”I grew up in a frugal house and was taught the value of money from a young age; I would play cards with my Dad for coins and if I lost then he would cash in. Later, as a student I learnt quickly how to budget my money (living in London will do that!).
Nowadays, I live in Staffordshire where my focus is growing TheFrugalFox.org, planning my wedding on a budget and saving to buy a house. I wish I had had a money blog like TheFrugalFox growing up and so I’m aiming to create something helpful, useful and inspiring.”
Would you say you have been thrifty since childhood?
Have you had lessons on money management in Secondary school?
What would you say are 2 or 3 epic money fails you have had since becoming an adult?
- I would say wasting money on a relationship because I thought it would fix things.
- Spending over £500 on my credit card on a holiday because I thought it would make him happy.
- Also not paying off the credit card was stupid!
Did you have a frugal epiphany? What caused it, or how did you decide to develop the frugal habit?
No big epiphany. I just realised that if I wanted a house, a wedding and a baby then I needed to stop spending rubbish on crap I didn’t need.
What are some of the things you practice now as part of a frugal lifestyle?
Setting up and sticking to a food budget, not having expensive hobbies and always researching the cheapest way to do things.
What is the biggest saving you have made as a result of being frugal?
Now that you are more money savvy, what 3 pieces of advice would you give to others about handling money?
1. If you make any bonus or pick up extra hours then save it and live like it wasn’t there.
What about frugal fails? We’d love to hear a few of those too.
I don’t tend to make fails but I would say locking into contracts that you can’t get out of is a bad idea!
My favourite quote from her is ” I just realised that if I wanted a house, a wedding and a baby then I needed to stop spending rubbish on crap I didn’t need”. Such a profound statement that all of us can benefit from. When you stop to think about it, you have, in the past, spent too much money on things just because they were cheap, or just on a whim etc. Stop and consider how all that money could have put you nearer to your big dreams.
I like this interview style post. I consider myself pretty frugal, but there are always new ways to save!
I love your blog! I blog about First Time Homebuying, I certainly have to follow you! I’m also super frugal. I don’t buy clothes either but there are times of the year when I spend money. I’ve learned to budget for those weak months lol
You’re a lady after my own heart. I love living the frugal lifestyle.
I guess at some point, everyone just has to have a frank talk with themselves and make a decision to make better choices. That quote also jumped out at me ” I just realized that if I wanted a house, a wedding and a baby then I needed to stop spending rubbish on crap I didn’t need”
The frugal fox is really a savvy lady. Thanks so much for stopping by.