MY OWN LIFE MY OWN RULES
The Stubborn Little Girl Behind Saving Joyfully
Since I was a very small girl, I've always been a little stubborn.
Actually... that's a huge understatement.
I'm probably one of the most stubborn people I know.
I grew up in a family of nine children, raised on a single income. We always had what we needed, but there wasn't a lot of extra. My grandmother played a huge role in my childhood, and some of my favorite memories are bargain shopping with her. Looking back, those shopping trips shaped not only how I spend money but also who I became.
My Childhood
Growing up, I marched to the beat of my own drum. I questioned the rules, resisted conformity, and insisted on doing things my own way. Sometimes that worked in my favor, and other times... not so much!
I remember having favorite shoes and outfits that I refused to stop wearing. My sisters, who were only a few years older than me, were probably mortified. I insisted on doing my own hair, wearing the same outfit repeatedly, and proudly decorating my head with every barrette and bow I owned.
Looking back now, I honestly feel sorry for them.
Those favorite shoes probably didn't look—or smell—very good after months of constant wear. My hairstyles were likely as wild as my imagination. My sisters deserve some kind of award for willingly being seen in public with me!
While many things have changed over the years, one thing hasn't: I'm still incredibly determined.
Those shoes are long gone, and that striped skirt certainly doesn't fit anymore. But my determination, my persistence, and yes... my stubbornness are still very much a part of who I am. When I know what I want or believe in something, I give it everything I've got.
My Frugal Roots
My grandmother didn't just teach me how to find a bargain—she taught me to appreciate every dollar.
Because of her, I fell in love with saving money, couponing, and finding creative ways to stretch a budget.
As a kid, I drove my sisters crazy by stopping to pick up every shiny penny I found on the ground. I'd check phone booths and vending machines for forgotten change. During grocery trips to Aldi, I'd collect abandoned shopping carts just to earn the quarter deposit.
Maybe those habits were a little extreme...
But they taught me that small savings really do add up.
Even today, I still pick up change when I see it. I still save loose coins. I no longer check every vending machine I walk past—but every now and then I still get the urge! 😂
Some habits never leave you.
Quality Over Quantity
Another thing that hasn't changed?
When I find something I truly love, I stick with it.
Take my favorite ECCO shoes, for example. They cost more than many other brands, but they last me well over three years of daily wear at work. For me, that's not spending more—it's buying quality that saves money in the long run.
That's the kind of frugal thinking I learned growing up: buy wisely, take care of what you own, and make it last.
The Heart Behind Saving Joyfully
So now you know a little more about me than you probably expected.
Picture that little girl picking up pennies, returning grocery carts for quarters, proudly wearing the same beloved shoes day after day, and refusing to let anyone tell her she couldn't chase her dreams.
That little girl is still here.
She's just grown up.
She's still determined. Still frugal. Still passionate about helping others.
That little girl eventually created Saving Joyfully with one simple mission: to help others stretch their budgets, save money with confidence, and discover that living frugally doesn't have to feel like sacrifice—it can actually bring joy.
If my story encourages even one person to believe they can overcome financial challenges or make the most of what they have, then every lesson I learned growing up has been worth it.
Want to Read More?
If you'd like to learn more about my financial journey and the lessons I've learned along the way, be sure to check out these posts:
My Worst College Money Mistakes
Learn From My Money Mistakes
