"I’ve realised that being frugal doesn’t mean restricting all purchases or living with the bare minimum. Instead, it’s about being intentional and identifying where you can pull back and when spending money adds value to your life." That spoke to me, Molly! I've had a similar mental breakthrough recently. I also live very frugally, even when it comes to books. I'd all get them from the libraries, and although there's a great selection, it's quite limited in my preferred genres now, especially nature writing. In Germany it's pretty non-existent and very few titles have been translated, so I've decided recently to treat myself by buying books in the UK that I really, really want to read. It's such a great feeling, over and over again, to start a new book I wouldn't have bought a few months ago because I thought I should be more restrained with my money. It gives me such joy, adds so much value to my life and is worth every penny! :)
Hi Molly. Love this. I left my job three weeks ago and just embarking on making money more creatively. It's made me rethink my spending habits hugely and coffee was one thing on my list. This week I've made my own cake and limited my coffee. I've got a chilli mug I take on walks. I don't know why but frugality gives me meaning. It makes me happy.
Isn’t is funny how, even as intelligent humans, we’re so ‘all or nothing’? Being ‘good’ means being unsustainably saintly. A teeny tiny treat now and again makes life so great doesn’t it??
Beautifully written, Molly. A great reminder that mindful spending isn’t about restriction—it’s about choosing joy with intention. Cheers to small treats that nourish the soul.
I'm the same with frugality! I still rarely buy coffee to go, and I would only do so if I'm going to hang out and enjoy myself in the cafe, be it for writing or with companions. It is undoubtedly a treat. I, too, first search the library for books and also recommend going to the local library to purchase one before resorting to buying one myself. But yes, we should also live a little, allowing ourselves intentional treats.
It's not about being frivolous though, it's spending in line with your values and recognising the value (in multiple ways) which that spending is bringing to your life.
It’s not just the coffee, though, is it? There’s the sensual pleasure, all the more enjoyable because it’s infrequent and seems like new every time. There’s the connection with others which is invaluable, and you’re contributing to someone else’s livelihood. A good investment, I’d say! “Buy me a coffee” is a great way for people to support you in a small way. My treat is substack subscriptions, of which yours is one, and I’m very aware I need to manage my spending here and although I’d like to help so many I know I can’t.. but maybe the occasional cup of coffee is what’s required…. Thank you for another gently thought provoking post…
Frugal is good. A friend sold his company for thirty million, but when buying a coffee he will still choose filter from the jug in Pret because it’s a bit cheaper.
I buy coffee in bulk via a subscription to a roaster - Extract - I’ve supported since they were a fledgling company. Now they supply coffee to most cafes in Bristol. The coffee is good, fair trade and organic. It’s much cheaper than buying coffee out. But I also have at least one coffee in a cafe or my local pub once a week. I also want to support my local businesses, meet friends and get out of the house occasionally! As a writer working from home, it’s good for my mental health, as you mentioned Amy! It’s all about balance isn’t it?
I felt so seen reading this!!! Ah the story of my life! It's hard to notice when being frugal comes in the way of living life and experiencing little joys like coffee!
When a person pulls back totally depends on that person's situation and circumstances or values, I completely agree 💯
I (Nigel) bought myself a little coffee grinder and have been enjoying grinding my own of late in the van … although being in Portugal has certainly tested my resolve a little especially as they are mostly under 2 euro .. but then again those do also add up at the end of the week … the nice thing about coffee in the van is the fact that often we are parked up somewhere rather nice …. So it’s a home made coffee with a view .. of course it’s never going to compete with pro-level coffee .. but if it helps me reduce my outgoings over coffee then its a small impact worth making ….
Having had to live frugally for the past few years (have debt from my business), I now find that having that coffee is one of the things that brings me joy! I sit and savour and read Substack or people watch. Sometimes it has become a bit of a habit, but I'm realising more that it's more important to me to only have when I need that time out to pause for a while.
Money has such a hold over us, choosing frugality or splashing the cash, I grew up very poor, so now I’m not frugal or splash happy, I buy what’s needed, but I also buy huge ( conservatory) on finance- could I off lived without it? Probably would I of been miserable - yes if it means I can sit in the “ garden” all weathers with my book and cats & dogs my mental health means more than the cash outlay. I think we all splurge on “ important” things to us x I’ve bought you a cup of delicious joy Molly x
"I’ve realised that being frugal doesn’t mean restricting all purchases or living with the bare minimum. Instead, it’s about being intentional and identifying where you can pull back and when spending money adds value to your life." That spoke to me, Molly! I've had a similar mental breakthrough recently. I also live very frugally, even when it comes to books. I'd all get them from the libraries, and although there's a great selection, it's quite limited in my preferred genres now, especially nature writing. In Germany it's pretty non-existent and very few titles have been translated, so I've decided recently to treat myself by buying books in the UK that I really, really want to read. It's such a great feeling, over and over again, to start a new book I wouldn't have bought a few months ago because I thought I should be more restrained with my money. It gives me such joy, adds so much value to my life and is worth every penny! :)
That's so lovely to hear and books bring so much value! :)
Hi Molly. Love this. I left my job three weeks ago and just embarking on making money more creatively. It's made me rethink my spending habits hugely and coffee was one thing on my list. This week I've made my own cake and limited my coffee. I've got a chilli mug I take on walks. I don't know why but frugality gives me meaning. It makes me happy.
