. We must remember that comparison is the thief of joy. When we compare other people’s gifts to the gifts that we can afford to give, then we take away some of the sentiment behind the gift.

It is possible to be frugal and generous at the same time. Someone who is frugal and generous knows that time and knowledge is invaluable and will give it away freely. You can be frugal and generous without having to spend a lot of money.

When a poor man gives to help others, he is doing so with a generous spirit. Even if it is his last dollar, it may not be worth much to those that have more, but it was all he had. Now I’m not saying you should give all your money away, but if you refuse to be generous when you can, then you may be poor at heart.

Frugal does not mean cheap

Frugal people want to get the best value for their money, but typically frugal people are not necessarily cheap. People with a frugal mindset will not want to purchase an item again later because it broke or it didn’t last over time, so they will spend money in a very measured way.

If you are frugal, you will take into account how long you want to use the item, and then purchase accordingly. For example, if you want a new jacket and that jacket needs to last for the next 3 years then you would buy a jacket that is on sale but also of good quality.

Another example is birthday party favors, you know that these items are not needed to last for a long time, so you are more likely to spend very little on a goodie bag. A better way to think of frugal, is someone who knows when to buy cheap and also when to buy quality.

A cheap person will buy the least expensive car on a car lot and base that decision on price alone. A frugal person is going to pick a car that is probably middle of the price range, but has low maintenance costs, good gas milage, and a good resale value. Cheap is just based on spending the least amount of money at one time, whereas frugal is based on the price over time.

The frugal person will do lots of research online and take plenty of test drives before buying. They are also more likely to save up the money for the purchase rather than take out a loan.

More ways than just money to be generous

Generous means that someone gives freely and more than expected, but it doesn’t always have to be just money. There are plenty of people with very little money that give very freely in other ways.

Some common ways to give that don’t involve money is to give your time or knowledge. Generous people often volunteer at their kids’ schools, their churches, and other community functions. Another way that generous people give is by teaching others or helping others with tasks.

My stepmom is a huge giver of her time and information. She is amazing at spending time with her grandkids and has a huge wealth of knowledge of how to clean anything! Whenever I have a stain or don’t know the best way to clean something, she is my first call. She will spend lots of time and give lots of resources on how to clean.

There was no money involved, but her assistance and time is priceless. We get so hung up on the price of items and how much money we give, that we forget there are plenty of people giving out priceless experiences and knowledge for free.

Ways to be Frugal and Generous

Another benefit of being frugal is that when a situation arises that you are prepared. For instance, a friend of mine’s fridge was damaged in a power outage. All her groceries for the next 2 weeks were ruined, and she had no money to replace it.

This friend would never ask for money, but since I had an extra $100 I gave it to her freely with no expectations of getting it back. I gave her the money, and let her know that I didn’t want her to worry about paying it back because I knew that money was very tight for her.

She did end up paying me back against my request, but that was not the point. She needed the money, and because of our frugal lifestyle I was able to give it freely to her. Being frugal can not only help your family, but it can allow you to help other people as well.

I should mention that I never give money to anyone as a loan. I believe the easiest way to lose a friendship or relationship is to loan them money. I hate to be the guy that keeps having to ask about their money being repaid.

If someone asked for financial help because their child is in the hospital, then I will find any way that I can to give because that is a situation that needs help. This would also be a good chance to offer my time and any assistance like picking up groceries or making some meals for their family.

Everyone has their own talents and when you can share and bless others with those talents, that is priceless. I have made endless number of baby quilts and t-shirt quilts for friends and family. Quilting has been one of my passions for a long time and when it comes to baby showers or graduations, I will usually make them a gift.

I can’t always afford to give money, but I can afford my time to make them a keepsake quilt. These quilts could be very expensive if they were purchased, but I give them from the heart at no charge.

Next time you are short on cash but big on love, try to think of what your talents are and how you can give of your time. Even if it is something simple and small from your end, the receiver may think it is huge. What talents have you given recently? Leave me a comment to explain what you have gifted to someone instead of money.

Do you ever wonder if those gold dollars are worth saving up for your kids? Check out “Are Gold Dollars worth saving?” to find out more!