Blog Master G

Word. And photos, too.

Blog Master G random header image

A Lesson in Frugality

Monday, July 9th, 2007 · No Comments

This morning I awoke to a house without coffee (the horror!). So before I did just about anything else — aside from gathering up my collection of 12 “1 free small cup of coffee” cards (good in exchange for a free pound) and a handful of change ($2 worth for half a dozen day-old bagels) — I hopped on my bike and cruised downtown to my local coffee shop, Uncommon Grounds, where we’ve been buying our coffee by the pound since pretty much the day we moved here.

Total cost of the trip? Two bucks in quarters, dimes, and nickels. I rode my bike, so I didn’t use any gas or contribute to greenhouse emissions. Of course, it’s always easy for us to find an excuse to drive vs. walking or pedaling — time, weather, feeling lazy — but I resisted all urges to drive, including that of the wet, puddle-filled ground excuse. There were early morning storms today that caused the dogs to wake me up at 5:30am since they’re so afraid of thunder. But I digress.

So for only a couple dollars I got a pound of coffee and delicious bagels (which we freeze so they last longer) while supporting my local coffee shop. We buy a lot of coffee from them — this certainly wasn’t the first time I’d cashed in a set of 12 “free coffee” cards (you get one for every pound you buy) in exchange for another pound.

Whether you’re a retired millionaire or a student, living frugally is a great feeling. And odds are it also coincides with doing good for the environment and supporting your local businesses.

I feel fortunate to live in a great little city where I can do both.

Tags: money · saratoga springs