Trip Down Memory Lane – Frugality Lessons

My family belonged in a typical lower-middle income group, but my parents always gave us more than what we need – by being brutally frugal themselves.

Growing up, we always had food on the table, clothes to wear, and even entertainment – TV, VCR’s, Nintendo, toys, etc. I remember watching my brother play Super Mario on the Nintendo console, being too young to play it myself. That iconic soundtrack always made me feel nostalgic.

I always had too many toys. Being the youngest, and a lot younger than my brother and sister, everyone showered me with love and things.

For one of my birthdays, I demanded a toy piano from my poor family. My parents or siblings (I can no longer remember who, maybe all of them.) went to so many shops looking for one. It took long enough that the shops were closing, and along with it, a sense of unease and guilt followed. I got my toy piano in the end, but it left me with a bad feeling I couldn’t understand. I know now that it was guilt from acting like a spoiled brat. The worse part is I didn’t even enjoy the toy that much.

I wish that was the last time I made them indulge in me like that, but it wasn’t. It was, however, one of the earliest lessons that shaped how I behave later on.

Another lesson began when I had pocket money to manage. I used to spend everything I was given until I got schooled by my sister one day. I didn’t know I needed to save! I suppose I thought saving was something mom does for me. Once I learnt that I’m responsible for my own savings – my parents are stellar examples after all – I scrimped. I saved a third of my pocket money and never bought drinks. Water is free! To date, I still refrain from buying drinks with my meals (except for fast-food of course). Oh well, I often take things to an extreme.

After learning about the value of saving and that I outgrow toys, I began to say no to gifts from my parents. I knew they’re super frugal and their money was hard-earned. I wasn’t as nice to my siblings though. They were like my second parents. I wonder how they tolerated me – they brought me everywhere and bought me everything.

When I look back now, I wish I’ve never demanded for all those toys and CDs from my family. But what’s done cannot be undone. Besides, that was how I learnt, from an early age, that the happiness derived from things doesn’t last. It was an early seed for minimalism!

Most important of all, that was how I know my parents and siblings dote on me. I love them so much.

I’m grateful for my parents for being frugal so their kids can enjoy a comfortable and stable life. It’s thanks to their frugality that I learnt how to manage my money. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to save enough to live in the States since I didn’t make much money.

I’m also grateful for my sister for teaching me I need to save, and for both my siblings for doting on me. My family was the only reason childhood was bearable, and even enjoyable, at times. But that’s a story for another time.

I’m glad I’m not that spoiled brat anymore.