Meet a Reader | Portland Morgan
1. Tell us a little about yourself
Hi all! My name is Morgan and I am a 34 year old single pet parent living in Portland, Oregon.
I live in my 112 year old house with my cohort of senior pets: a 14 year old mix named Holden, 12 year old 3 legged pittie named Jethro, and 12 year old cat named Charleston.
I worked in animal welfare for over a decade and you tend to wind up with the special needs ones in that line of work, so all of mine are special in some way (and I wouldn't have it any other way). They definitely keep me sane.
I bought my house during the pandemic and put in a full garden immediately. I had never grown a garden before but it's been so fun learning and growing my own food!
I am definitely a homebody and an introvert so staying home, reading, cooking, gardening and hanging out with my animals is how I spend most of my time.
2. How long have you been reading The Frugal Girl?
I would say about 10 years? I'm not sure how I found the blog but I have been a loyal daily reader ever since!
3. How did you get interested in saving money?
I did not grow up in a frugal household. My parents were/are very well off and no one ever really talked about spending money or saving money at all.
After I graduated college and took my first job working in animal welfare, at a non profit, I was responsible for my own living expenses and it was a real learning curve. I lived with my then boyfriend who was a medical student so we were barely able to afford rent and necessities.
I was however determined not to ask for help so I dove head first into learning about frugality and how best to manage our money. I got laid off at one point and we were receiving SNAP benefits so I had to be even more cautious.
But I was able to keep us well fed and everything managed without asking my family for help (I know they would have stepped in in a heartbeat, but I was too stubborn to ask).
4. What's the "why" behind your money-saving efforts?
I am one of those millennials that all the memes make fun of for living my life for my pets. It's only partially true hah.
I do want to provide a safe and comfortable home to the animals in my care, as they deserve to receive all the comforts they lacked before.
Additionally, I have an autoimmune disease that will affect me for the rest of my life. I try to save when and where I can so that should there be a time when I can't work I won't have to panic. Having a home of my own is very stressful but also a huge comfort to me in that I can just BE.
My furry family and I are safe and comfortable and I do what I can to ensure that continues going forward.
5. What's your best frugal win?
My garden! Last summer was the first time I had had a garden ever and it worked!
I threw everything at the garden and it was so successful, I am still so pleased with myself. I grew so much produce that I was able to preserve it to use throughout the year. It has definitely saved me on my grocery costs this year (which is especially beneficial as we watch the rising cost of food).
I also saved seeds and have begun planting again for this season. My neighborhood Buy Nothing group has been so helpful and people have shared so much of their time and knowledge helping me learn in the garden.
6. What's a dumb money mistake you've made?
Oof, where to start?
I love clothes. I grew up with an unlimited budget and my Mom would buy us entirely new wardrobes each season so I just assumed that was normal.
I have a budget now but it is really a challenge for me to stick to it. I have to be particularly mindful because it's so easy for me to just spend money that really shouldn't be spent.
Relearning habits and being more intentional has taken a lot of time and effort and it's still a challenge, but I keep working at it.
7. What's one thing you splurge on?
As mentioned, sometimes clothes. That being said, I don't splurge on clothes often anymore (pats self on back).
So I would have to say my animals, Jethro in particular lately.
My 3 legged dog used to have 4 legs but due to bone cancer last year the leg had to be amputated. I hope none of you have had to have a pet's limb amputated because let me tell you, not cheap.
But my pets are my whole heart and soul so I will gladly spend the money on them.
8. What's one thing you aren't remotely tempted to splurge on?
New technology. I keep my phones until they literally die. My hand-me-down TV was my parents' until they moved and upgraded. I don't have an Ipad or any other fancy gadgets; I just don't care for them.
9. If $1000 was dropped into your lap today, what would you do with it?
Probably put it into savings or pay off a medical bill.
