Frugaling: Save more, live well, give generously

by Sam Lustgarten

The average household has nearly $16,000 on credit cards and more than $33,000 in student loans. In total, they represent over $2 trillion of American debt. Clearly we've got a problem. Leaders tend to recommend that we keep spending, avoid the concerns, and maintain the status quo. We tend to call student loans "good" and "necessary," but don't equate the debt with lifelong repayment plans, default, and ruined credit scores. Meanwhile, credit card companies bait us into spending more than we can, on things we don't need, to impress people we might not care about. It's a recipe for disaster, and a bubble waiting to burst. That's where frugality can help. The word might remind you of boring grandparents talking about the Great Depression. They might have mentioned that a penny saved is a penny earned, while flashing back to days of penny candy. For most people, that mentality doesn't make sense today. Some say, "I don't mind debt because it helps me live a more comfortable life." Well, today let's consider an alternative. -How about a life that's yours and not a bank's? -How about a budget that's easy to understand, flexible, and let's you splurge here and there? -How about a philosophy that is about helping everyone -- yourself included? -How about the freedom to travel on your own dime? -How about a plan that will last a lifetime? Frugality is the missing link in a world overgrown with consumption and materialism. With " Save more, live well, give generously," Sam Lustgarten aims at the heart of the corporate, consumer culture. The book provides an outline of his debt story, steps taken, and critiques of the advertising world. If we save more, we can live better, fuller lives. We can cut down on our environmental impact, and give to others in need. And we'll realize that there's more to life than that new pair of shoes.

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2015

Reviews

[Elizabeth Tai · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is not a "how to" manual but a thesis of sorts about the benefits of frugal living - on your psyche, emotions, and for the world. It's, in a way, a combination of minimalist living and good financial sense. Good read.

[John Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read all year...

I had very high expectations for this book since I've been a loyal reader of Frugaling.org for quite a while. I was not disappointed. Sam Lustgarten helps us to understand that we can't really be wealthy unless we are helping and giving to those that need our help. The message here isn't to get rich and retire to your own private island, but to give of yourself in order to raise the standard of living for everyone. The book is very thoughtfully written and inspires people to consider the health and well-being of their fellow man. Well done.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a reader of Sam's blog, I enjoyed reading his first book--a culmination of his writing so far. I think he offers a unique perspective to the minimalism camp because of his warnings about inequality, capitalism, and climate change. To me, these are all reasons why careful and responsible spending alongside a life with few possessions is most important. Docked one star for the sometimes odd organization of essays. I feel they could have been cleaned up sometimes to improve the flow and narrative. Hope he writes more original content in the future, too!

[Jeff Gallagher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great ideas, but he just had to get political

I love Sam's concepts about living within your means. I enjoyed the first part of the book and considered giving it to my children. But the third part of the book Sam makes the decision to get political. It makes heroes of left-wing radical groups. I would not encourage any of my children to read this book.

[Sallee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Less is More with a compelling argument

Don't read this if you're not ready to confront your current way of life, if you're not ready to think deep thoughts about it. An excellent treatise, one which just might rock your world. It did mine.

[Shari Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful

Great book. If you are looking to read something that is not just telling you to save every penny and line your pockets, this book is for you. Focusing on saving, but also giving back is what made this such a great read.