Don't Be a Picklebump

As of today, I’m officially 31 days in to the Polaroid Project and I’m raring to go for the next 334 days. But one of my goals this year is to work on making life changes one month at a time. By focusing on one thing a month, I start building a habit – the experts say it takes 21 days to change your habits so I figure an extra few days will be good for each habit. And I can get the change integrated into my schedule without driving myself crazy.

I’m seriously considering making next month Frugal February. I don’t see frugality being a bad habit – especially during these uncertain times. And I don’t think because you are frugal you have to come across as a cheapskate. I like the definition of frugality that I found on Wikipedia:

Frugality is the practice of acquiring goods and services in a restrained manner, and resourcefully using already owned economic goods and services, to achieve a longer term goal.

In some regards I already practice frugality at some level. I reuse things where I can. I try to find the best bargins I can. And I raise/can part of my own food. But I think I can do better. This last year, I’ve wasted a lot of money on parking (I could have ridden the bus), eating out (I could have carried my lunch), and other things. And I’ve purchased things that I haven’t even used. But it’s time to make some changes, get some dollars back in my pocket book, and use some of the things I’ve been stockpiling to better my life and the lives of ones I love. So look for Frugal February coming your way.