10. What's the easiest/hardest part of being frugal?
The most difficult thing about frugality is that it's a learned skill for me. I didn't grow up with examples of frugality so I had to learn it all on my own, and rather abruptly. I'm definitely still working on it. I'd say the easiest part is that I enjoy making a game out of it.
For example, I did the Three Rivers Challenge for January and February. The challenge is to use up food items in your home as opposed to buying groceries. I spent a total of like $26 on fresh food for those two months and it was a challenge! But it was also really fun for me to get creative with what I had on hand and clearing up space.
11. Is there anything unique about frugal living in your area?
Portland is BIG on thrifting. There are thrift stores everywhere and everyone loves thrifting (or so it seems). It definitely is helpful for furnishing a house as you can find literally anything.
I'd also say that in summer time you can get so much fresh local produce. Portland LOVES their farmers markets. So it's great to be able to get in season produce year round at a reasonable price.
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Morgan, it was so lovely to get to know you better. I loved the picture of you with your cat; Charleston looks so aloof (as a good cat should. 😉 )
Also, I am terribly impressed with your tidy gardening setup. I would never have guessed that you are a first-timer!
And: I love your yellow door. Such a fun pop of color.
Two questions: Have you always lived in Portland? And...do you read The NonConsumer Advocate blog? Katy lives in Portland too!
It’s nice to meet you Morgan as well as Jethro, Holden, and Charleston. I am impressed by your garden, and I admire your efforts to be self-supporting and independent. Much like you, I also had to learn to be frugal in my 20s. I grew up in a very different world than the one I found myself in at 25. I am so glad that I developed frugal skills. It has helped me to accomplish so much for my family. Wishing you peace and good health.
Hi Morgan! I enjoyed reading about you a great deal. Love your doormat - I laughed out loud. Your dear pets are so fortunate to have you. How did you choose their names? (My guesses are The Catcher in the Rye, the Beverly Hillbillies, and traveling, but I'm probably way off.)
@BJS, I was gonna guess NCIS for Jethro! 🙂
@Bobi, and @BJS, Holden is indeed from Catcher in the Rye, Charleston came with his name and Jethro is from NCIS! I lived with a roommate at the time when I brought him home and she was really into that show so she suggested Leroy or Jethro and Jethro just stuck!
@Morgan, we are friends with a giant poodle named Gibbs!
Those garden beds remind me of Kevin's kitchen garden over at A Garden for the House (Although I think his blog just goes by his name now). Have you read his blog? He has lots of excellent frugal garden tips, like how to winter snow in recycled milk jugs and ways to preserve the harvest (usually by freezing).
@Becca, I have not read his blog but I will now look it up!
Hi Morgan! First off, I LOVE your kids! They are adorable. God bless you for taking them in.
Secondly, great job on your garden. For a first timer that is some serious work you put into it, and it shows. Well done!
Our first house was built in 1900. It was a lovely old thing complete with its own ghost. I was sad when we had to move. I was hoping to see more pictures of your house. Old homes have the greatest character.
And finally, kudos on the door mat. Well played. It was a pleasure to meet you!
We are kindred spirits. I too am a new gardener, do anything for my rescue pups, and am happy to just be in my own space. I think we would make great neighbours! Good luck with this year's harvest! I'm in zone 6 and waiting (impatiently) to get more things planted. What's your favourite thing to can? ( your mix veg looks amazing)
@Holly, I love hearing about people who have similar interests! My favorite thing to can is probably.....anything pickled. Pickles are so easy and anytime I have too much of a given vegetable I think "yea, that should probably be pickled" haha. I will say as far as using things I have canned, applesauce is my favorite. The process for making it can be a bit time consuming but I bake multiple times a week and I use applesauce in place of eggs in most recipes so I go through a lot of it. I am SO so grateful that Past Morgan did all that applesauce making and canning so I can have it now!
@Morgan, we could spend hours chatting....I'm assuming you also make homemade dog treats?
