I experienced a period of poverty in my youth and it was one of the best things that ever happened to me, for it instilled in me a lifetime of financial discipline. A rainy day fund was not a nice-to-have thing, no, it was a fundamental emotional must. A savings account provided a sense of security, it kept the wolves of poverty at bay. It kept the rent paid and it kept the utilities turned on. Where others preferred to buy new cars, expensive name brand athletic shoes, to eat out, drink and go clubbing, I much preferred to buy off brands and used cars and save; I was into my 40’s before I purchased my first new car.

Someone once told me I wasn’t any “fun” and I needed to loosen up and “enjoy” life more. I smiled and shrugged my shoulders. We had just chosen to program ourselves differently. By my values, I was enjoying life. I got a very deep sense of satisfaction out of having financial security, of not living paycheck to paycheck, of not having credit card balances or concerns re bills to pay. I enjoyed being creative about ways to be thrifty.

Many reading this will say their financial straits are a result of circumstances beyond their control, that their budgetary woes are due to outside conditions. I’m sure there are a few instances where that may be predominantly the case HOWEVER in the vast majority, a frank, objective lookback will see a series of choices that in large measure created their current reality. There are books and websites galore on financial planning and frugal living and in my younger days I probably could have served as a case study; I was well known for my thrifty ways.

The good times never last forever and the wise, employing a little bit of financial paranoia, always put aside a bit for a rainy day and for the elder years as well.

Closing Quotes:

“Minimalism is asking why before you buy.” – Francine Jay

“It is thrifty to prepare today for the wants of tomorrow.” – Aesop

“I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living.” – John D. Rockefeller

“Thrift is not an affair of the pocket, but an affair of the character.” – SW Strauss

“Thrift was never more necessary in the world’s history than it is today.” – Francis H Sisson

“Industry, thrift and self-control are not sought because they create wealth, but because they create character.” – Calvin Coolidge

As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier