My Frugalista, Live-in-the-Moment Role Model

My mom is a thrifty bird. When I was young I always loved spending my Saturday going "rummaging" with her, visiting all the rummage sales we could find in search of a good deal. She's great at spotting a bargain, and even better at haggling. She's got some mad skills.

My mom is also one of the most free spirits I know. Over the years, she has learned to live every day to its fullest, and she enjoys every bit of life like no one else I've ever met. She sees the positive in everything, and judges no one. As scary as it must have been for her, she has always encouraged me to take the adventures that came my way, always supported my decisions and allowed me my independence. Above all else, she has always wanted me to be happy.

So in celebration of Mother's Day, and of my most amazing mama, here are the five biggest lessons I've learned from her along the way.

1. On Spending Money:
Don't waste your money on a brand name, or in a pricey store, or on top quality products that you will only be using a few times. That's just foolish.

2. On Standing Up For Yourself Financially:
If you feel you haven't gotten what you paid for, say something. Whether a product doesn't work properly, or you've been charged a fee that you shouldn't have, or half the apples in the bag you bought were rotten, ask for your money back. You are allowed to demand that companies be honest and give you what they say they will give you.

3. On Knowing the Boundaries:
When in doubt, always ask. Not sure if the big box will take back your item because you cut open the packaging? Think you might be able to get a lower price? Wondering if the bank might remove the overdraft charges for your solitary slip-up? Just ask them politely. The worst thing they can do is say no, and then you aren't any worse off than you are now.

4. On Living Up To Expectations:
It doesn't matter what other people think of you or your life choices, so long as you are happy. You are not responsible for the happiness of everyone, only your own. The important people will accept you the way you are, and the others are probably not worth keeping around.

5. On Spending Your Time on What Matters:
Enjoy the moments of your life, because there are not enough to waste them on anything else.

My goodness, could there be any more important life lessons passed on from mother to daughter? Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful mom. You have taught me so much, and I am so grateful I get to be your kid.