There are two ways of life available in American households today-- spendthrift and frugal. I call them Spendthrift Manor and Frugal Homesteads. I thought I would compare them from a household perspective:

• The residents of Spendthrift Manor go to restaurants and order in all the time, whereas the residents of Frugal Homestead enjoy home cooked meals and the occasional special dinner out.
• The residents of Spendthrift Manor value the quantity of new material things, whereas the residents of Frugal Homestead value experiences and happy memories that last a lifetime.
• The residents of Spendthrift Manor have dogs with toys, clothes, and medical care, whereas the residents of Frugal Homestead value productive hobbies and pastimes.
• The residents of Spendthrift Manor drink bottled "vitamin" water, whereas the residents of Frugal Homestead drink filtered well water.
• The residents of Spendthrift Manor are quick to throw away and purchase new, whereas the residents of Frugal Homestead fix, repair, or recycle.
• The residents of Spendthrift Manor wear this year's fashions purchased at full retail prices, whereas the residents of Frugal Homestead wear durable classics purchased on sale.
• The residents of Spendthrift Manor eat pre-prepared and processed foods, whereas the residents of Frugal Homestead eat fresh from their garden.
• The residents of Spendthrift Manor are one disaster away from humility because despite appearances-- they spend more than they make, whereas the residents of Frugal Homestead carefully plan, budget, and prepare for life's surprises.

My wife and I know many friends and neighbors that live in Spendthrift Manor-- my kids live in both of these residences (due to divorce) . . . Where do you and your family live?

This post originally appeared on DivorcedDadFrugalDad.com, here is the link to the original post, Spendthrift Manor and Frugal Homestead.

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DDFD believes that self reliance and self sufficiency are the roads to individual freedom.  He is dedicated to living a quality life through frugality, personal growth and productivity, and defensive entrepreneurship.  He also enjoys cooking from scratch and fishing.