Gifts, Thrifts, and Shifts
My grandparents, my inspiration.
No matter what life throws at me, they always have an answer.
Growing up with Italian immigrant grandparents, I quickly adapted to a lifestyle filled with frugal habits: keeping glass jars to reuse for tomato sauce, cooking with fresh ingredients, rarely dining out, using second-hand clothing and other materials, and ultimately saving more money for larger investments.
I love that I have carried this minimalistic lifestyle into early adulthood because it has saved me so much in time, money, and effort. I have reduced my spending habits into a method of this simple phrase, which I am happy to share with you in hopes of maintaining a more sustainable world, while easing on your pockets in such a difficult economy.
Gifts, thrifts, and shifts are three key ways that one can monitor spending habits and budget accordingly for any want or need.
Gifts: This represents any occasion or holiday which you can receive gifts from others. Have you been needing a new toaster? Wanting a new book? Whether its an experience or an object, if there is no rush for it, perhaps it’s best to wait until the next occasion where you can have friends and family gift it to you!
Thrifts: I am a huge advocate for second-hand anything, especially clothing. Due to society’s trends in mass consumerism and convenience of purchase, materialistic attitudes have sadly become normal.
Finding a good thrift store isn’t always easy, but it’s best to start looking for ones in your area! For my friends in Caledon, I recommend visiting Evolve, which particularly stands out for donated men’s and women’s tops and shoes, and gently used furniture, decor, books, and housewares.
Thrifting isn’t only about sustainability, but the thrill of the chase! Many people enjoy the opportunity to slow down, appreciate the history of each piece, and maybe find a hidden gem or two.
Shifts: This may be the most important concept to fully understand when making any purchase. Before you buy, ask yourself “how long would I have to work to afford this?” You can think of this in terms of hours, or entire shifts. Let’s say you make $2o.00/hour, if you get a single takeout or combo meal every week, thats already an hour of work gone. These days, inflation is higher than ever, and quality only gets lower.
I think you’re starting to get my point here… small purchases add up more than you think, which is why being frugal like my grandparents will lead you closer to a fruitful life.
Being in the world of marketing, I see through every advertisement, from bigger brands especially; manipulation is most often used to persuade audiences to make an ‘urgent’ purchase, for example. These days it’s too easy to buy a couch or even a car and have it delivered to your home the next day! What is the fun in buying what you want, exactly when you want it? Why are simple pleasures taken for granted?
Mindful spending habits creates a more mindful you.