Do you save money by buying only what you truly need?

Share your no- spending stories with us I limit my purchases all the time. I have tried to buy only what I need. It is very hard to get it close but I have tried many times. So as not to buy too much at one time I buy a little in advance and span large purchases over a period of time. I save money by buying only what I truly need. It can be a successful day to accomplish the goal of buying only what I truly need.

It has been about 20 years that I have been frugal, even when frugal wasn’t ‘cool’. I am a single mom of two adult women and because I was frugal I was able to raise them myself with no day care. It was the best thing I have ever done. However; I will warn readers that ‘outsiders’ will be jealous of your lifestyle of freedom from average American status. My truck stays parked; I use my horse or my bike to go a short distance if I even have to leave at all. I raised most of my food in various ways and avoided doctors because I stay healthy, lean and fit. The average American can save plenty just by eating a lot less. In the end, life has gotten harder though because a nefarious individual caused enough grief I had to spend the money I saved.

Your 10/08 issue ran the story about a family that spent no money for a month. They accomplished this by mooching and stealing off others. He mooched off Costco with the food and he stole his neighbors wireless internet connection. Real nice. Nice lesson to send. Readers Digest, you have hit a new low.

It seems to me that our country has become some what spoiled in the sense that, we want it now,use credit to get it and then complain about the bills.I have never been rich or poor so I guess thats considered 'middleclass'. That being said,I have been in the position to go without and concentrated on utilizing what I did have.A long time ago (I'm 48) I started saving what most would consider 'trash', a collection of jars,cereal boxes,popcicle sticks,etc...they seemed like treasures to me.With a bit of paint,glue and imagination, I started making gifts for xmas,birthdays etc...I've made canisters,wall hangings,train model houses,paper towel holders,organizers,etc...I also learned how to extend the life of our childrens clothes.I am still now still benefiting from the experiences over the years and have expanded on many of the ideas.I've started a website with the hope to share them with anyone interested.You don't have to be crafty,just willing to learn how you can recycle or reuse just about anything!