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Live frugally without being obnoxious

Posted Oct 28 2008, 03:56 PM by Karen Datko
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You may have noticed that frugality -- due to current economic conditions -- is hot right now. One designer even urged fashionistas to make necklaces out of safety pins. (FruGal informs us that this is part of the new "crashion," economic-crash fashion.)

If you're among those who've been championing a frugal lifestyle all along, you might be tempted to gloat a little bit. Please resist the temptation. It seems that a holier-than-thou, self-righteous attitude is one of our worst attributes.

Are you one of these people described by Frugal Dad? "They were always eager to tell you how much money they saved, or how much you could have saved, or how frivolous your purchase was?" My Daily Dollars calls it "the frugal-smug factor."

"PT" at Prime Time Money reminds us that no one wants to hear "we can't afford that, so we have to do this" repeated as a mantra endlessly. He adds, "This person, although probably correct in their statements, is not very fun to be around. And they're certainly not making the frugal lifestyle look cool."

Now that frugal people are the new trendsetters, let's not blow it. Lead by example and with an upbeat message, PT and Frugal Dad advise. And don't judge others' efforts if they're not up to our standards. "Don't be quick to look down upon people who don't live the same way we do," Frugal Dad adds.

Go ahead and feel mighty pleased with yourself right now, but please resist the urge to say "I told you so."

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Comments

 

Amen!  I have to say, that on of the other writers on this blog site seems to be on their high horse lately, and might want to take  a few notes from this piece.

anonymous (Posted 10.28.08 5:37 PM ) Report Abuse

You are right, of course, bragging doesn't help anyone.  I think we all need to learn our individual lessons on our own!  Our family has found it helpful to read about good frugal ideas and use the ones we think will help us.  This crisis is a good time to reflect on what we have done right and what we might want to do differently.

afewthoughtstogo (Posted 10.28.08 5:44 PM ) Report Abuse

As a young person I was always taught to LBYM by my parents and to base my self esteem on who I am vs. the things I have.  It's one of the best things I think parents can teach their kids today.  Although being frugal is all the rage today, I think people will go back to their spending ways as soon as this crisis blows over.  www.generationyinvestor.com

SK (Posted 10.28.08 6:04 PM ) Report Abuse

My hubby and I have always lived a life of quiet frugality while the people around us did not. They frequently referred to us as" tightwads" and "penny-pinchers" and mocked our efforts to save.  But, due to recent economic hardships, they often seek us out asking our advice on how to save money.  

Who knew our grass would be considered greener one day? It's funny how life works.

HiC (Posted 10.29.08 12:06 AM ) Report Abuse

People will adapt as their environment requires -

I agree with SK ... many will go back to spending a.s.a.p.

Hopefully some will learn a more balanced approach to their lifestyle & personal finance ...

At least for the sake of their children!

Interesting times we live in - that's for sure!

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE :-)

iowahippiechick.today.com

dawn (Posted 10.29.08 8:42 AM ) Report Abuse

I have been frugal most my life due to necessity.  I blew money when I had some, and regret it now.  I'll never do that again.  I'm one that's badly affected by the economic downfall, and struggling to climb back up to zero.  I think my frugal ways are helping me do that. I feel sorry for people who have had the "spend, spend, spend" mentality all their lives. I think we frugalites are entitled to brag a little now. When you've been put down by the "joneses" all your life, a little "nyah, nyah, nyah" does wonders for the self esteem at times like this.

www.frugalwench.com

Frugal Wench (Posted 10.29.08 9:22 AM ) Report Abuse

I have always shopped consignment shops, yard sales and thrift stores for my clothes and for my children.  I dress better than most of the ladies in my office and I do it on 1/4 of the price.  I wear only name brands and so did my children.  My grand children  are always well dressed and stylish.  I never considered myself frugal, or a tightwad.  I just considered myself to be money smart.  I never miss a yard sale.

Susan Shiipman (Posted 10.29.08 11:11 AM ) Report Abuse

If I promise never to be smug again, will the 'Keep-up-with-the-Joneses' crowd promise to stop being smug about their fancy posessions?

Secondhand Rose (Posted 10.29.08 11:54 AM ) Report Abuse

An exchange of ideas is never harmful.   You take what you want from the ideas and adapt them to your own lifestyle if they sound doable or appealing to you.   There are a lot of sad people out there without a clue on different ways to  reduce their spending and have never been in a bad financial situation until now.   If one is able to continue a more lavish lifestyle, these frugal comments are not meant for them.  

Mean-spirited comments do not belong on either side of the fence.

knockdownbills (Posted 10.30.08 12:45 AM ) Report Abuse

Great! We get insulted for being smart, and now we'e told we can't be proud of ourselves. Sweet.

WTF (Posted 10.30.08 1:19 AM ) Report Abuse

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