Frugal Mania

If you’re frugal by nature, you probably find it difficult to buy new clothing for yourself. My husband and I both are prone to wear things until they actually fall apart. Sometimes it’s because we’re attached to something comfortable (I recently threw away my favorite sweat shirt, one that I received when I was 12. I’m nearly 29 now.) and sometimes it’s because we balk at the price of new, quality clothing.

My husband has taken to thrift store shopping. We live near our favorite university and he loves wearing clothes that show off his team spirit but doesn’t like paying the prices at the university bookstore or department store. He’s great at finding a bargain, that’s for sure.

I, on the other hand, do not like wearing used clothing. Call me picky, but I can’t do it. And I can’t have used clothing for my children unless it comes from someone I know. Lucky for me,I have three boys, so the younger two always have plenty of play clothes and dress clothes that are handed down.

I’m a Target shopper. Walmart, too, sometimes. For me, at this point in my life as a student and stay at home mom, I don’t need quality clothing. I’m going to get food, markers, pens, dirt, bleach, etc on my clothing, so the cheaper the better. Every summer I buy five new t-shirts for less than $5 each and I wear them daily. Around the house, out and about. I buy one new pair of capris if needed and a new pair of workout pants. I’ve had the same dress clothes for five years now. Shoes, too. I have a standard pair that I can slip on quickly and those are replaced each summer.

I would never win any fashion awards. Ever. And that’s okay. Because the money I’m saving now will nicely fund a quality wardrobe when I begin my career in a few years.

For my sons, new clothes are outgrown within 6 months. Usually before they can tear them up. No need for name brands here. I’m sure they’ll want to add name brand pieces as they get older and eventually I’ll be in the market for high quality jeans and shoes, but for now, Target is perfect.

Being frugal is about taking care of what really matters. Would I rather blow my money on clothes and dinners out or save it and have a wonderful vacation with my family? Would I rather have a top of the line HD television or a great laptop that can actually help me make more money? Being frugal is about priorities and spending money on things that are really worth it in the long run. Being frugal requires being concerned with the future more than with the present.

So, to bring this post back around clothing, I don’t mind looking frumpy now so that when I am a professional I can look like a professional.