Pricey glasses, bras + undies, free ice cream, and more
I'm being careful with my expensive sunglasses
I have spent my life owning inexpensive sunglasses. In fact, maybe the most I've ever spent on a pair of sunglasses has been maybe $30.
I've always thought that was a wise choice, given how often I've lost them or dropped them or gotten them scratched up.
But in the last year, I got a pair of Burberry sunglasses*, which came in an actual case (!), and this has me rethinking the whole cheap sunglasses thing.
(*That's a ThredUp link, and you can also find these on eBay.)
What I have discovered is that because I value these glasses more, I am being very careful with them.
I don't just set them down in random places; I carefully put them in my little triangle case, and I put the case in my bag when I'm out and about so that I can make sure the glasses are protected.
So now I'm wondering if these glasses are going to end up being less expensive overall than my cheap pairs because I am not going to lose or break them.
Sometimes when we buy something at a "throwaway" price, we end up treating that thing less carefully, which only gets us to the throwaway point faster.
Food for thought.
Bra + Undies I'm liking
I briefly mentioned the bras before; they're True and Co. from Target and I like 'em because they have no underwire! And they're really flat and smooth underneath clothes.
For a similar undie experience, I am digging the essential no-show bikinis from Knix. They are pretty expensive, but if you don't care what colors you get, you can usually find some deals in the clearance section.
(You already know that's what I do!!)
For the days right before and right after periods, I like the light absorbency ones, which act kind of like a washable and reusable pantyliner. Like the Target bras, the Knix undies are very smooth, which helps to prevent obvious VPLs.
(VPL = Visible Panty Line)
And I am still loving the thigh saver Knix I got last summer, for wearing under dresses. So good for preventing sweaty thigh chafing!!
And those are AMAZING for preventing a VPL under a clingy or bodycon dress.
Click here to shop, and at checkout, you can use code thefrugalgirl-tryknix for 15% off a $120 purchase.
The "no need to be a tightwad stage"
I've been thinking about this since I wrote Monday's Tightwad Gazette post. Amy was talking about a phase of life when your tightwaddery has paid off to the point where you don't even need to be frugal anymore.
Due to some recent financial setbacks (divorce makes you more poor for sure!), that stage is probably a long way in my future.
But I don't even feel bummed out about that because now that my divorce is done, I am in such better financial shape now than I have been for the past few years.
For one thing, I don't have to pay any more divorce lawyer bills. Also, I got my 50% of the marital assets, which has given me a lot more wiggle room. I'm not teetering on the edge of being broke anymore. WHEW.
Plus: I am totally in charge of my finances now. It's just me managing my money, and since I am very good at pinching pennies, this means I'm set up to make some really good financial progress, especially once I graduate from nursing school.
I don't know...maybe I should feel more womp-womp about my financial state, but I just don't. One day I'll reach that "no need to be a tightwad" stage*, but right now, I feel both content with my present and full of hope for my future.
*not gonna lie, I probably will still do frugal things even when I do reach that stage. I don't know if I could stop!
Free Baskin Robbins ice cream today
Reader Regina told me that if you order on the Baskin Robbins app today, August 14th, you can get a single scoop for free with the code MELT.
I haven't tried this yet, of course (no Baskin Robbins is open at 5 am) but if you try it, let us know how it goes!
Going back to the beginning: have you ever found yourself being way more careful with an expensive item?
(Or conversely, do you find yourself being careless with something that's cheap? And of course, feel free to discuss any other miscellany in this post!)
No, I don’t differentiate between an expensive or inexpensive item. I bought a fairly expensive Disney purse for my Disney cruise last April. I treat it just the way I do my much cheaper bags. I don’t have to be frugal- I just enjoy buying things on sale and being generous. I’ve always been frugal and paid entirely for my first 2 years of college. Of course, it was much cheaper then! I’m a list maker too.
I was given a very nice pair of sunglasses about ten years ago (I believe they cost $150-$200). They were the first pair I owned that cost more than $10. I consider that I’ve broken even because the quality is sooooooo much better. I’ll never go back to cheap sunglasses.
I remind my self, if they aren’t on the face, they’re in the case. That keeps me from randomly setting them down places.
@Faith, more thoughts on this.
I take care of all my things because it is the frugal thing to do. I am constantly explaining to my kids that just because we could treat something poorly and buy a new one, it doesn’t mean we should and that we are to be good stewards of the things we have.
But I do think I am even more careful of things that are expensive or were gifts. I only have so much energy to make sure things are taken care of (with five little people running around) and so I choose to focus that energy on the things that cost more money.
@Faith, I say the same thing about glasses; "they're either on the face or in the case." 🙂
@Faith, I’ve noticed that higher quality sunglasses are much stronger and better constructed.
@Kaitlin,
and there is aberter chance that the more expensive or down right expensive pair sunglasses ( or any other item for that matter) has been produced under better circumstances than the cheap stuff - better pay and work conditions for the workers involved etc. To me this is very important. Made in Germany or in most of the European countries (versus made in China or India for example) ) means decent wages, social security, paid holidays, paid maternity leave, paid sick days etc.
@Faith,
"Take care of what you have & it was last a long time/forever. Just because they make it (still) doesn't mean that you need to not take care of things"
that's one of my favorite & most used sayings. 🙂 My kids & (now ex) husband hated it when I would say this because they were not being responsible with stuff.
@Lea, The majority of glasses are made by one monopolistic company based in Italy. They just put different brand names on them, per licensing agreements.
I used to have a rule not to pay more than $5 for sunglasses because I would always lose them. Then i needed prescription sunglasses, and started being more careful. I still have that first pair 12 years later! I only bought another pair recently because they are looking worn.
I am past the need to be frugal stage, but it's so ingrained into my DNA that I still do all the frugal things. We now have enough money to share with other people, and that feels great. Also, I have this weird thing where I am super careful with things I got a great deal on because I know I'll never be able to replicate that deal. High quality things I get super cheap on FB marketplace, or at thrift stores or yard sales get extra care.
Kristen, this reminds me of an old post you wrote about quality over cheap as it will last, ie, a really good drinking bottle! And eating off real plates. Both those examples generally lead to a more pleasant eating and drinking experience.
I usually try and buy things in the middle price range, as I can't afford items which are super expensive and I don't want to lose them, with some exceptions. I shelled out for Birkenstock sandals and winter boots because they will last for years and give good support for my feet. Similarly, I bought an expensive pair of running shoes. I could have found a cheaper pair elsewhere but I don't want to damage my feet down the line. The Boots theory from Sam Vines comes to mind here: I am fortunate to afford these things and save money in the long run. With items such as kitchenware, I generally pay less, because I worry about breaking them. I bought a water bottle for running which was slightly more expensive, but not so expensive that I can't replace it. It definitely adds to the running experience!
On a side note, I definitely need those thigh savers. And I'm sad we don't have Baskin Robbins because now I want icecream!
