For Better, For Worse, Me and My Money Till Death Do Us Part

It all began on a date with my now husband and self-proclaimed frugalist.  I had been to the stationery store and picked up some ever-so-adorable stickers, erasers, and notebooks; the kind that are all over Taipei screaming, "Cuteness!  Take Me Home!  Give Me To Your Relatives!"  Richard looked at me and stated rather too calmly, "I really don't like it when you buy those."

Now, many of you will be wondering, why didn't you snap back, "Because I LIKE THEM!"  But, really, the guy had a point.  What was an almost 30-year-old doing buying these things?  Did I really need them?  Were they helping me secure my financial future?  Were they bettering the world?  Did they serve a greater purpose?  I went home and pondered Richard's statement.

For several years.

We've been married for almost seven years now.  And, I have to confess that right next to me are some very cute pieces of stationery.  But, the difference between these and the ones I brought to that date so long ago is, I bought these purposefully.   And, I buy them rarely.  I am sure that the truly frugal amongst you are now cringing, but it is important you understand something.  This is not about a frugalist ranting to the masses how one can spend less than 30 Taiwan Dollars a day and live.  This is a story of my journey from spendthrift to frugal-wannabe, with lessons learned from those around me.  I hope I can give some direction for those of us  living in Taiwan and trying to fight the language and cultural barriers to come out winning financially, but I come with no guarantees.

So, thanks, Richard, for the role model.... and for meeting me half-way.

Let the blog begin!