Growing Up With Frugal Parents: Stories From Children Who Saw Saving Go Too Far

For nearly eight years, our family had enjoyed a large outdoor furniture set. It had seen countless seasons of sun and weather. Cushions had faded, frames had worn thin, and several pieces were no longer sturdy. But none of that stopped him from loading every last chair and table into the car and bringing it back.

To my surprise, the store accepted the return without hesitation. He walked out with a refund that covered most of the cost of replacing the entire set. To him, it was triumph. To me, it was simply unbelievable.

Story 5: A Life Split in Two

While my parents enjoyed a lifestyle full of comfort, I felt as though I lived in a different world entirely. Their cars were always new, their vacations frequent and extravagant. They traveled beautifully, while I struggled to meet basic needs.

After my grandmother was gone, they handled the inheritance she had planned for me. What was meant to be a meaningful gift never reached my hands. Each year, instead of receiving what she intended, I received only a small gift card. I didn’t even own a phone at the time, and it felt like every step forward was a challenge.Continue reading…