Miscellany: I'm going out this evening for dinner and a cinema trip with my friend. If I wanted to be super frugal, I wouldn't go at all, but that's not the kind of frugal I want to be. I don't want to save money for the sake of saving money - I want to use money to enjoy life! It's the same reason I'm going away for a birthday weekend. And, as always, I'm very grateful that this is something I can choose to do.
@Sophie in Denmark, I often think similarly about expensive items: it's one thing for me to afford it now, but I also have to be able to afford it in the future if I need to replace it. It's prevented me from upgrading and adding new electronics to my life for sure.
Love your "One day I’ll reach that “no need to be a tightwad” stage*, but right now, I feel both content with my present and full of hope for my future." I guess I am feeling that way because we are at a good point for retirement and our future looks good. And we have money to pay bills and do what we want. However, there are still 21 more months before the actual retirement could even begin, so I have plenty of time to debate weather to stay employed or retire. Or should I work an additional 2-1/2 years after that 21 months to get my full retirement benefit??? Since I am not happy being in chair prison, I'm just trying to make it thru the 21 months before deciding.
@Maureen, health insurance is my concern. I can officially "retire" this November but I won't be 65 for almost another two years. I have zippo confidence that the nuts in DC somehow manage to sink the ACA. Back to pre existing waiting periods for employer based insurance. Pre-ex in the open market, lo siento, no insurance for you despite your ability to pay. So I will likely continue working until the first day of month I turn 65. An added financial impact is better half will half to start taking RMDs shortly after that. My employer is more than open for me to gracefully ease into retirement instead of cutting the cord. So I shall "do the math". But I will miss that HSA pre-tax deduction I take each year. I think all the Archer MSAs/MSAs options for current/future me are long gone.
Mostly I will choose quality when making a purchase and then probably tend to take better care of the expensive stuff.
We are to the point where frugality through the years has enabled us to retire comfortably. Definitely not an extravagant lifestyle, but not having to count every penny. With that said, I still rarely buy anything (except maybe food) that isn’t on sale or thrifted. Partly because my frugal inner self is still there and partly bc I enjoy the hunt. Besides, if we continue to be more careful in some areas, it gives us more flexibility for other things.
@Addy, exactly!
My kids are WAY more careful with stuff they bought with their own money. I started requiring my eldest to replace his own lost or broken glasses (which is possible thanks to Zenni) and lo and behold, he has now had the same pair for at least a year!
@Tarynkay, are the Zenni glasses as good as what you'd get at the eye doctor? I've been curious about trying them, but also a little nervous. I'd love to hear what your experience has been.
@Danielle L Zecher, I think the quality is lower from what I’ve experienced, but how I’ve continued to purchase them from Zenni’s because I can get a new pair every year for 4 years for the cost of what I was paying (no glasses coverage on my insurance until now) for one pair of regular glasses. I like the option to get new glasses with as much as I’m around kids. My glasses get scratched, and, scratches drive me absolutely bonkers, maybe because of my astigmatism.
@Danielle L Zecher,
My daughter worked in an eyeglass lab,where they make the lenses.
The markup on glasses is out of this world!
My brother was able to get a pair of Progressives for 30.00!
I've been using Zenni for a long time now ( she doesn't work in the job anymore) and have never had a problem and I'm sure they would replace if you're not happy.
@Tarynkay, can you easily adjust the glasses yourself if they don’t fit just right? That’s the only reason I haven’t tried Zenni. I’m afraid I’d break the frames.
@Danielle L Zecher, Yes! I have bought over 40 pairs in the last 5 years or so (Yes, I have a problem, ahah), and I NEVER had any problem with them. I had to return a pair at some point (new prescription not working for me, gave me nausea) and it was no problem. I will never go back to optometrists glasses.
@Kaitlin, thanks for the info! I have decent-ish glasses coverage, but I always end up spending between $100.00 and $200.00 more for all of the extras like anti-glare (I also have astigmatism), anti-scratch, etc. And my insurance only covers one set of lenses/frames per year, so I end up paying entirely out of pocket when there's a big change and I also have to replace my sunglasses lenses. I may look into Zenni for at least the sunglasses.
@Isa, thanks for the info! That's great that they're good about returns.
It never hurts to have some backup pairs, especially if you can't drive, etc. without them!
@Pat, that is an insane markup! Thanks for the info!
@Danielle L Zecher, I tried Zenni out of necessity some years ago, and now I choose it. We get four or five years out of them, usually similar mileage to optometrist glasses. To me the drawback is that lenses can't be replaced if you like the frames, and opticians/labs won't even if they were built to do so. (I had a pair beginning back in high school that I adopted from a great-uncle's estate that he had considered worn out, but I wore them almost another 20 years, and as with so many things, today's quality won't ever live up to that.)
If you are careful with the measurements you have to do yourself and use the Zenni try-on feature, it works beautifully.
@Danielle L Zecher, I have used Zenni and Goggles4U for years and am thrilled with their products. That said, I have a simple prescription, no bi or tri focals. I refuse to pay $300 for a pair of glasses, the going rate locally. If you have a high rate of damage to your glasses, like scratching, or your dog bites them in half, then these two companies are the way to go (in my opinion).
@Danielle L Zecher,
I think the quality of the frames is a little lower- it’s hard to explain but the little side hinge mechanism that is normally screwed together is somehow all one piece. So when it gets loose over time, there’s no way to tighten it.
I bought my last pair of glasses on Warby Parker and they were about $100, frames and lenses included and are much higher quality, like what you would get at an optometrist shop. The Zennis that he buys are about $30 including transition lenses.
@Dee in AZ,
He has only purchased the plastic frame kind and has not needed to adjust them so far. They have an app that determines pupillary distance and takes a photo of your face to advise you on size. There is a virtual try on feature as well.
Me, I'm as capable of losing expensive items as inexpensive ones. I left the one and only pair of prescription sunglasses I've ever owned in the St. Thomas airport, during the period when DH and I took a few winter vacations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Since then, I've stuck to clip-ons.
And as for underwear, all I ask is that it hold me up (above) and cover the subject (below). One advantage of aging I've found is that I no longer care greatly about dainty underthings.
@A. Marie, I don't either but they have to be comfortable, with as few bits of hardware as possible. Sensory issues. I like Knix's pullover bras for ordinary wear.
@A. Marie,
I'll add one more thing to your requirements for undies - that they be comfortable and fit. I detest a bra that smushes, gaps or slides and panties that climb.
@JD, I agree with all of this plus no synthetics in the undies. Just cotton.
@JD, I was sort of tacitly including comfort and fit under "hold me up" and "cover the subject." But you're right; I should have made those explicit!
@A. Marie, Comfort counts! No underwrites for me - I wear running bras every day (otherwise the girls get too bouncy) and quite frankly cheapo underwear from Sam's Club! LOL! Dainty has never worked for me!
@Ruth, UnderWIRES...
@Ruth, ah, to be blessedly not endowed. I should calculate how much I have *not* spent on bras since high school (nursing bras excluded but I only wore them when out in public).
