FRUGAL eq MISERABLE

I've been sharing about my finances now for 5 months and here's what I've noticed. People will praise you for earning money. But the moment you start saving it, "Kawawa." You're not buying a new phone, "Kawawa." You're not in a coffee shop, "Naku, naman." You're not upgrading your car, "Kawawa." You're not joining the lifestyle of others, "Kawawa." Get the point? We've been confusing being deprived with being intentional. Those two things are different. Being deprived is when you can't afford something you genuinely need. Being frugal is when you can afford it, but you choose not to buy it. There's a huge difference. For example, I could order food delivery every day. I'd rather not do that kasi ilalagay ko na lang yung perang yan sa emergency fund. Besides, I have a full pantry. Pagiging kawawa is a choice. I can get a car right now, but if it doesn't align with my financial goals, why would I? Again, not kawawa. Intentional. The funny thing is, people only see the things you didn't buy. They don't see the peace of mind, the emergency fund, the debt paid off. They don't see the money you invest for the future. Because frugality is about saying no to everything. It's about saying yes to what matters the most. And right now, I'd rather look masinop be money than be stressed about money every month. Kailangan mayaman kapalit. So, here's a little assignment for you to complete: People think I'm kuripot because I'm because blank.