My late grandfather was born in Scotland, and to him I give credit for my own frugality. I like to say that I am “thrifty.” (My wife uses another not-so-nice term to describe this trait of mine.)
But being prudent in my expenditures does not mean less enjoyment of life. In point-of-fact, there are a great many pleasurable activities that require no spending, or very little, that can and do add a lot of delight, amusement, and self-illumination.
Frugal Bear’s Favorite Activities:
- Reading on my front porch, and talking with neighbors who stop by.
- Walking in my neighborhood, usually led by my dog, Roxy.
- Doing a free trial of Kindle Unlimited for 6 months and reading each night.
- Using the library (online) to check out books and magazines of interest, that I can’t find through Kindle Unlimited.
- Visiting museums for little or no cost, including the Kentucky Museum at Western Kentucky University, Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and many others both large and small.
- Hiking in public parks.
- Doing a picnic lunch in a public park.
- Playing board or card games with family.
- Hosting a “pot luck” party with friends.
- Playing croquet on the lawn.
- Going to the playground to swing and to fly a kite.
- Writing entries each evening into my gratitude journal.
- Planting a garden and (hopefully) enjoying the vegetables that rest.
- Fishing.
- Star gazing.
- Laying in the grass and look for animals or other patterns in the clouds.
- Going to the mall, or a busy downtown, and people watching.
- Calling or FaceTiming a friend I have not talked to in a while, and chatting.
- Cuddling on the couch with my wife, and enjoying a “movie night” with popcorn.
Dr. Ron A. Rhoades serves as Director of the Personal Financial Planning Program at Western Kentucky University, where he is a professor of finance within its Gordon Ford College of Business. Called “Dr. Bear” by his students, Dr. Rhoades is also a financial advisor in his firm, Scholar Financial, LLC. The author of the forthcoming book, Mastering the Art and Science of Investing, and numerous other books and articles, he can be reached via: ron@scholarfinancial.com. Thank you.