Never had a really expensive pair of sunglasses, just Cheap Sunglasses(keep hearing ZZ Top). But they seem to last forever. Honey used to say he would lose the expensive things, whereas the cheap stayed around. Though I’m going to buy a prescription pair at my next vision appointment.
At this moment in time we both are having medical issues. So I’m using the frugal buffer of money savings to make life easier. A nice frugal bonus.
I've never paid attention to whether or not I take better care of more expensive items. I tend to take care of things overall, and I take excellent care of things I need for daily functioning. I wear glasses and my frames last for several years (I usually have to replace the lenses due to prescription changes), to the point that the people in the glasses section of the eye doctor are shocked when I say how long I've had the frames. But, I literally cannot do anything without my glasses, and I HATE wearing contacts (I haven't worn them since my wedding almost 16 years ago), so it only makes sense to be incredibly careful with them.
On the other hand, I like large tote bag style purses, and have a few at different price points. I take good care of all of them and don't think I'm any more careful with the more expensive ones. I'd be disappointed if something happened to any of them, but if one breaks or something, I'd just move on and use another one. I'm not saying I'm careless with any of them, but I also don't always take the time to change out to a cheaper one if I know I'm going to be doing something like carrying around a book or water bottle all day that's going to put more strain on the straps. It wouldn't keep me from being able to drive, work, read, or go about my daily life like breaking my glasses would. I always keep an older pair of glasses as sort of a backup, and I will ALWAYS change to those if I'm doing anything (painting, yard work, etc.) that might damage them.
I think for me the difference between choosing to take good care of something versus taking extremely good care of something comes down to how vital it is for my daily life.
On that note, if you tend to carry a lot of things in your purse/bag or carry heavy things, you may want to consider switching to a hard clamshell-style glasses case. They tend to do a better job of protecting glasses than the softer cases.
I try to pick quality over price but I try to find the best price for that quality...if that makes sense. But usually, I am pretty rough and tumble with things because I picked the sturdy or well-made version of what I knew I was going to put to work! I find my sunglasses all over the place, never putting them carefully away. They usually live in the car or a tote bag and don't scratched, but I can see where you would want to do that if you only have one pair and spent a good amount on them.
As someone who has worn bras since the pre-underwire era who never understood the attraction, I laugh heartily now at the Honeylove bra commercials where they tout their amazing no underwire bras, another brilliant millennial discovery. 😉
@Bobi, That's so funny! My bra lady recently castigated me for wearing underwires to bed, so I bought a underwire free bra to sleep in. Conclusion: the attraction of underwire is perky breasts even when they're enormous. The no-underwire is comfy but saggy.
Maybe the problem is that women with more normally sized breasts (so, not my K-cup) are wearing underwire despite not needing them?
@Bobi,
That's the way I felt when a few years ago the newest thing was to have the refrigerator freezer on the bottom. My grandmother had a pink fridge with the freezer on the bottom when I was a little kid, and I'm a baby boomer.
@JD, I have a pink fridge*, but the freezer is on top. It was all I could get during the pandemic. I really prefer the freezer on bottom because I have to stoop for the fridge and that makes me a little dizzy sometimes.
*I painted it pink and added my own "chrome" trim.
I hate underwires. And for someone like me, they are generally just not necessary. There's not that much to support!
@Rose, so, is painting a fridge just like painting a wall? Or does it take a special kind of paint? I LOVE the idea of a pink fridge!!!!
@bekahcubed,
Yep. I'm a FF / H cup (UK/US) and the struggle is real with bras. Underwires make me feel confident in how I look, but they are somewhat uncomfortable after a few hours. Soft cups are comfy, but I feel too smooshed / saggy. Sports bras are hard to fit, too! Every time I get a new one to replace worn ones, they get discontinued or stop making my size. Blah.
@Danielle L Zecher, I can't remember where I read to use Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim enamel, but it's held up quite well. My color is Azalea Pink, chosen mostly to be close to my 1959 pink stove.
https://ibb.co/3rJY32B
Started life this way:
https://www.frigidaire.com/en/p/kitchen/refrigerators/top-freezer-refrigerators/FRTD2021AW
I changed the handles, yanked off the logo, painted, then added MTK "chrome" letters (for Montauk, where I live) and added "chrome" trim. The "chrome" was self stick stuff for cars found on Amazon. The lower part has wider "chrome" because 50s fridges had them. The most expensive part was the new vintage handles from Smeg. It was a fun project on a cheap fridge.
@Danielle L Zecher, Oh and I used small foam rollers. Pretty easy, really.
@Bobi, "....another brilliant millennial discovery." Love that!
@JD, my folks always had a freezer on the bottom. The PTBs deem be a boomer too but I've never considered myself a boomer. Those born between 1960 and 1964 ain't boomers and ain't Gen X,
@Rose, thanks! I LOVE it!!! Ours is a stainless/silver one, which I'm not loving, but your pink is gorgeous!
I once yelled at my dad for not putting a coaster under his drink, which was set on a vey lovely inlaid art nouveau table. "That's a nice table, Dad! Use a coaster!" "Everything in this house is nice!" he sniped back.
I'm a treat everything well person and I taught my kids to be that way, too. I can't stand when parents buy new cheap junk "because the kids will ruin it anyway." No they won't, if you insist on their treating things well. Also I just bought new prescription sunglasses for when I don't feel like my contacts and also because I suddenly wanted white catseye glasses.
@Rose,
As a prek teacher, I can attest that not all kids are the same in terms of being teachable about taking care of things. Some kids are just designed to be human wrecking balls, and I would never assume it was because a parent wasn't teaching them to be careful. With that in mind, if a parent told me they didn't want to buy expensive things until their kids grew out of the destructive phase, I would be like "yup, makes sense to me."
@Becca, I am 72 and am STILL a human wrecking ball. Stuff just breaks around me, even when I think I am being careful. It does not help that I have basically no peripheral vision so I have a hard time judging distances--I think I am far from a wall but end up slamming into it. It is one of the reasons I hate driving and love those highway strips that make a loud sound if you are veering off the side of the road. We don't have those and I have had two auto accidents where I rolled my truck because I thought I was on the road but, apparently, was not, and ended up in a ditch.
I feel like you should not take up a career as an Uber driver. lol
@Becca,
I love this and it’s sooo true. My middle child was that way. He was like the Peanuts character, Pig Pen. He left for school everyday bathed and in clean clothes that all matched. His hair was combed and his teeth were brushed. He came home looking as though he rolled in the mud. Sometimes he had paint or ink on his hands, his clothes, and in his hair. Often he came home without something he wore to school. I did my best to help him, and he improved A bit with age. However, he is still a little like the absent minded Professor. My eldest is just the opposite. I love them both just the way they are.
@Bee, My daughter too. I once made her into a compound Peanuts girl: Frieda, the girl with naturally curly red hair, combined with Pigpen's smell lines. Her room was always a disaster but the pictures and furniture stayed nice because she knew I'd lose my shit.
@Bee, your son and I could be twins! I'm positive my parents had the same thought! I am also like an absent minded professor (I prefer that to chaotic/forgetful).
@Rose, those that say that don't want to put the work into being a parent.
