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There are no potato chips in my pantry, and if I want cookies, I make them from scratch. However,I have more clothes than any human would ever need, and they are mostly brand name and expensive. I am not cheap; I am frugal.

The eldest of seven children, I have five of my own. Spending money unwisely has never been an option in my lifetime. Growing up, our family ate good meals with meat and garden-picked vegetables, with blackberry cobbler from berries we picked ourselves. Potato chips and soda were treats, not an everyday part of our diet. There were no foods from boxes. When we had them, cinnamon rolls, cakes and pies were made from scratch. We grew up healthy, and none of us were overweight.

My mom sewed many of the clothes for her five girls, and we were thrilled when someone gave us nice clothes that had been outgrown in another family. As a teenager, when I wanted something new, I used the money I earned from working or babysitting. When I married, I knew how to cook and sew. Both skills saved money on clothing and food.

With five children to feed, the rule was that everyone ate what was put on the table, or they didn't eat. There was no fixing a separate meal for my picky eater. Meals were planned, and the grocery list included what was necessary for meals. No one was allowed to fix a hamburger snack from the meat I needed for a meal. Again, cookies and cakes were made from scratch, and I sewed for my children. Although it was many years ago, and prices have increased dramatically, I fed my family of seven on $35 each week (excluding extra milk and bread).

Money was put in the bank each week, but bills were paid once each month. During the month, I was allotted $100 each week for gas, groceries, and whatever else was needed. If necessary, I could access the bank account, but the idea was to keep as much money there as possible for real needs or purchases for the family. No one went hungry, and no one was deprived of anything they needed.

While I believe I am just frugal, there were many times my children thought I was cheap. My girls were totally embarrassed and furious when I would refuse to buy a new dress, commenting loudly, I'm not paying that much for that there's only $5 worth of material in it! However, all my children grew up with some sense of the value of items, and most still eat a fairly healthy diet.

It's the mom who has fallen off the wagon. Since the kids have grown up and I live alone, it's much easier to use some convenience foods, and I no longer sew much. But I do know how to buy good clothing at reasonable prices. In fact, clothing and shoes have gotten to be one of my bad habits. There are guidelines though. I will not pay retail for my clothes, or brand name shoes that make me choke when I see the price.

When I go shopping, I go directly to the clearance racks. The best buys usually are about the time stores are changing merchandise for a new season. Even if the item has to be put away for winter or summer before it gets worn much, it is worth the wait. There is nothing greater than buying a $50 sweater or pair of jeans for $5.99, or a $60 pair of shoes for $20. The problem is finding room in the closet for all those bargains.

Learn more about this author, P. Payne.
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