Frugality Saves the Day

I’m passionate about frugality because it’s saved my ass. It could save yours, too.

My wife and I have been fortunate in so many respects, but we’ve been dealt some shit hands economically.

For starters, I was raised in a single-parent household, which statistically signifies fewer economic opportunities. Neither of my parents went to college; one worked as a secretary and one had a litany of low-paying blue-collar jobs.

I managed to attain two degrees (one advanced), but, like my wife, entered the job market during the Great Recession. My first job as a business reporter paid $29,000, and I had to move out of state. This even though I had internships at The Wall Street Journal and The Chicago Tribune. My wife couldn’t break into her desired field and took a part-time job.

Things got worse from there. 

Combined, my wife and I have suffered through three layoffs. One of the times, I thought I was getting called in for a promotion. At our nadir, both of us were out of work. I can remember sitting on our bed together just crying.

Enter frugality. Our saving grace. Partially embraced and partially thrust upon us.

With frugality in our corner, we slowly clawed our way out of the economic abyss. 

I credit it with our healthy financial state today. Our household net worth is 4.72 times greater than the typical Millennial household. In fact, it’s even higher than the typical retiree’s net worth in the United States.

Frugality now. Frugality forever, I say.