I have prescription sunglasses (about $200 after discounts). I took immaculate care of those things for 5 years before they came to an unfortunate when my son climbed up on something and put a knee on them and snapped them. The timing isn’t awful because it’s been several prescriptions since I’ve gotten new ones, and I’m about to get a new prescription. And now I have vision insurance that covers glasses up to a certain dollar amount, so instead of paying for two pair out of pocket it will end up being just one pair.
Not needing to be a tightwad is a long way off for me too. My lawyer fees are really high right now. Like…an entire second job high. This will hopefully pass, but given someone’s penchant to fight, it could be until children are much older. I am fiscally responsible so I am making it work, and so far without debt. Let’s hope that continues.
@Kaitlin, Divorce is most likely the most important financial event of your life, so the best lawyer you can find is a wise investment in your future. Don't try to be nice or be fair. Fight for the most you can get. I realize lots of people disagree but that's my take. As my dad would say, "In a fight, don't fight fair. You fight to win."
And to be honest, a lot of my feeling was punitive. You want to leave? You're gonna pay. Ha ha ha, I wonder how his current divorce is going. He's actually crowdfunding for his delegate trip to the DNC convention next week.
@Rose, at least the DNC lol.
@Rose, always play to win. Otherwise no sense playing. Sad to say when it comes to divorce, it is always play to win (and if applicable, ensure your kids stay safe).
Ooh, I am relieved to hear that you got 50% of the marital assets! I always get worried that women who were SAHM or WAHM will get snookered out of their fair share. I realize that's not the whole financial story (and I don't need to know the whole story, obviously) but good for you, for advocating for yourself.
I try to take good care of my better clothes, and I do find that they last longer since I am careful. Clothing quality has gone down over time, though, I find.
@Meira@meirathebear, I think this is another area where it pays off in the long run to spend more on quality instead of going for the lowest priced option, i.e. attorneys.
Along with you, I am relieved to read about Kristen having received 50% of the marital assets. This is also an illustration of the importance of ethical behavior even when unethical choices appear to pay off in the short run. I am referring to Kristen declaring all of her piano lesson income for those years and paying taxes on it. I have been teaching private lessons for nearly 40 years and I have always done the same, but it really hurts at tax time. In the US, someone declaring self-employment income pays the “employer half “ of FICA along with all the same taxes everybody else pays on W-2 income and it adds up unbelievably. My husband and I send four figure checks to the IRS four times a year solely because of my self-employment income (he has a more normal career). I have a lot of colleagues who do not do this, and who are very surprised if it comes out that I report every dime, even when paid in cash. But if you don’t declare all of your income on your taxes, leaving aside the moral and ethical issues, that income may as well not exist for anything you might want to do in the future (buying a house, for example).
@Meg in SoTX, that is a very interesting point! When I pick up extra shifts, I am essentially handed a personal check by the clinic owner (this is legal in my jurisdiction.) I guess if I didn't report it at tax time, no one would know. I do report it, obviously, because I don't want to break the law and anyway I am pretty tax efficient. I definitely see a lot of people who don't report their "side gig" income. I never thought about the potential adverse consequences (other than fraud, of course.)
@Meg in SoTX, good point on declaring the income! A friend who divorced several years ago ended up with it biting her in the backside - they owned a small company together, she ran the business side, he the labor side, and since she paid all the bills/ran the household he took a small paycheck that he could spend on his hobbies/fun money, so the bulk of the business income went to her to pay for everything else for the family.
When they divorced he didn't have to pay much in child support for the first few years since on paper she had been the bigger earner, but with the divorce the business folded and her subsequent employment wasn't even close.
@Michelle H, I hope she went back to court.
And yeah, back in the day when my ex and I had the same boss, he would give ex a bigger bonus and more stock options and whined at me that it didn't matter, it all went into one pot anyway. Boy I reamed Boss out. (Another female employee was jealous of me so he had to give her more than I got to keep her from quitting. Then he gave ex more to make up for it. I said, "So let her quit. This is something I could sue the company for, you know?")
@Rose,
Why didn’t you take legal action?
I provided hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of uncompensated labor over the years where I was a work-at-home, homeschooling mom...plus I was always bringing in some income as well. So yep, I had no compunctions at all about asking for my fair share. 🙂
@Kristen, well-deserved!
@Bee, Lots of reasons. I never ever in a million years thought we'd divorce. We were very happy. Also--if I'd sued I probably would have been fired and any award I'd've gotten would probably have been less than the stock options that were accruing. I really am not a lawsuit kind of person, and also I was extremely close to my boss. He's the dear friend I mentioned the other day who pipes the yokes on his deviled eggs. The first two reasons were the most important, and also I had quite small children, including a baby daughter, and I just didn't feel like dealing with a lawsuit. Plus it would have probably poisoned my then-husband's job.
@Kristen, good for you!!!
@Meg in SoTX, it isn't quite the full FICA percentage but it still can be an ouch. You might want to consider having extra withheld from your better half's W-2 job. And there is a fine line when it comes to reporting income. Might benefit you in the short term but come SS time, the chickens come home to roost.
I finally had to buy a pair of prescription sunglasses two years ago ($700 -- insurance does not cover RX sunnies and my vision is so bad). I treat them so carefully. They are either in the case or on my face.
I think your sunglass story shows the advantage of buying something you like as well as something of high-quality. Sometimes the long-term cost is definitely lower.
Living in Florida, I have spent lots of time on or near the water. A good pair of sunglasses is not just a matter of fashion, but an absolute necessity. They must be worn to prevent eye damage and cataracts. In 2017, I purchased a pair of Costa sunglasses at REI. I have a 20% off coupon as well as some reward points. The cost of these came to about $160 which made them the most expensive pair of sunglasses I had ever purchased.
In 2020, the arm of these sunglasses broke. Since they came with a guarantee, I contacted the company. They sent me a label so that I could send them in to be repaired. When the company received them, they sent me an email saying that they no longer made these sunglasses and did not have the parts to repair them. However I could pick another pair of my choice from the catalog. The replacement sunglasses arrived just a few days later, and I am still wearing them. My expensive sunglasses have cost $23 a year - a bargain.
On another note, I guess you do get to a point when you no longer need to be a tightwad. I am at a point in life where most major things have been done. However, as we approach retirement age, I have new worries. The inflation that has occurred since 2020 has made life much less comfortable. The cost of our life has risen by about 30% — no major purchases or changes. We are cutting costs where we can, but when you have always been a tightwad, it’s hard! There isn’t a lot left to cut. I wished that I have saved even more.
@Bee, I'd add that our discussion yesterday of the high prices and low quality of new cars, appliances, etc., highlighted another set of worries. I'm frankly not sure whether I will ever reach a point where I no longer *need* to be a tightwad. It's probably a good thing that I will never reach a point where I no longer *want* to.
@A. Marie, I thought I was close to my retirement saving goal when the pandemic struck. I’m trying to save a lot more to cover current and future inflation! I could afford to spend $$ right now, but I also want to eventually retire. I guess being a “tightwad” may end up being a lifelong commitment.