I love this and agree about frugality! :)
Have you taken Denise DT’s money archetypes quiz? I think you’d really like it - I bet you’re an accumulator like me. ✨🩷
No but I'll have to check it out!
Isn’t is funny how, even as intelligent humans, we’re so ‘all or nothing’? Being ‘good’ means being unsustainably saintly. A teeny tiny treat now and again makes life so great doesn’t it??
Thank you Molly for your insight on this topic.
Frugality is not the same as self denial in my humble opinion.
Life is there to be lived and enjoyed as you said.
We only live once!
So I think being balanced is the key 🔑
❤️🧡💙
Beautifully written, Molly. A great reminder that mindful spending isn’t about restriction—it’s about choosing joy with intention. Cheers to small treats that nourish the soul.
I'm the same with frugality! I still rarely buy coffee to go, and I would only do so if I'm going to hang out and enjoy myself in the cafe, be it for writing or with companions. It is undoubtedly a treat. I, too, first search the library for books and also recommend going to the local library to purchase one before resorting to buying one myself. But yes, we should also live a little, allowing ourselves intentional treats.
It's not about being frivolous though, it's spending in line with your values and recognising the value (in multiple ways) which that spending is bringing to your life.
It’s not just the coffee, though, is it? There’s the sensual pleasure, all the more enjoyable because it’s infrequent and seems like new every time. There’s the connection with others which is invaluable, and you’re contributing to someone else’s livelihood. A good investment, I’d say! “Buy me a coffee” is a great way for people to support you in a small way. My treat is substack subscriptions, of which yours is one, and I’m very aware I need to manage my spending here and although I’d like to help so many I know I can’t.. but maybe the occasional cup of coffee is what’s required…. Thank you for another gently thought provoking post…
Thank you for your words lovely!
Frugal is good. A friend sold his company for thirty million, but when buying a coffee he will still choose filter from the jug in Pret because it’s a bit cheaper.
I buy coffee in bulk via a subscription to a roaster - Extract - I’ve supported since they were a fledgling company. Now they supply coffee to most cafes in Bristol. The coffee is good, fair trade and organic. It’s much cheaper than buying coffee out. But I also have at least one coffee in a cafe or my local pub once a week. I also want to support my local businesses, meet friends and get out of the house occasionally! As a writer working from home, it’s good for my mental health, as you mentioned Amy! It’s all about balance isn’t it?
I felt so seen reading this!!! Ah the story of my life! It's hard to notice when being frugal comes in the way of living life and experiencing little joys like coffee!
When a person pulls back totally depends on that person's situation and circumstances or values, I completely agree 💯
Nice post, felt like I was reading my own story in ways… the allure of coffee or tea shops inspire me… enjoy:-)
I (Nigel) bought myself a little coffee grinder and have been enjoying grinding my own of late in the van … although being in Portugal has certainly tested my resolve a little especially as they are mostly under 2 euro .. but then again those do also add up at the end of the week … the nice thing about coffee in the van is the fact that often we are parked up somewhere rather nice …. So it’s a home made coffee with a view .. of course it’s never going to compete with pro-level coffee .. but if it helps me reduce my outgoings over coffee then its a small impact worth making ….
I do this with tea in my van and its always so lovely!
Having had to live frugally for the past few years (have debt from my business), I now find that having that coffee is one of the things that brings me joy! I sit and savour and read Substack or people watch. Sometimes it has become a bit of a habit, but I'm realising more that it's more important to me to only have when I need that time out to pause for a while.
Money has such a hold over us, choosing frugality or splashing the cash, I grew up very poor, so now I’m not frugal or splash happy, I buy what’s needed, but I also buy huge ( conservatory) on finance- could I off lived without it? Probably would I of been miserable - yes if it means I can sit in the “ garden” all weathers with my book and cats & dogs my mental health means more than the cash outlay. I think we all splurge on “ important” things to us x I’ve bought you a cup of delicious joy Molly x