10 Questions to Enhance Your Frugality (Reprint)

This is a guest post I wrote for BeingFrugal.net on September 20, 2007.

In “The true earning power and the real cost of luxuries,” I discussed the concept of true earning power. If the thought of making only $3.85 from a $30 per hour wage does not motivate you to be more frugal, here are 10 questions that you can use to enhance your frugality:

question mark

Photo from stock.xchng

Do I really need this, or do I just want this?
Is there a cheaper alternative that works just as well?
Can I buy this used from somewhere else instead?
Is the one I already have still working? If not, can it be fixed?
Is this going to add to the clutter?
How much use or enjoyment will I get out of this?
Will I use this only once and not need it again? May be borrowing or renting is a better alternative.
Will I be using this a few months from now when the thrill wears off?
Is there something else better I can do with this money?
Can I wait another week (or longer) to buy this?

Whenever I am about to buy something, or even thinking about buying, I ask myself these questions. Occasionally, I will ask my wife these questions, but I have to be careful and diplomatic.

Give them a try, they might save you some money.

More about frugality:

Frugal Mindset vs Frugal Practice @ I’ve Paid For This Twice Already…
Five Free Frugality Forums @ BeingFrugal.net
Practically a Different Person @ The Good Life on a Budget
Teaching My 3 Year Old About a Budget @ Remodeling This Life
25 Ways I Save Money @ Million Dollar Journey (happy 1st birthday!)
Kick Impulse Spending to the Curb – 10 Questions to Ask Yourself @ Working For Financial Freedom

This article was featured in:

The How To Solve Money Worries hosted by Widow’s Quest. For more information please visit the How To Solve Money Worries.

8 Comments

Money Blue Book
December 14, 2007, 9:44

Great tips… #8 and #10 are the most important ones for me, especially when it comes to buying the newest gadgets and electronics.
The thrill wears off fast and they frequently become outdated quickly as new models are issued.
-Raymond
Guy
December 14, 2007, 15:13

Very good questions. Thanks Pinyo.
Pinyo
December 14, 2007, 19:10

Thank you.
Dorian Wales
December 15, 2007, 7:12

We seem to have adopted a new religion of consumption. Many people buy and consume to fill a void or gap in life which can not be filled by money or goods. This spiritual gap (call it either religious or spiritual) is widening as more emphasis is placed on material goods. I’m a devoted capitalist but am also aware people need more then money to be happy. My advice is to consider what are the psychological needs and wants you are trying to answer with more shopping.
Erin
December 16, 2007, 21:40

Great tips-I forgot about reading this before when it was on Being Frugal. It seems everyone has spending (or not spending) on the brain lately.
Pinyo
December 21, 2007, 10:11

@Dorian – Great point!
@Erin – Especially during the Holidays Season.
grouchwhitecat
April 2, 2008, 0:42

Just discovered this site. I’m working on paying off my debt and building my savings. It’s not easy. My biggest problem is stopping myself from buying more hobby supplies and books. I’m going to print out your list of 10 questions and tuck it into my debit card sleeve. Hopefully that will give me pause to realize I do NOT need to make this purchase.
Thanks for all the great advice, I can’t wait to catch up on all your other articles.
Make Friends, Earn Money
April 12, 2008, 10:15

It’s amazing how the simple things are always the best and there are some excellent points that have got me thinking. I am especially keen on being frugal but recyling products where possible. I think that we have got used to a disposable culture where we are too quick to buy a new item that to have it fixed. Sometimes having it fixed is so much cheaper, although it can take more time.