@Holly, hah I do indeed! I usually just mix bananas and yogurt with a dash of peanut butter, put in an ice cube tray and freeze. My boys LOVE them! But we do also make pumpkin flavored biscuits, I love baking.
@Morgan, I too make the pumpkin treats (spoiled pups) but will try the frozen yogurt/banana combo, thanks!
We'll be making these now, too---thanks so much, Morgan!
@Morgan, yumm…I would like the banana/yogurt/p. butter treat too. Our big meal is a late lunch so I often eat plain Greek yogurt and p. butter for a light evening meal…mixing the banana in would be a treat!!
Hello, I see I’m not the only one who loved your mat. As we have had plenty of our share live here. Along with the vet bills that being frugal helps pay for.
It's nice to meet you Morgan. It sounds like you're doing a great job of living a frugal life. Your whys are so important: your fur family and your long term health diagnosis.
I love your gardening efforts and results. How wonderful.
Hi Morgan, thanks for sharing, especially the photos. Your "kids" are adorable, I love the photo of Jethro in your lap, he looks so content. I admire that you chose to be frugal and pay your own way. My parents were not wealthy, but we were comfortable and they worked hard to get to a point where they didn't have to worry about how to pay the bills and could help us out if necessary. Even though they were generous and always offered to help, my siblings and I worked hard to be independent as well. We each of us have a roof over our heads, food on the table, health insurance, and are able to donate to others from time to time. For a number of years when I was young and foolish, I was in debt because of bad choices, but got myself out and stayed ahead of my earnings ever since. I wish you continued success and hope your family continues to do well.
@AnnieH, Thank you so much for your kind words. Jethro is definitely a smooshy snuggler.
Hi Morgan; thanks for sharing - I always love starting my day with some happy pet pictures! Jethro looks like a trooper and I hope he's doing as well as he looks. It's also interesting to hear about frugal differences in areas - we don't have a thriving thrift culture here - there aren't many thrift shops, and the prices have gone way up. I'm grateful there were more around when we first bought a house and were in more of an acquisition phase!
So nice to meet you Morgan. Thank you for caring for your special needs animals!! It is so heart warming. Good luck with your garden this year!!!
Loved your story, Morgan! You have such a kind soul for taking in the older pets. I don't think I could do that. Pulls too much at my heart when I lose a pet. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, Morgan! It's great to meet you and read about your frugal journey. Your pups are so sweet snuggled together in that photo, and that is one awesome cat! We have three rescue dogs, all of whom have health issues, and a cat who adopted us 14 years ago and now needs weekly allergy shots. So I hear you on the pet expenses, but they are the light of our home.
@Ruby, omgosh I love to hear about your rescue pets too! It always makes me so happy when people find their perfect companion in perhaps an unlikely situation. They give us so much love and I am so grateful for them.
Hi Morgan, so nice to meet you. You're amazing - your independence, frugalness, pets, garden beds, canning, etc. And the yellow door and doormat are fantastic! When I die, I'd like to come back as one of your dogs.
@MB in MN, I had to laugh! My mom says the same thing about coming back as one of my dogs.
And thank you to everyone who likes my doormat! I love it too (and feel like any visitors should be fairly warned before coming in the door)!
I hope Jethro is doing well now. My old guy we lost in 2020 after two years of treatment for an aggressive spindle cell sarcoma and lymphoma had a front limb amputated. All my pets now and going forward have insurance because those were two very expensive years. We would do it all again for him, though.
Hello, Morgan. DH and I had the pleasure of visiting your lovely city back in 2010, when it was the site of the JASNA Annual General Meeting. We both greatly enjoyed our tours of your beautiful area, and although I didn't have much time for thrifting between the tours and All Things Jane Austen, I did insist on stopping at the Goodwill boutique near our hotel!
And you're so wise in your planning for a future that takes your long-term health needs and the needs of your furry family into account. Kudos!
Finally, my Betty says hi to your Charleston. She's always had a thing for older guys. (Betty is 10.)
