[poundwise]

Life needs balance.

Frugality may be part of a way of living but it isn't life. That is, I believe that being frugal is a means to an end, not an end unto itself. At the present time, I am as tight and cheap as they come. But, it is because of my goal of becoming debt free. Once I reach that status, will I loosen up? Absolutely. Will I abandon frugal living? Absolutely not.

Next up, I want to save a substantial down-payment for a house. Then, investing. At the same time, it will be time to experience some things in life I now deny myself. I'd like to buy some nicer clothes. I'd like to travel with my wife. Going out to a nice dinner together would be pleasant. Anything we do would be enjoyed thoroughly, knowing what we had accomplished and that we're living more wisely working towards our present and future goals.

I think some people are afraid of frugality because they think, "I don't want to live my life like that." And, in that, they may be justified. But, what they fail to see is that making frugality a part of their way of life will enable them to live their life more completely and without the stress of debt or living paycheck-to-paycheck. So many people who 'live life' now will have so little enjoyment once their credit cards are full and they are struggling to pay rent or make a house payment.

Balance.

Live frugally day-to-day. Take care of business. Then enjoy life without worry, guilt, or owing for it later.