scrimp [skrimp] v. 1. to be sparing or restrictive; to limit severely.
I once heard a speaker at a women’s conference say that even though she had a really tight grocery budget, she always made room for fresh flowers. At the time I thought she was crazy. Why would anyone spend money on flowers (a luxury) when she had so little money for food (a necessity)? I now see her wisdom.
Beauty is a necessity.
We innately respond to beauty around us because God created us for beauty. Look at the amazing creation around us – the unique variety of ocean life, the vast array of plant life, the uniqueness of each sunset each reveal God’s love for beauty.
There are times when the goal of saving money impoverishes us rather than enriching us and the lives of those around us. We choose austerity in the name of thrift and we scrimp rather than using money as a tool to live our values and make the world a better place.
It’s not just a matter of how much money we spend or save. The key to a purposeful and joyful life is choosing to spend with a higher goal in mind.
How can you make life-enriching choices today with your money?
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As i was readint through the posts here on your web-site, I just had the same thought that Heather does, how do you pay off student loans when your budget is already tight? I will go back to school this month, and graduate in approximately 1 1/2 semesters, ( if all goes well). And my husband is on disability, help, is all I can say!
Hi Rita- You are in a difficult situation. The only way to have the money to pay off the loans is either to cut expenses or to make more money. Is it possible for you to work a second job for a while once you graduate?
I would also be sure to make a plan for your money every pay period and stick to it as closely as possible. You will be surprised how much planning and then sticking to the plan can save you. Those little expenditures really add up quickly.
I thoroughly enjoy all of your posts on budgeting and saving money. I graduated law school and started my new job and came to the terrible realization that I had amassed a ton of credit card debt (not to mention student loans!)…how was I ever going to afford to someday purchase a house, or even save for a fun vacation?! I realized I had to take it a day at a time, and your suggestions for budgeting and writing down everything I spend have been so helpful! Thank you for being so transparent and allowing others to learn from your mistakes, as well as our own 🙂
I am so glad that you’ve found the blog helpful Heather. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
Thanks for this reminder! Sometimes I get so caught up in making my strategic grocery lists, coupon clipping (though I’m nowhere near an extreme couponer) and working to save money around the house that I forget to just relax and spend time with my kids. So I think I could live more abundantly if I would just kick back and enjoy my children and play with them more often 🙂
Great idea Jenn! I feel silly, but I have to schedule time to relax too-type A all the way!
Today, if no other day I really needed to read this message. We just paid off my car last week and we don’t have any car payments now!!! Our oldest son just got his drivers license last Monday and we were thinking of giving him my husbands truck and my husband buying a new vehicle. After looking at new vehicles Saturday night, we slept on it and decided to wait until our savings was a little more substantial. In the past our budget has been so tight and feeling like we needed to save every single dime. In the end makes you feel deprived and in my situation also angry. Trying to find a balance between living, saving, paying off, and giving back. Thanks!!
I am so glad Kimberly! I actually had other plans for my post this morning, but felt that this would be the direction to go. In my own life feeling deprived leads to poor decision making. I end up spending money unnecessarily just to make the yucky feelings go away. By planning, like you are doing, I end up much happier with my decision.
Thanks for your encouragement. 🙂
I love this,this was truly inspiring!!!!
Thank You!!!!
Thanks Jessica!