I think I generally am pretty careful with cheap things as well as expensive. The main difference is that I get far more upset with myself if something happens to the expensive thing. Always needing to work on being gentle with myself.
As far as sunglasses, I almost never wear them. Last summer when I got new glasses, they were running a deal so I could get a second pair for not very much. So I got my first new pair of prescription sunglasses in 12 years. I have worn them very occasionally, but mostly they just stay in the case..... I just tend not to enjoy the experience of wearing them. I like to see in full color. I do very consistently wear a sunhat, so hopefully that mitigates any concerns about eye protection. Maybe I should try again to make a point of wearing them...
"maybe I should feel more womp-womp about my financial state"
No, I don't think feeling depressed about something is helpful or productive. Feeling hopeful will keep you having energy to make good choices for you! So happy for you that this is the case.
And finally regarding free ice cream, we decided to go out to eat after voting last night. It just happened to be kids night, so the kiddos got free ice cream sundaes and a coupon for a free kids meal next visit. I asked my daughter when it was going to be mommy night where mommies get free ice cream, ha! But as it turns out, she couldn't finish all of hers so I got a little free ice cream too :-)
I've always been a cheap sunglasses gal also after an expensive pair was ruined when I was younger. But, a few years ago my younger son bought me a nice pair of sunglasses for Christmas. I have taken extra care of them for 2 1/2 years. I guess for me it is mainly because they were a gift, but also I do think they have better protection for my eyes than my cheaper glasses did. The older I get the more glare and sun hurts my eyes and am very sensitive to it.
My husband and I are comfortable, mainly because we do not splurge a lot. If we gave in to temptation all the time no amount of salary would be sufficient I daresay. However I am happy that we can buy what we need and then some things that we like, and still save for retirement and be generous to others. My husband would like a new car and my default answer was "nope, not needing a new one" - until I realized that we have had our present car 10 years, and that we may not be driving any longer in 25 years time. So we will look for a new one somewhere next year or so, and will not (yet) have to think "this will be our last car" ever.
I was raised to take care of everything, because my parents couldn't afford to replace things that got ruined. I've always been careful, therefore, but when I've paid a lot of money for something, I'm extra cautious. I always keep my driving glasses, which correct for my mono-vision contacts, in the car's glasses holder, and my sunglasses are in a case in the console of the car. My back-up bifocal glasses are in a wooden box lined with felt by the bed, and I keep a hard glasses case to pack my back-up glasses for travel.
My daughter had nice Costa sunglasses, but someone broke into her then-boyfriend's truck where she'd left them after a day at the beach, and stole everyone's Costa glasses - hers, his and the kids', which dimmed my desire for expensive sunglasses. I had a pair of expensive clip-ons designed to fit my driving glasses but they broke after several years and couldn't be replaced, so I have a $20 pair of over-the-glasses type sunglasses because I can't find clip-ons to fit my driving glasses. They aren't as clear as the clip-ons, sadly, so that leans me back to expensive glasses. So far, I haven't taken the plunge.
I reached the golden years with some savings, but with a lot of unexpected expenses for DH, so I still need to be frugal. I'm not struggling just to pay bills and I have enough to donate some, though, so I'm content.
@JD, your last paragraph describes my own situation pretty well. I'm not destitute by any means. But my DH's decline came with a lot of expenses (both up-front and hidden) that have cost me, just as your DH's did for you. And, as we've all noted in recent days, we're all now looking at inflation; the high-cost/low-quality factors of replacing cars and major appliances; and the recurring expenses caused by major storms and other effects of climate change. So I don't think that any of us except those in the 1% can afford to be complacent.
@A. Marie,
Long-term illnesses are costly in so many ways and one of the things that I’m worried most about. I have a plan but hope it will be sufficient. I’m glad that I have frugal skills.
I agree with you about taking extra care with expensive items. I have prescription sunglasses and am really careful with them!
We are likely at the no need to be really frugal anymore, but being in our mid 70’s are very conscious of the kinds of costs the future may bring and the fact that we may have 25 to 30 years ahead of us! Our version of frugality has evolved to be non-consumers of things that aren’t important to us, watch for bargains where we can and spend freely but mindfully on what is important and/or adds value to our lives and the lives of those we love. Currently this means driving a 12 year old car, using coupons/sales on food and household goods but having moved to a very expensive area and buying a house so we are near our son and his young family.
Regarding sunglasses. I had this same response when I bought my first pair of Rx sunglasses. I am near sighted and for year just wore them and couldn't see. But it was suggested that I get sunglasses to drive and the first pair were twice is expensive as my regular glasses. It did make a difference.
I don feel that there are times when you don't need to be frugal. But agree after being frugal for years I beleive it is a habit and I will just continue with it.
I always joked that there was a direct correlation between the price of sunglasses and how quickly I lost them. Cheap scratched up ones I can't stand? They live forever. New designer ones? Gone in a month.
Now that I wear prescription trifocals ALL my sunglasses are expensive lol, so I'm super careful with them and never lose them. So I think you have a point there.
We are still frugal even though we are at the stage where financially we don't have to be - at this point it's a mindset and lifestyle, and I don't see us ever giving it up. Frugal is my hobby! I like couponing, working the cash back apps, and always trying to get the best deal when I do need to purchase something.
@Michelle H,
Oh! Forgot to add - my husband has one pair of non-cheap sunglasses, and he found those in the middle of the road in a national park a few years back. He has found 2 more cheap pairs in creeks since then, so he has a pair in each car just in case. He doesn't care that one has rhinestones on the corners, says no one is looking at him in the car anyway.
@Michelle H,
He’s a Rhinestone Cowboy!
I try to be careful with anything I own that requires one to be cautious in handling.
I have always had hard cases, for example, that I use with my cheap readers.
I got the cases with the expensive glasses I got when I first started wearing them back in the late 90s. When I lost the glasses or had to get a different scrip, I always kept the cases.
FYI: When I no longer could wear either the expensive glasses or cheap readers, I always donated them to our local thrift shop, who was always in need.
As for getting to the stage where you "don't need" to be frugal...I think frugality is a mindset and has little to do (for some people) with how much disposable income they have.
Over the years I have known many high-earners and very wealthy individuals who maintain a frugal POV when spending. They just don't believe in throwing money away and always believe in getting good value.
I think having more disposable income allows you to better "invest" in certain things, so that they last longer and actually cost less in the long run . You buy the "best" you can afford because things will (Hopefully!) last longer--clothing, household linens (I have sheets from the 1980s when they still made high-quality material. I have towels from the same period. FYI: Sheets and towels I bought in the last five years? Most have just fallen apart and they are from same companies as longer lasting ones (FYI: No, I did not use those sheets and towels EVERY day but they didn't sit in our linen closet either.)
Personally, I hate, hate hate when things today (small kitchen appliances, cell phones, big kitchen appliances, etc.) break or need fixing and it's actually too expensive to get repaired. Wasteful. Most people are just like: Toss It. Get a new one.
