“A penny saved is two pence clear.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“A penny saved is two pence clear.”
Explanation
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin conveys a foundational principle of financial wisdom: saving money not only preserves it, but amplifies its value. While the more commonly known version is “A penny saved is a penny earned,” Franklin’s original phrase—“two pence clear”—suggests that a saved penny effectively has double the impact, because it avoids spending and the future costs that often accompany it. In essence, frugality multiplies wealth.
Franklin lived during a time when thrift was both a personal virtue and an economic necessity. Through his Poor Richard’s Almanack, he preached prudence, hard work, and self-restraint as the foundations of a successful life. This quote reflects his belief that small, consistent savings could accumulate into substantial security. He understood that avoiding unnecessary expenses often yielded better results than striving constantly to earn more.
In today’s consumer-driven world, Franklin’s message is more relevant than ever. With easy credit and impulse spending, the temptation to prioritize earnings over savings is strong. Yet, his wisdom reminds us that what we don’t spend strengthens our financial freedom, reducing debt, stress, and dependence. Every act of saving is a step toward autonomy and resilience—a timeless lesson in the power of modest, disciplined choices.
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