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We Frugalites are a proud bunch, with many strategies available to us to maintain our budgets. In this article, I am going to share my idea of the Frugalite “Last Straw.” My own recent experience with this was an eye-opener to me on how this concept could be useful for making sure a Frugalite on a strict budget can stay the course.
What is a Frugalite “Last Straw”?
To me, a Frugalite “Last Straw” is a moment when you see the price of something and decide, “Nope, I am not buying this anymore!” It could be an item or a service. It could be something you’ve bought for years or something newer to you. At its most basic, it is the idea of saying, “No!” to something in order to maintain your budget and your concept of a fair price.
Daisy’s Inspiring Frugalite “Last Straw”
It wasn’t long ago that Daisy herself was writing about her own Frugalite “Last Straw” regarding the rent increase she was facing on her North Carolina apartment. With no law in place to protect tenants and an influx of tech companies putting pressure on the rental market, landlords were adding huge amounts to leases. Whereas so many in the region were simply buckling down to pay these huge increases, Daisy simply said, “No!” to what amounted to a $600 a-month increase.
To read the full story about how Daisy leverages her own frugality to live a glamorous lifestyle of world exploration and travel, check out this inspiring article.
My own recent Frugalite “Last Straw”
My own recent “Last Straw” is on a decidedly smaller scale, but I hope will also inspire others who are having to make difficult decisions about what to buy and what not to buy.
First of all, a bit of background: I am proud to be a homesteader on my half-acre homestead and aim to be as self-sufficient as possible. I grow a lot of my own food and barter for items I don’t produce with my local friends. What I don’t produce, I buy only twice a year at the bulk store in a nearby city. As a result, I am not often looking at prices in the local grocery stores.
One small luxury I used to allow myself was buying gourmet burger buns at a store in a local village. With prices rising all the time, I recently had an experience of “this is the last straw”! Four brioche burger buns for around $3.25. “That’s it!” I said, “I will make my own from now on.”
Now, for some of you, that amount might not seem like a lot. For me, I think it was all of the other things that I could buy with $3.25 that made me think: almost all of my milk for a week! A fair amount of gas! In the background, I already make all of my own bread on my homestead. I have enough organic spelt kernels to make anything I want. Sometimes it’s hard to explain exactly why something is a last straw. I was mad, really really mad! I thought, “I’m no longer going to pay you for these at this ridiculous price when I know I can make them myself for basically nothing!”
Why “Last Straws” are important
A last straw is that moment where you get mad enough to take action, or, unlike me, it could be a more thoughtful moment where you realize you can’t buy that anymore and continue to stay on budget. I think most Frugalites would acknowledge that staying on budget requires careful monitoring of the said budget. It requires reflecting on what’s possible with that budget.
So, you might be wondering, did I stick to my guns on this? You betcha. The next time I had a burger, I made a simple pan-fried savory bread. Some of you who are more ambitious might have made a whole batch of yeast-raised buns and frozen them for future use. For me, I like something quick and easy, which is why I generally stick to quick breads. I made my fresh warm savory pancake/burger bun in the time it took for the burger to cook. My cost? Pennies plus time.
While I probably could afford to buy buns, it’s off my list for now. My savings over the year? $39 that I can use to buy an extra tank of gas. Win-win!
I believe that the financial challenges we are all facing are only going to increase in the long run. That’s just my opinion, but there it is. If I am right, then one of the ways we can all improve our situation is to become producers, rather than consumers. This is the mindset shift that I teach about on my website. Here is a great article from the OP on this topic.
The “Last Straw” can be a great thing
Sticker shock is becoming a regular occurrence at the grocery store and all other retail locations. Could you see yourself taking action on any of the scenarios offered here? Do you have one of your own Frugalite “Last Straws” that you can share with us? Please tell us in the comments below.
About Colette
Colette is passionate about sharing her knowledge of thrifty living and self-sufficiency. She has developed her skills in self-reliance living in the suburbs, the city, and more recently, on her own Half-Acre Homestead. Colette lived five years completely off-grid and without running water in an eight by 24 foot tiny home while designing and building her own 18 by 24-foot eco-cabin. Her website, Half Acre Homestead is attracting followers from around the world who want to become more self-sufficient. Colette invites you to stop by the Homestead and check out all of the great resources including the practical How To Guides, A Tiny Home Resource Center and her organic gardening stories on her blog. She shares her wholistic model (body/mind/spirit) for achieving self-sufficiency in her Free Course, “Growing Self-Sufficiency: The Whole Picture.” Stop by the Homestead today to register free of charge!
25 thoughts on “What’s a Frugal Last Straw, and Why Does it Matter?”
I love guacamole and have a killer recipe to make it. Every time I’ve served it to people they go wild and eat more than they intended. One man admitted to having planned to skip a meeting until he remembered that I would be serving guacamole. The other day avocados were “on sale” for $1.29 each. No more guacamole until the price drops!
Hi Mary, Oh, I wish I lived closer so that I could sample your guacamole. I absolutely LOVE guacamole. Yes, your frugal last straw is one that I totally get: $1.29 EACH!?! I hope that the price drops soon, for you and all the fans of your guacamole!