I want things to LAST. Not forever but I don't need a new phone each year. Nor do I need a new computer although these days, nothing lasts. (When my three year old external hard drive suddenly became unreadable the mfg said "Oh, we don't expect people to use them more than a year or two." What? Seriously. The drive was not cheap.
I love that it is easier (depending on where you live) to get recycled furniture and other household items. We really don't need new everything all the time.
No matter how much money I have as disposable income, I'm going to aim for the best value. Wait for sales; use cash back; shop thrift stores, etc. No way will I just throw away money.
@Irena, We have an ancient truck, mostly for use when hauling gardening stuff but we have dragged it out when weather conditions are terrible. We took it to a mechanic recently and he advised us never to sell it because it was manufactured the last year they used metal instead of plastic for certain components. He asked that we contact him if we do decide to sell...
@Lindsey, may we know the make, model, and year of the good pickup?
Not so much expensive but limited things like shirts from comedians or bands I always try and take good care of. I am good with most of my clothes anyway but I make extra sure to hang dry those and not get anything on them.
But I think the main question we all want to know is ... Do you offer discounts on bulk orders or not?!
Oh, is that one of the questions that was popping up with the Facebook glitch??
@Kristen, yes it was. 🙂
A few suggestions:
1) Goodr sunglasses are my ultimate favorite, and they are ~$30 (less on sale around the holidays). They are absolutely fabulous for running/walking & don't slide around. I can leave them in several places & not worry about them. I also have a nice pair (Tory Burch) that I adore, and I keep the little cloth sleeve in my purse. When I walk inside, I put the sunglasses immediately into my sleeve to keep them nice. So, I suppose I do both. My Goodr sunglasses are my workhorses & serve different purposes, but the Tory Burch are nicer & I do take great care of them.
2) For thigh chafing, there is a product called Body Glide that is amazing, and potentially cooler. It's like a deodorant stick, and you rub it on. When you are running a lot, this is clutch for lots of places on your body, to ensure you don't get blisters or other sore sports. It also works amazingly well for thigh chafing. It's my lifeline in the summer.
I'd describe our financial situation as one where we can pick and choose where to be frugal (rather than every single decision requiring it - we've also lived through that) & we still practice it a lot in our lives. But, we choose where to splurge as well. (Travel, experiences for our family, etc). As DS18 begins college, I find myself very grateful that he won't have the same college experience I had. He won't need to work 3 jobs & maintain a 3.75 GPA for his scholarship & have $100 month to cover all expenses/including food. I've never been that stressed in my life. He has skin in the game & worked this summer & has saved, applied for scholarships, etc. But, that's because I think it's important for him to do that. Not because attendance of college is on the line. He'll get one single, very part time job second quarter (assuming the first quarter goes well). This makes me incredibly happy that we've saved enough & are lucky enough to do this for our kids.
@Hawaii Planner, that was how I got through college too. It was so terribly exhausting that I had no time to enjoy college, but did make some awesome friends who were in the same boat.
@Ruby, Me too. $10 a week for food. No money at all for books. Literally everyone else was richer than I was, but at the same time it was the second happiest time in my life.
And I'm sure I was less smart than Hawaii Planner in that I gave my kids a too-easy ride. Then again, divorce and depression and anxiety etc etc. It was a mistake but the three of us were struggling badly.
@Rose, we put parameters around college. And my hard line in the sand - if you have money to go on spring break, you have money to pay for college. Overseas study - I ain't paying for it. Spring break was never an issue (what a huge waste of money IMHO) and overseas study was funded by them. We did provide money for essentials (food, public transportation, personal items such as shampoo etc.). You're not doing your kids any favors by them having zero skin in the game.
@Selena, Ah. Neither of my kids wanted to go on spring break and neither ever talked about overseas study. I remain endlessly jealous of people who did have junior year abroad, etc. Actually, I wanted so badly to go to Oxford or Cambridge for my whole education, but I couldn't figure out how to do it and my parents were no help at all. Everything was "We can't afford it, we can't afford it, oh forget it it's too expensive." I possibly could have asked my guidance counselor but it didn't occur to me. I always figure out everything by myself. I wanted my children not to have the heartache of being ill in college and not being able to afford to go to the doctor. Etc.
For me, it's not the price of the item but the price of replacing it and yes, I'm extra careful with those and with hard-to-find items.
SO HAPPY for your financial situation and even happier that you feel happy 🙂 I'd argue you have done an excellent job of moving forward anyway but after checking these boxes you are able to move forward more. CONGRATS!!!
Yes,I also bought a pair of expensive (for me!) sunglasses ($28!!!!) while on vacation because forgot to bring my cheapies.I am sooo careful with them,I may never need to replace !
Frugality: It is a muscle your develop,isn’t it? My husband and I have been frugal all our lives. Married young, and out of necessity! then as we got good careers and got ahead some, we still have our frugal habits.We splurge on fine dining here and there and we take vacations I could never afford 30 years ago.But overall and day to day we follow all the same principles we always did.
We had a goal to pay off our home before retirement and we did downsize, purchased a smaller home, but with amenities that are important to us since we are HOME a lot more than most of our friends who RV and travel way more than we do..so I have a BIG KITCHEN and a swimming pool (I am in Arizona!) ..
I still love all my BIRTHDAY FREEBIES from various loyalty programs. I still cook most of our meals at home (cooking is a HOBBY for me, not a chore!)
When I plan vacations I make sure we have an airbnb with kitchen and we eat a lot of meals at home. I love when we visit places that have a TRADER JOE nearby!!(Like BOSTON this past summer!)
You are coming into a great time.. you have the divorce done and a great career in nursing, and all your good and your good spirit will serve you well!!!
I love that you keep finding time to share your journey with us!
Hope you get your free ice cream today! 😉
First exspensive sunglasses. I have owned plenty of cheap sunglasses over the years also, but did purchase an exspensive pair of sunglasses ($85 frames after insurance & BOGO discounts which translated to my mother'sday gift) & had prescription lenses put in. I LOVED those sunglasses! I wore them every where for years & was adamant about putting back into case & put away where belonged. There was a time when I lost my beloved exspensive sunglasses for about a year. I was devastated & broke down & bought a cheap pair (I have to wear sunglasses outside for my health) because I could no longer get the same exspensive sun glasses. I did eventually come across my exspensive sunglasses (lost on vacation while camping & YES I LOOKED EVERYWHERE!) but my prescription had changed so I popped out the lenses & put in normal lenses. I still have my exspensive sunglasses but don't where them because found new (moderately $30) exspensive sunglasses that are darker (health thing) that I wore. I'm at the point now though that I just wear my eye glasses that change to (as) dark (as they make them) glasses (& purchased a few pairs when they went on sale/clearance $15) because my eye sight has changed more. I may get prescription lenses for my original exspensive sunglasses to have to wear outside more because my regular eye glasses are getting damaged from excessive color changing.
I wear sunglasses even in winter in the snow as much as I do in the summer. For me it's a necessity.