My cat is on the older side too! I believe she's 11 now (although that might be slightly inaccurate, since we adopted her).
@Kristen, our sweet old boy cat is approximately 15, going on 16. He was about two years old, the vet estimated, when he adopted us. This October will be 14 years we've had him.
Hi, Morgan!
I also love the yellow door. I like unexpected colors like that. The pet pics are so cute.
I admire you for buckling down and learning the ins and outs of frugality when you didn't have examples of it growing up. I think there is so much joy in making it on one's own.
I am also impressed with your garden. No wonder it did well!
As someone with two autoimmune diseases, I understand the uncertainty of what the future will bring health- and work-wise for you. You are wise to plan ahead and do what you can now.
Yay - Another Three Rivers Homestead reader! I don't know how she does what she does.
Your dogs are adorable and I am loving your doormat.
And I think it's great that you learned to live on less without depending on your parents. I can't say I never asked my parents for help and I always hated when I had to, so Kudos to you and your determination!
I loved hearing about your story, Morgan! We are about the same age and I am also an animal lover and pet mom. Much of my money goes to their needs, no questions asked. I was also happy to read about someone who is sometimes tempted to spend money on...themselves? Comforts? I don't know what word I'm looking for, ha. I don't spend much on clothes in particular (probably because I find shopping frustrating for my body type!), but I do sometimes splurge with getting my hair highlighted, trying out makeup, or other self-care treats like manicures or massages. Kudos on your garden!
Pets in general are expensive. Especially older and rescue pets. I am on my last of 3 dogs and 1 cat that I have been caring for the past 15 years. I have been through cancers and eye removal surgeries with them but have no regrets. Much love to Jethro. He is such a handsome boy.
Morgan, you shined a light on my deep, dark secret. I adore clothes, I keep saying "no more" but then a catalog comes in the mail, or a sale from a favorite store and the urge surges. But I'm always within my budget, just embarassed by my lack of self control.
Kristen, maybe you ought to do a blog where we all confess our budgetary falls off the wagon? 🙂
@Anne, “budgetary falls off the wagon” haha! That would be a good one Kristen! You should! We all have them, some bigger some smaller!
Love seeing your pets. A good friend of mine had to have a dog's leg amputated because of cancer too, but according to their vet, the dog doesn't realize they're missing a limb, which made me feel better about it. I used to have three dogs and one cat, but we're down to just two dogs and one cat because it's so much easier and cheaper. I also have two adult children more or less dependent on me, so we're a full house.
I adopted my first dog as a college student aged 20, so I've always been a crazy dog lady. And I'm in love with the kitten we found in our trash this year, plus I feed ferals. My son said to me last night when he caught me watching Youtubes for cats with Gus the kitten, "You're now a crazy cat lady too. Nice work." (cat videos are strangely relaxing.)
@Rose, Jethro also is SO much better now that he is on three legs. Before we had to take the leg, it was so painful for him and so tough for him to get around. It broke my heart. It didn't even take a week after surgery for me to see what a transformation it had made. He has never been accused of being graceful, and that won't change any time soon. But he can get around just fine, goes up and down the stairs. It was definitely the right thing to do, removing the leg.
@Morgan, awwww, happy to hear that about that sweet boy. Also I myself have never been accused of being graceful, so fist:paw bump to Jethro.
Thanks for sharing! It seems that your furry family is lucky to have you and vice versa. I admire that you made choices to support yourself instead of jumping at allowing your folks to take care of it. I know how it feels - my folks have always offered to help us financially (how lucky am I???) but after I graduated college I've wanted to handle it myself and have. We've stretched ourselves (and are currently stretching ourselves) but there's a sense of pride of knowing that you've built your life on your own merit. The only thing that gave me pause on this philosophy is my dad saying that it would be meaningful to him to see us benefit from all of their hard work instead of waiting until after he's passed away. So now we accept things like family trips together and help with the kids' tuition. It still feels weird but they are genuine and selfless when they offer the money. If taking the money was something they'd hold over my head, then it would be a fast, HARD nope!