My last straw event happened in December 2022 when my pasture raised organic eggs went to 4.99 a dozen (now at $5.49) along with deli meats n cheeses n my favorite breads that had doubled in 2 years. I went to oatmeal n yogurt with berries for breakfast n crackers with cut block on sale cheese or PB for lunch. I skip a dinner every other day now.
I drive about half as much these days n get more exercise coz the gas prices stress me out.
Hi K8, Wow, a lot of our “last straw” events are quite similar. Cheese price increases have meant that I no longer buy any cheese, at all. That is saying a LOT because I do love cheese. However, I do make my own kefir-based cheese, and this is what I have on crackers (when I buy them – I mainly make my own now) and the odd pizza I make. Yup – deli meats – no longer, except around 1.50 worth of spicy salami every other week for my pizza with homemade cheese and homemade crust. That’s it.
I have tried to stop driving almost altogether, except for a weekly trip where I try to do it all at once: trip to the dump, to the local thrift shop, and an elderly aunt, and the local grocery store where I buy (yup! you guessed it! my salami and milk to make kefir). I’m sorry to hear about your skipping dinners. I will have an article on that topic coming out soon, because I know many are in that situation of needing to cut back food. Thanks so much for sharing your last straws with the Frugalite community. I am sure that many, like myself, can really relate.
Colette,
I would love to know how to make homemade cheese. I love cheese. But prices have really been rising.
Hi Tammy, Thanks for your interest. Yes, I make my own cheese for literally pennies now! It is a homemade kefir-based cheese. I show it straining in one of my videos on my course “Growing Self-Sufficiency: The Whole Picture.” The next session will likely begin in July, so you can get on the waitlist for that to get tips about making kefir at home and all the benefits. Info on that is on the homepage of my website.
Basically, once you make your own homemade kefir, all you have to do is strain it to take the whey out. if you want harder cheese that you can grate, there are simple ways to press the cheese. I used to always make two cheeses (hard cheese and soft cream kefir cheese), but that was more time consuming. I found that I can just put my kefir cream cheese on my pizza in little “dollops.” it has a taste like mild goat cheese and makes a great pizza that way. One benefit of not eating any more cheese is that I actually think I FEEL better. lighter and more alert. So, the first step in getting going with making your own cheese like I do is to get going with making your own kefir. It you’re interested, I have a “How To Guide” on getting started on my website right here: https://halfacrehomestead.ca/how-to-guides/
I would like to know what the price of the buns were before you decided that they were too expensive……
Hi Donna, That’s a great question. I don’t remember exactly, but in order not to attract my attention previously, I’m imagining it would have been a good 30% less (keeping in mind these were a gourmet treat I bought once a month, not your regular bun). I’m not sure what the situation is in America, but our grocery stores in Canada are being investigated for possible legal action regarding opportunistic price gouging that began in the pandemic. Wishing you the best!
I’m a plus sized lady and my “Last Straw” moment was looking at a pair of jeans my size and realizing they would cost $75 — and right now I’m getting $185 a month. I started eating more vegetables, cut out junk food ($5 bags of chips which is mostly air) and since I started I’ve lost 17 pounds. Instead of snacking I drink tea. I’ve decided I’ll mend and make do until I’ve lost enough to fit in standard and thrifted sizes.
An amazing bonus was when my roommate was having a cup of coffee with me and noticed we’re not spending as much on groceries even though prices are soaring. I really appreciate all the recipes on this site and those readers share that taste great and don’t cost much.
I read once that there’s a green triangle: You do something healthy and it’s often good for the earth and economical as well. That’s certainly proving true in my case!
Hi MmeHomebody, CONGRATULATIONS!!! I’m sure that what you’ve shared in your post will be an inspiration to many others. 17 pounds is amazing. I’m very happy for you. I could not imagine spending $75 on a pair of jeans. YIKES! What a great feeling it must have been to be able to celebrate your accomplishments with your roommate. With the way prices have increased these days, what you’ve done is a real achievement. I had not heard about the green triangle. I like that idea! I am going to give some thought this week to the green triangle in my life on my homestead. Many thanks for sharing and wishing you the best!
Great article. It got me to thinking about some changes that I need to make. I always enjoy reading your articles. I hope you are doing well. I pray that you will continue to mend. We are still working hard to get settled in our new “homestead”. Got a lot more to do, but we are making progress. Best wishes.
Hi Trish, How lovely to see your post today. I will be in touch with you very soon with an update. I am glad to hear that the article got you thinking. It’s wonderful for a writer to receive that kind of feedback. I wish you the best on your own homestead progress. Talk to you soon!
I also enjoy your articles!
Hi Tammy, Thanks so much! I love hearing from readers like yourself. It is uplifting to know that my writing is being read and helping others, which is my goal. Wishing you the best!
Colett would you please give your “burger bun” recipe to us?
Hi Paula, I am going to make them tonight. There actually is no recipe, it’s such a hodge podge. I will write it down when I make them tonight and post it in the next couple of days. Thanks for your interest! I was excited that you wanted to know!