As far as being frugal, I think that it's a way of life for me & that even when I had more money (before life changed) I was still just as frugal then as I have always been. And that's a good thing in my book. 😉
This! I have always had the reputation of being slightly more "fancy" than some of my friends and family bc I would often have more designer, name brand or "bougie" clothing/shoes/bags. But the joke is on them since I love a good treasure hunt at thrift stores or online consignment (talk to me about the $90 Reidl wine glasses I just got at Goodwill for $4 yesterday). While they might buy cheaper things at Target that get tossed in the wash, torn up and thrown everywhere, I try to take care of my things. I wash everything as the tag requires. My clothes are hung up and the leather regularly treated. Though my husband might hate the amount of handwashing dishes, it's worth it.
I can do both, depending on what they are. Cars , i buy under 5000$, drive until they are dead and a scratch more or less! Who cares . But I love my clothes, purses and jewelry and I am careful of them, handbags that I bought second hands in Japan, I use a leather cream on them buff and polished, keep in their dusters when not using . Clothes are also secondhand but expensive and I hand wash , lay to dry, use a low iron. So I drive like a maniac and dress like a lady . I do lots of my driving on dirt roads.
@Bella, "drive like a maniac and dress like a lady" makes me hope that you do a Meet A Reader soon! Driving on dirt roads evokes mental images of beautiful scenery and causes me to wonder where you live that you can dress like a lady while driving on dirt.
This has really given me a good ol' think! When I was really struggling, I was super, super frugal because I had no choice. Use it up, make do, or do without. I utilized thrift stores because of the prices, and most of the time what I bought was higher quality than I could have afforded new. And I took care of what I had because replacing things wasn't an option.
Now I am in a much better situation financially, and I find I still take good care of my things, mostly for environmental and good stewardship principles--but also for convenience. If I have something I like, I don't want to have to replace it -- everyone's noticed how the "new" model so often is lower quality anymore.
This is long, sorry! But I conclude - I am frugal now, in ways that let me splurge on things that save me time or give me joy. Neither could be a consideration in the past, and it's awesome that it's a choice now.
@Lemniskate,
Your comment made me aware that if you look after what you already own, you spend less time and attention on finding anything new. Same goes for having favourite brands of clothing for instance: you know the sizing, the quality and the fit so you know you will be satisfied with your purchase. No need to look elsewhere; more time and energy you can spend on other things.
I am careful with my things by habit, but also because I have a wide nose in the case of sunglasses. Hardly any part of me fits the “made cheap in China” mold, so my carefully made homemade clothes and long searched for shoes represent a lot of time. I ave more interesting things to do than shop! Although I miss window shopping as an urban pastime.
An umbrella. 25 years ago I bought an umbrella for what my coworkers thought was a ridiculous price and I got teased about it a lot. But 25 years later I still have it, still use it, and it's still in excellent condition. And it's pretty classy 🙂 I find if I have to take it anywhere, I am hyper aware of it. Those cheap collapsible ones? I likely would have lost or broken numerous ones over the same period. No regrets!
@Teresa, you are not alone. Mine was large enough for me and the kiddos to be underneath. It was not cheap either and it has *never* came close to succumbing to the wind. Got it from LL Bean I *think* in 1992. Sounds like those on this blog were raised to take care of things. My umbrella resides in its fifth vehicle.
I guess I'm at the no need to be a tightwad stage. I don't feel the NEED to pinch pennies, but on certain things I do, and on others I don't.
I'll buy store brands of things I've discovered aren't noticably different from the big brands, but there are those I insist on buying the name brand (hopefully with a sale or a coupon, but if not, that's okay, too).
Glasses/sunglasses. I have prescription glasses and sunglasses. I don't ever skip on the lenses (and they're bifocal - ugh), but I HAVE gotten less expensive frames in the past, and regretted it. Because I wear glasses during ALL my waking hours, they have to hold up, so no more going cheap on the frames.
Shoes! I practically live in running shoes (although my running days are supposed to be done after a knee replacement), and I buy relatively expensive ones. They fit, they're comfortable, and I know where to get them. I have to buy them online because no stores carry my size (women's 12), and because of the size, the colors available are limited, and sometimes they sell out faster, but I'm often able to find last year's version for a lot less. I also earn rewards $$$ with every purchase, so that helps, too.
Amazon purchases. I was looking to buy a "good" food processor and found so-so prices on Amazon, better than in the stores, but I still wasn't sure I was willing to pay even that much. I put the item in the cart and let it sit there. A couple of weeks later, I got a notification that the price had dropped. It had gone down by 25%, and then I waited too long. It went back up. Then a couple of weeks after that, another notification, and it all dried by 50%! I didn't wait to pull the trigger that time. I've never seen it that low again. So I'll wait, especially if it's a WANT, and not a NEED.
And I DO believe that if you go cheap and buy at "throwaway" prices, you're less likely to take care of things.
I try to balance it out, though - important things I may not quibble about price, but other things I will.
@Ruth,
I now wear a size 12 shoe, also. Where do you order your shoes online?
@Gretchen, Bigfoot checking in, too.
@Rose, and if the place sells small and wide sizes, I'd like to know.
I think I do treat expensive items a little more carefully, but I struggle to remember to put things away even if I do value them. It's like my brain is thinking about the next 10 things and doesn't even register to consciously pay attention to what my hands are doing. I've never been diagnosed, but sometimes I wonder if I have mild ADHD.
I always buy a protective case for my electronic devices like phones, tablets, running smartwatch. I know that I'm clumsy so I try to prevent the problems that could happen when my absent mindedness takes over.
For sunglasses I love the goodr brand. They are comfy, stay put on my head while exercising, and are about $25-$30. They've added new styles recently, and while they are mostly sporty, I enjoy some of the cat eye / retro shapes as well. I'm very sensitive to glasses, headbands, and hats putting too much pressure on me and getting headaches. Goodr sunglasses don't do that, yay!
The problem with sunglasses!!!! You have to carry the empty case in something, no matter what, so you always have a bag or backpack. After I dropped and broke a very expensive pair of Vuarnets, I go to Dollar Tree and buy five pair in the spring. Used to be $5, now $6.25. I had some left last year, so I didn’t have to buy five!
I have hesitated to buy the Target True&Co bras because the material composition and other specifications are slightly different when compared to bras listed on the official company website. (I had wondered about this because the Target version was consistently half the cost.) Anyhow, the Target version is inexpensive enough to sample, so I might give it a try!
I've always worn prescription sunglasses, so as default take very good care of them. I don't have the option to buy cheap sunglasses, since I don't wear contacts. And I also take very good care of my glasses, because I cannot function without glasses, and I only ever have one pair at a time...if we were able to live less of the tightwad life I'd have at least two pairs.
