Hi Readers,
I just started a book discussing frugality as the new norm and I can't agree more.
The age of excess of the 70's, 80's and 90's have ended. In developed countries, we've been indoctrinated to expect certain things in life: three meals a day, comfortable living, and things money can buy.
I believe the gap from the rich and poor is decreasing at an alarming a rate due to a disappearing middle class. The rich can afford anything the world has to offer. The poor can't. The rich pay marginally less tax than the middle class; the poor can't pay. And, with money requirements from governments the only people to have to pay is the middle class.
With so much responsibilities placed on the shrinking middle class (income and property tax, consumption tax, healthcare tax, retirement funds), is it any wonder why world economies are faltering? This leads me to a age: The Age of Frugality.
In order to make ends meet, I have learned to look for alternatives to saving money. That is buying food on discounts, living small, buying pre-loved goods. I'm proud to say that most my recent purchases have been of used items; things like my car, my clothing, and my furniture. A myriad of websites and social media are good places to start looking for goods. Our car was purchased at $14,000 after tax; at retail, the full price would be over $30,000. I recently needed a casual jacket and was able to find one at half price by waiting out the cold season for the Spring clearance. I've found many casual shirts and pants about $5 when full retail price is $30-40.
And, the savings...you can only image which cryptocurrency I invest in...bitcoin.
Give it a try! Look for the bargains and you may find your wallet to have more money at the end of the week.
Sincerely,
Ben