On Frugality

Frugality and economy are home virtues without which no household can prosper. Dr. Johnson says:"Frugality may be termed the daughter of Prudence, the sister of Temperance, the parent of Liberty. He that is extravagant will quickly become poor, and poverty will enforce dependence and invite corruption." The necessity of practising economy should be evident to every one, whether in popossessionf an income no more than sufficient for a family's requirements, or of a large fortune which put financial adversity out of the question. We must always remember that it is a great merit in housekeeping to manage a little well. "He is a good waggoner," says Bishop Hall, "that can turn in a little room. To live well in abundances the praise of the estate, not of the person. I will study more how to give a good account of my little, than how to make it more." In this there is true wisdom and it may be added, that those who can mange a little well, are most likely to succeed in their management of larger matters. Economy and frugality must never, however, be allowed to degenerate into parsimony and meanness.
Beeton's Book of Household Management. Mrs. Isabella Beeton

Perhaps the most serious and most difficult of all the duties of the housewife is the keeping of her expenditure well within the sum she is allowed for the household use. On the one hand she does not wished to be classed as extravagant, nor on the other hand does she want to be called mean; and she cannot avoid either of these extremes except by the greatest care and planning. Yet what housewife does not take a pride in managing to show that she can save a little out of the household money. Without at the same time stinting the family in anything necessary to their comfort.
Useful Hints on Household Management. Martha Millar