Your garden is gorgeous and those pickled vegetables are brag worthy!
@CrunchyCake, I love the comment your dad made. That is very similar to something my dad said as well. When I was buying my house, they offered to help with the down payment. I balked and balked and kept refusing. Then one day my dad said "well, we just figure this way we can see you enjoy putting the money to use." And that really changed my perspective on the subject. I gratefully accepted the money to help with my downpayment and they are over at least once a week getting to enjoy it with me.
@Morgan, I love what your dad said. Whenever our nieces and nephews balk at the amount of money we give them, we just say, "Well, you're either getting it now or when we're dead, so why not now?"
@Morgan, that is a lovely sentiment and so well expressed by your dad. I too want the enjoyment of seeing some of my funds go toward helping my children live someplace they can enjoy.
Love the pets, the doormat, the yellow door, the amazing garden set-up and that you taught yourself to can!
It's great to meet you, Morgan. I love your garden and your door mat. Your fur-babies are so cute! They are lucky to have you. I, like you, use my phones until they die or fall apart. My cell phone is going on 5 years. I'm hoping to get a few more years out of it. Thanks for sharing about your life. My favorite place to visit while in Portland is Powell's Books. I have a book addiction!
@Beth B., a shout-out from me to Powell's Books too. I was beyond delighted that my prize for winning the JASNA AGM quiz in 2010 was a $50 gift certificate to Powell's.
Thank you Kristen for putting this all together! I am so grateful for this community and all your thoughtful responses!
To answer the two questions, I have not always lived in Portland. I moved here about 12 years ago right after graduating from college. I had visited a friend here and fell in love with the city. I grew up in San Diego and Portland is about as different as can be, and I LOVE it!
And yes I do read the Non-Consumer Advocate! That is one of my favorite blogs as well. Katy is so awesome and I am always inspired by her Portland adventures.
Great pics of your pets! And I love your doormat.
Hi Morgan! Thanks for sharing with us all.
Your garden space looks beautiful! I hope this year goes as well for you. It is fun to keep learning, trying new plants, and figuring out new ways to use what you grow. Today I purchased berry bushes and this will be our first year of trying to grow berries. We were also given some pea seeds and watermelon radish seeds that I got in the ground last week - neither are plants that I've grown before!
Congratulations on learning and adopting new frugal habits! A big high five to you. 🙂
Oh my goodness! A Monday morning post with pet photos is a splendid way to begin the week.
Morgan, thank you for sharing. Your babies are adorable and extra special for their heart-tugging rescue and care. Go, Jethro—up and down the stairs on three legs is amazing!
I’m gobsmacked at your garden setup. It looks so professional. What are your favorite things to grow?
Like you, I have no interest in replacing electronics for show. I had an iPhone 4, purchased new, that worked perfectly and was only replaced due to the 3G phase out. My laptop is all glass and HEAVY compared to the feather light ones now ha.
@Erika JS, My favorite things to grow last year were beans and peas I think. I also love berries because there is just nothing better than fresh berries. I have blueberry bushes (8) 6 fruit trees (which will hopefully maybe bear some fruit this year?) raspberries and strawberries. The blueberries are a favorite snack of the dogs so I like to have a lot on hand. I really enjoyed having fresh snap peas on a daily basis, YUM. And the green beans! Holy moly! I am a weirdo who absolutely LOVES green beans and could eat them every single day so having them readily available was AWESOME. I may have gone a little overboard with seeds this year but I am so looking forward to them!
You Life is so full filling with taking care of Pets , cats and animals , may I come and live with you , ha..ha. Just kidding, but I love the way you help Nature and Animals ! God bless you 1000 times!!!!
Hello Morgan! So nice to meet you and your fit babies! I also suffer from an autoimmune condition so I know what it’s like to “plan around and for it”. Your garden and fresh foods should help!