Hi Paula, I made my burger buns tonight and tried to write down the recipe. It really changes according to my mood!
Here’s a good version to start with, and you can vary it how you like:
COLETTE’S “PANCAKE” BURGER BUNS
Dry Ingredients:
1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
several shakes of hot pepper flakes
1/2 medium onion minced and separated -if you like raw onion on your burger, take out what you want as a topping and add the rest to the dry ingredients.
Wet ingredients:
1 LG egg (beat in small bowl with fork before adding to dry ingredients)
1/2 cup milk (probably any kind of milk would work here)
Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients just until mixed. Do no overmix.
Pour burger bun sized portions of batter onto a hot griddle. Flip when bubbles appear. Brown on other side.
Makes 4 burger sized “buns” plus one small one for a snack!
Variations: Add your own spices that you like. Instead of the onion, add any other vegetable that you have on hand, like finely chopped greens, corn kernels etc. Probably cooked veggies or ones that aren’t too hard would work best. Or, if you use raw carrot, maybe grate it first.
If you try it, let us all know how it goes! Wishing you the best!
I seldom make burgers. Instead my go-to sandwich is a home made tortilla (I am fromTexas after all!) wrapped around hummus, lots of sautéed or roasted (preferred) vegetables (zucchini, onions, cauliflower, red or green peppers). Sometimes I add a little shredded cheese. This is a delicious, healthy, and very filling meal. I also make a simplified version of a burrito with puréed pinto beans, shredded cheese, finely chopped onion, and homemade salsa. I usually use whole wheat flour for any bread product I make since the taste and texture are so much better.
Hi Mary,
I am VERY interested to learn more about home made tortillas. Are they as delicious as they sound? Are they difficult to make? Your go-to-sandwich certainly wouldn’t last long in my house. I would gobble it up! I grow my own pinto beans (they are so beautiful, by the way!) and will definitely try your simplified version. Curious: do you add any spices to the pureed pinto beans? Thanks for sharing these great tips on how to make your own delicious sandwiches your own way.
I use a recipe from the Pioneer Woman website. The dough has to rest a couple of times but I’ve been known to refrigerate it overnight as a rest. An iron griddle is the very best thing to cook them on. They cook really fast. I make a batch, use some, refrigerate some , and even freeze some. They heat well in the microwave.
I add a little chili powder to my pinto beans, or if I can find it in a store, a special pinto bean seasoning that is made by a spice company in Austin, Texas.
Hi Mary, Thank you so much. I truly appreciate your taking the time to post these extra details. I can imagine that if I’m interested, there would be many more Frugalites who might like to try your tips. Much appreciated!
London Broil, and roast beef from the deli.Its $15.00 and $16.00 a pound-which IMHO is nuts. I opting for the turkey and chicken and all its flavors now. Cutting down portions even with those.
Hi Corsaire, YIKES AND SUPER YIKES! My goodness, one pound of either of those is almost my entire food AND gas budget for a WEEK now!!! I, too, am cutting down my portions. I hope that you are finding some creative ways to enjoy your turkey and chicken. Thanks for sharing your own Frugalite last straw/s. Wishing you the best!
A long time ago before the internet and before cell phones I had read through the long ago hometown’s library collection of Tom Swift novels (late 1940s copyrights) about a techie boy hero who carried a pocket communicator that he could use to contact anyone across the planet. Of course I knew that was just science fiction back then. Fast forward to decades later when many (but not all) people began carrying the early (flip/dumb) cell phones. I didn’t have a need for them but an ex-girlfriend insisted that I accept one as a “gift” so she could keep in touch with me. Big mistake. She insisted on knowing where I was all the time, what I was doing, and if not working on some project she demanded of my waking hours, I would catch holy hell. I eventually learned of many of her other character flaws in addition to her slave-master instincts. It took considerable time to cut the ties to her while protecting much of what I had from being destroyed by her vindictiveness. That sorry experience left a really bad feeling about cell phones with me.
Years later when smart phones began to take over that market there were several stories about such phones becoming frequent hacker targets … and the how-to of defending against that enemy became very complex and time consuming. I decided that I had enough other wars to fight and that one more was not worth my time. And back then the privacyacademy.com did not exist (which teaches people (for a price) which phones, which data services, which add-on gadgets, which apps, etc, etc one can spend money for (or avoid) to minimize the chances of being a hacker’s victim or a government/big tech surveillance target. I very much didn’t like the idea of my data being stolen and posted for sale on the dark web. So I decided that if I ever needed a portable phone it would need to be a dumb/flip phone (and a possible portable ham radio for emergencies not vulnerable to cell towers being knocked out in a long term power outage)
Everybody has their own ideas about what’s appropriate for them to save on both money and time. This is just one I’ve not seen mentioned here before.
–Lewis
Hi Lewis, Yes! This is a great example of a Frugalite Last Straw! For you, there were clearly experiences in your past, but also your interest in privacy that led to this decision. Not only are you saving the exorbitant and ever-rising smart phone fees, but you are non-trackable. Good for you!