...spend and save? Thrifty on a budget

(Disclaimer: Let me start by declaring that we, as a family, are not the least bit poor and are in no way miserly. We do, however, want to use our money in a way that will glorify God and not just spend it on ourselves simply to make our lives "easier" or more convenient. )


One often thinks that anyone posting, writing, or talking about being thrifty would be advising on how to do something inexpensively, but thats not usually the case.  Thrifty, by definition simply means "using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully" and is no guarantee that the idea is low-cost.  For example, have you ever noticed how many DIY and "thrifty" activities are in fact terribly expensive endeavors? Cook from scratch!...but buy these wonderfully expensive pans and this exquisitely costly mixer first.  Sew your own clothes!...but make sure you have the new super-triple-deluxe sewing machine and these pricey craft scissors.  Make your own soap!...but make sure you have these overpriced soap molds designed to only do one thing, mold soap.