
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:

Photo from stock.xchng
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.
This article was featured in:

All posts by Pinyo
Comment Rules: Constructive criticism is welcomed. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name or URL, as the latter comes off like spam and I'll most likely delete your comment. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation! Here's our comment policy and guidelines.
If your trackback does not show in 24 hours, please resend to this trackback URI.
| High Interest Savings Accounts | 1.51% |
| High Yield CDs (1-year) | 1.75% |
| High Yield Checking Accounts | 1.46% |
| Best Credit Card | TrueEarnings® |
| 0% APR Balance Transfer | 6 mo |
| Lowest Interest Rate | 9.75% |
| Best Cash Back Reward | 5% |
This site contains information about third party products and services, such as credit card offers, online banking, discount brokers, and credit score services. While we endeavor to ensure that the information presented on this site is accurate at the time of publication, any offers and rates shown on Moolanomy can and do change without notice. Visit the official site of the offer for up-to-date information.
For additional information, please review our Terms and Conditions.
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The thrill wears off fast and they frequently become outdated quickly as new models are issued.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
Very good questions. Thanks Pinyo.
Thank you.
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.
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.
@Dorian – Great point!
@Erin – Especially during the Holidays Season.
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.
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.