HI Morgan and well done on your independence. I also love to be by myself and garden and read and be with my book. Your garden is really nice and all that veg can only be good foe your health despite the auto-immune disease. You are all set to stay ahead ! Blessings
Hi Morgan! I just loved your contribution here. I can relate so much to your love for animals. I have long considered myself an animal activist, and have been rescuing and feeding feral cats for years. Right now, we have 9 cats and 1 dog. I know what it's like to end up with the "rejects". Your photos were wonderful and brought a big smile to my face. Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
@christie, oh you are so sweet! I volunteer with the FCCO (feral cat coalition of oregon) so that is a cause near to my heart as well. I definitely prefer the ones that others may deem too much work. Diabetic cat? Sure! 70lb pit bull who has zero self awareness and no teeth? YES PLEASE
I really enjoyed meeting you and your multilegged family. We were treating one of our cats for cancer and yes it is very expensive. Sadly he didn't make it. I am so happy that your Jethro is doing well.
I love all the different ways of being frugal and lifestyles represented!
We, too, rescue the senior/ unadoptable ones. We’re down to 3 dogs but used to have 5 and my doormat says “Hope you like dogs”
I’m VERY impressed with your gardening skills and totally agree on the pickling! Most everything is great or better pickled
Thanks for sharing all your sweet pets with us 🙂
Morgan- since you are in the pet business, what do you think of pet insurance? I always thought the numbers don’t add up to be frugal but I just spent thousands of dollars on a knee surgery for my rescue dog. Yikes!
And I am so impressed that your garden did so well the first year. I still have a mix of wins and losses after many years.
@LC, as far as pet insurance goes, I think it depends on the situation/pet etc. If you can add that line item to your budget monthly it could potentially save you HUGE sums of money should something go horribly wrong at some point in the future. The only hiccup is some pet insurance companies won't insure pets that have any past medical history so if you get it when they are young and healthy it's great. But since I always take in older animals who have lots of health issues, no one will insure them. So I don't have it but I have friends that do. Sorry that wasn't terribly helpful, it's complicated!
Hi Morgan, I enjoyed reading about your gardening and pets. I like the doormat a lot.
Your garden set-up looks great. There is nothing like eating food straight from the garden. Yum!
The pictures of your pets are so sweet. Our last 4 cats found us and our previous dog was a pound puppy.
Very nice to read about Morgan and her “friends”. I’m sitting here with Licorice, an old stray boy cat who is now a dear companion. We had 9 cats and two dogs, none of which we had really planned for but loved. When I was a kid, dogs and cats lived only a few years, never had medical care, and ate mostly scraps. It’s better now and I’m so glad to do what I can. When my schedule is a little less intense, I’d love to volunteer at a shelter.
In my family, when we turned 18, we were on our own, although for those who went to college, financial help was provided to some extent. I’m grateful for being able to be independent from a young age! It’s a gift and a skill that many didn’t get!
The garden is beautiful, as are the veggies!
Thanks so much, Morgan and Kristen!
I love your pets! Ours are all rescues, too, and we also have a tri-paw doggie. It looks like he's missing the same leg your guy is. And I totally feel you on medical care and costs for the pets. Ouch! But, I feel like they deserve every possible good thing considering how they started off.
Hi Morgan! I am a regular reader here but hardly ever comment. I am older than you (like old enough to be your mom!) but other than that we have so much in common! I live east of you in the Gorge. I admire the way you care for your pets SO much! I have spent more years than not volunteering at animal rescues and I totally go for the hard to adopt cats/dogs too. Socializing cats has become my speciality….lol…..I have been called the cat whisperer! It is so rewarding. Yes, I have had a pet who had a limb amputated too. I wont start in on all my pet storys or I may never stop but I could write a book.
Love, love, love your garden too! We have a similar set up.
Anyways, I just felt the urge to comment and sat Hi.