For centuries, most people were both minimalist and frugal. Not necessarily by choice, but out of necessity. Today, many American families have the luxury of choosing to be frugal, minimalist, or neither.
Personally, I’ve found that the two concepts are often at odds with one another. I appreciate both concepts for the benefits they provide, but struggle to embrace them simultaneously.
I’m not saying there’s no common ground. There is at least a little bit, and we’ll get to that eventually — but first let’s talk about the many ways in which they are incompatible.
A frugal person does not like to waste anything. If something doesn’t have a purpose, you find one for it or assume you will eventually. You look for value in everything and are very price sensitive.
A minimalist does not like to waste space on anything that doesn’t have value. If something doesn’t have a purpose, it’s gone. You look for value and function and are not necessarily price sensitive.
A minimalist will pay top dollar for a high quality item that serves multiple purposes.A frugal person will own multiple items that each serve an individual purpose.
A minimalist has a small wardrobe. Quite possibly brand-name and purchased new.A frugal person has an expansive wardrobe, quite possibly purchased used.