Are You More of a Night or Morning Person? A Frugal Mom’s Take
Hey friends! Are you an early bird or a night owl? It’s one of those fun little questions that says a lot about who we are. Personally, I’m all about waking up early—it’s when I feel most productive and in control of my day. And as a frugal mom, I’ve found that being a morning person has its perks when it comes to saving money and living intentionally.
Benjamin Franklin was onto something with his famous quote: “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Let’s dive into why mornings might just be a frugal mom’s best friend and how embracing your natural rhythm can support a budget-friendly lifestyle.
The Frugal Benefits of Being a Morning Person
1. Making the Most of Natural Light
One of the first things I noticed when I started waking up early is how much natural light I get to enjoy. Those quiet morning hours are bathed in soft sunlight, which means I’m not flipping on every light in the house just to see what I’m doing. Over time, this has made a difference in our electricity bill—not huge, but every little bit adds up, right?
2. Starting the Day with Purpose
Mornings are my “me time.” The house is calm, the coffee is hot, and I can think clearly. This is when I plan meals, review the budget, and tackle any big to-dos. Starting my day this way helps me feel more organized, which cuts down on those last-minute expenses (like takeout because I didn’t plan dinner).
3. The Lunches are Packed and Breakfast is Made
Let’s be honest—nothing good happens when we’re up too late. Scrolling online sales, binge-watching shows, indulging in late-night snacks… it all adds up, and not in a good way. Plus, let’s face it—my toddler doesn’t care what time it is. Morning, noon, or night, their schedule runs the show!
That’s why I’ve adjusted my routine to work for both of us. By waking up early, I have time to pack lunches, whip up a simple breakfast, and start the day feeling ahead of the game instead of scrambling to catch up. It’s a small change that greatly affects my sanity (we are on time for preschool) and our budget.
What Night Owls Can Learn from Early Risers
Don’t worry, night owls—I see you! My husband is a member of your crew. If staying up late works for you, that’s great. But there are a few lessons from morning people that can still apply.
1. Build a Routine
Having a consistent schedule—whether it’s morning or evening—can do wonders for your productivity and your wallet. When you have a plan, you’re less likely to make impulsive decisions, like grabbing fast food because you’re tired or stressed.
2. Use Your Peak Energy Wisely
Early risers tend to have more energy in the morning, which helps us tackle important tasks right away. Night owls can do the same—use your evening energy for things like prepping lunches, organizing bills, or working on DIY projects instead of scrolling social media.
How Early to Rise Aligns with Frugality
Benjamin Franklin had it right. Waking up early isn’t just about feeling virtuous—it’s practical, too.
1. Healthy Habits Save Money
When you’re up early, it’s easier to get moving—whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood or a quick yoga session. Healthy habits like this can reduce healthcare costs over time. Plus, mornings make it easier to stick to routines like cooking breakfast at home instead of grabbing something on the go.
2. Planning Time Means Smarter Decisions
Morning quiet time is perfect for reviewing your goals, including financial ones. When I sit down with my coffee and review what we need for the day, I avoid unnecessary errands and impulse purchases. It’s a small habit that leads to big savings.
Making the Shift to Early Mornings
If you’ve ever wanted to become more of a morning person, I promise it’s possible—you just have to ease into it.
1. Start Small
Try waking up 15 minutes earlier each week until you reach your goal. Use that time for something enjoyable, like sipping coffee in peace or journaling.
2. Focus on Frugal Mornings
Turn your early wake-up into a money-saving opportunity. Plan your meals, start a load of laundry, or tackle a DIY project. Every little bit of prep helps your budget!
It’s About Finding What Works for You
Not everyone is wired to be a morning person, and that’s okay! The key is figuring out when you feel your best and aligning that time with your goals—whether it’s saving money, spending time with family, or just finding a moment of peace in your day.
If you’re a night owl, you can still embrace frugality by being mindful of late-night spending temptations and using your evenings for productive, cost-saving activities.
Final Thoughts
For me, waking up early has been a game-changer. It gives me time to plan, think, and set the tone for the day. Plus, it helps me stay on track financially—something Benjamin Franklin would definitely approve of!
What about you? Are you a morning person, a night owl, or maybe somewhere in between? I’d love to hear how your schedule helps you stay frugal and focused. Share your thoughts in the comments below—I can’t wait to hear from you!
