What Are Frugal People Like?

In recent days, we have frequently heard the term “frugal countries. ” Austria, Finland, Sweden, Holland … are areas of Europe that enjoy a healthy economy and that, suddenly, seem to lead a good part of the decisions in economic matters. However, frugal people are also talked about repeatedly. What do we mean then when we use these definitions?

There are those who do not hesitate to refer to them as somewhat spartan, stingy and even selfish people. However, applying this pejorative approach completely clouds the opportunity to consider an interesting behavior profile.

Being frugal is fashionable, but as curious as it may be,  it is a set of approaches, dynamics, beliefs and values ​​that have always existed. It is true that there are countries that practice them because they are rooted in their culture and traditions, but frugality is not something exclusive to those more northern regions of Europe. Even so, they are dimensions that may be very familiar to us …

Traits of frugal people, stingy or stewards of their quality of life?

If we look up the term frugality in the dictionary, it already gives us a clue as to where this type of personality is progressing. This term defines several qualities: being prudent, passive, thrifty and skillful to optimize the use of time and money. Seen like this, in broad strokes, we are perhaps once again with the image of someone restrained, and even stingy, as the gossips often refer to them.

However, it is best to avoid these types of labels that, in reality, limit and do not conform to the philosophy behind frugal people. Let’s delve into those characteristics that define them.

Your time is important, use it well

Time is not money, time is life. Frugal people know this and, therefore, one of their main objectives is to make each day have meaning and quality. What does something like this imply? It implies, for example, that it makes no sense to spend all day working. The idea is to invest in the workplace just and necessary to obtain a salary that allows them to live normally, without excesses.

Every moment should be used to the fullest, either through leisure, rest, or being productive at work. Planning is the key.

Be efficient in everything you do

Efficiency is neither more nor less, the ability to perform certain functions properly and correctly. For frugal people this does not apply exclusively to the workplace. In fact, it integrates each vital area:

• If you have to spend and consume, do it efficiently. Be aware of your financial limits and adjust to them at all times.
• Don’t buy things that  are n’t really useful. Clothes, appliances, cars or technology should not be renewed just for pleasure, for the mere need to have something new or the latest model of that product.

Remember your priorities

In a happy life, the priorities are clear. This implies making efforts, working for what you want and mobilizing all the energy towards those specific dimensions. One aspect that defines frugal people is their thrifty mindset.

Now, they do not limit themselves to looking only at the present and immediate moment, their gaze is basically on the long term and, taking this into account, is also a priority. This means that each month they will save as much as possible.

Let’s avoid getting into debt

Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of frugal countries is that, on average, they have a good standard of living. Salaries are good and their behavior oriented towards savings and efficiency makes it possible, for example, that they do not end up with a mortgage. Avoiding debt is a top priority in this personality profile.

Recycle, take care of the environment and not waste resources

If you can move around by bicycle, why use the car? With that choice you not only save money, but you also take care of the environment. In addition, this does not mean that you have to do without a vehicle. It implies, for example, that you can continue using that utility that, although it is a few years old, works.

The same applies to any other field: why have, for example, several telephone and internet contracts? If there is a company that can offer all members of the family a contract where what is fair and necessary, that will always be the best option.

Focus on your needs, not your wants

Frugal people are rarely driven by impulse . This does not mean that they are cold or squared. Quite the opposite. The philosophy of frugality seeks, above all, to aspire to an authentic quality of life and this implies being clear about your own needs and not desires. After all, the latter change, are fickle, and can lead us down the wrong paths at any given time.

Spending and getting into debt, for example, will not give us happiness. You can satisfy a momentary desire, but the ideal is to be clear about the true needs and invest time and effort in meeting them.

Frugal people and the search for inspiration

There is an interesting factor that also defines frugal people: the constant search for inspiration, knowledge, connection with the environment. The goal is clear: keep learning to improve and advance. New mechanisms must be sought to continue to be more efficient, to create more productive work teams and thus continue to invest in quality of life, as well as in social progress.

Ultimately, this behavior is not only inspiring, but also realistic and worthy of being imitated. Although it is true that frugal countries are accompanied by a context that facilitates these approaches, this does not mean that, to the best of our ability, we cannot follow any of the axioms of their dynamics.

Let’s keep it in mind.