We are frugal about most things but not travel. While I will stay at a cheap hotel when we are driving across country, when we reach our destination (s), I want a nice hotel. I don't want an Air B&B where I have to do my own dishes and a white glove cleaning before we leave. I don't want to be a zillion miles from the attractions I am interested in. I want to luxuriate in a fine bed and good linens and a great bathroom. When we went to Colonial Williamsburg we stayed in the expensive main hotel on the grounds, even though it would have cost a lot less to stay close by and drive into the campus every day. (Although having each spare roll of toilet paper wrapped in a large pink ribbon was a bit much, even for me. Which is how I ended up with a picture of a pyramid of beribboned toilet paper on my cell phone.)
@Lindsey, I'd never require my guests to clean before they leave. Sometimes they ask me what they need to do before leaving and I say, "Nothing. You're on vacation. That's what I pay the cleaning lady for."
@Lindsey,
We do occasionally rent via VRBO or Air B&B, but usually only when we are traveling with extended family. We will be at a wedding in two weeks and there will be 14 of us in a Lake House including 4 children under 3. I’m sure it will be fun (chaotic), but it really doesn’t save a great deal of money.
However, when my husband and I travel together, I prefer to stay in a hotel. To me, the height of luxury is not making my own coffee or breakfast in the morning.
I would have photographed that toilet paper too. 😉
My husband always buy cheap sunglasses in packs from Amazon and always loses them. It annoys me. I have prescription sunglasses that are always in my car for when I need them and I grab them when we are going somewhere in the other car.
We are at the point that we don't need to be frugal anymore but we still do a lot of frugal things. It's been part of my lifestyle for more than 32 years and I find it fun.
Years ago, I took a liking to prescriptions sunglasses. When I first started buying them, I only needed single vision lenses and they were affordable. Over time my eyes have changed and now I wear trifocals. They have become very costly, even with my insurance plan. However I ADORE them! I Put them on and my eyes say 'thank you' lol. I cannot imagine not having prescription sunglasses. For one thing, our eyes need protection from the sun just like our skin does. As I age I want to take care of my eyes as much as I can.
One other note, I tried contacts at one point, which would then allow me to buy sunglasses from any regular store. However, I did not take a liking to contacts and gave them up after 18 months or so.
Kristin, I am so happy for you that you are in such a place of peace and contentment. You've been through so much over the years, and you deserve all of the happy and positive feels right now <3
Aww, thank you. <3
@Price Chopper shopper, One last thought here. Because of how much my glasses cost, I am VERY careful with them. Also, I am careful with them so I don't scratch the lenses. On a more frugal note, when I get a new pair Of any prescription glasses I save my old pair(s). It's always useful to have spare eyeglasses around. You never know when you'll need them!
I was 16 when I purchased my first expensive pair of sunglasses. These were for snow skiing, waterskiing and dirt bike riding. I kept breaking the cheap ones and after my third pair in a month, I bought an expensive pair and took care of them and they lasted for 6-7 years. Now I have a pair of Costco sunglasses that I wear for nice. I use construction sunglasses/protective eye wear for farm work and those I buy at garage sales for $1 or less.
I purchased new in package knix thigh savers at a garage sale just this last week and wore them with a chambray sleeveless dress and boots to a rodeo. Love them!
My family's thoughts on being frugal. Do we need to be? No. But we feel it is important to build generational wealth and fund the community projects that my grandparents originated in the 40's. I have set up 4 scholarships 2 at my parent's high school and 2 at my high school. I have land trusts and conservancies set up as well as financial trusts.
It is amazing to see the difference in one family whose siblings received the same inheritance and what has come of it thru the decades.
Kristen, I am so glad that this post divorce era is truly positive. You're working towards a fantastic career and bless you for keeping this community going!
I prefer 100% cotton panties. But they are getting harder and harder to find for women. So I have resorted to wearing ones my husband outgrew. Why can’t they make women’s stuff as comfortable?
I need glasses at all times, and I could never see spending so much money for prescription sunglasses, so all my life I had those clip-ons (the newer ones have little springs that hold them on your lenses so they are less noticeable) or wore a bigger pair of cheap sunglasses over my regular glasses. Even WITH my insurance "discount" and a $150 credit, a new pair of prescription glasses still cost nearly $400 out of pocket, leaving no budget for sunglasses.
When I lost my optical coverage, it turned out to be a blessing, I started going to Costco for glasses and it has been much better. For less than $300 I could get BOTH prescription glasses and sunglasses in nice frames, the sunglasses have transition lenses that darken in brighter light even in the car. I hear that Walmart's optical department is also very affordable.
I am in heaven! My car has a special compartment over the rearview mirror for sunglasses, so they live in there most of the time. I don't carry a purse and only have a small wallet that holds my cell phone and a few other things, so the glasses I'm not wearing get hooked over my shirt with the arm of the glasses, or in a pocket that won't get squished. I'm not jumping and running around where the glasses could easily fall off. Knock wood I haven't lost them after 5 years getting them from Costco.
I’m just thrilled with your happiness in your newfound freedom. Even better, it’s a joy to hear of your optimism for your future, a future where you get to decide the content and direction. I know that you have an awesome life in store.
No one should be stuck in an untenable or horrible situation for life.
My sunglasses were about $450 but they are prescription Ray Bans. I keep them in the case in my car. Expensive, but worth the price. I had previously gotten my sunglasses from America's Best and they weren't a great quality.
https://utopia.org/guide/does-goodwill-take-underwear-bras-socks-a-donation-how-to/#:~:text=Most%20thrift%20stores%2C%20such%20as,t%20an%20option%20is%20recycling.
Part of frugality is recycling. The above link contains info about where, how, what, etc to recycle your unwanted clothing. Goodwill, for example, won't take intimate apparel--so no bras or undies, but the above link will show you how to donate those items. Please help take care of the world and don't throw your clothing out!
My later mother said the only thing that one wouldn't use is that cheap ring that turned your finger green. I've lost a pair of sunglasses (actual glass mind you) - somewhere in my house. Had them for 41+ years. I only wear them when on my own property. The Rx sunglasses (which I do keep in a case) I like as long as I am not walking. Readers in the bottom half and that mucks with my spatial conception.
And I do have some cheap sunglasses (one is a promo from a prior employer) that I've also had for years.
My theory is that if I only have one of something, I will keep track of it better than if I have, say, 3-4. I'm thinking of things like water bottles, sunglasses, hats, etc. It doesn't seem to matter if they are expensive or not, although I have never bought expensive versions of any of those items, so this is maybe a moot point 😉
I remember when Baskin Robbins had a birthday club and sent you a post card in the mail for your free ice cream.
I try to be careful with everything I buy, but so many things just aren’t made to last, no matter how hard you try.
I was lucky to find a beautiful crossbody Coach bag three years ago. It was at a garage sale for fifteen dollars. I’ve taken very good care of it and used it daily. I’m down to just over a penny a day, for a bag that I never would have afforded full price. So, yes, I guess I do value it more, mostly because I hope to enjoy it for years to come.
I always get Kirkland brand sunglasses at Costco, which are ~$30.00. However, I don't consider that cheap. haha. I have to have dark sunglasses with a polarized coating and these fit the bill. And yes, they also have a case. I'm not fussy about the style, but I have always liked the style at the time. I try very hard to keep track of them and thus, they last me for quite a few years.