Live frugally without being obnoxious

re: Live frugally without being obnoxious

Katy — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:55:21 GMT

In my adult life, I have not been exactly frugal. When I lived in Senegal for two years as a newlywed, we did adapt a mentality of living more on the local economy than as expats. We would bargain hard for souvenirs and taxi rides. Through mycurrent job, I have a chance to go back to Senegal, and I can financially assist two dear friends who are struggling very much. So even though we aren't forced to live frugally back in the US, we took the dive 2 days ago to try not to spend any money for 2 weeks. Only on Day 2, I see it more of an experiment and eye-opening experience rather than a frugal lifestyle. Even though we didn't plan to do this, we still have so much food on hand, we shouldn't need to buy anything. Will we go back to semi-frivolous spending? I guess we'll see. If you want to follow our no-spending black-out, you can check out my blog: www.planetpersepctives.blogspot.com.

re: Live frugally without being obnoxious

The Frugalista Files — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:06:19 GMT

I live the "frugal and fabulous life." It's not about being a penny pincher. It's about finding better uses for your money. Free parties, affordable wine, and closet shopping is a way of life!

re: Live frugally without being obnoxious

walkingfrugally — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:23:52 GMT

Frugalites need to take this opportunity to be "converting" their less frugal neighbors, friends and relatives. A humble spirit on both sides of the equation will go a long way!

re: Live frugally without being obnoxious

WTF — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:19:32 GMT

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

re: Live frugally without being obnoxious

knockdownbills — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 05:45:38 GMT

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.

re: Live frugally without being obnoxious

Secondhand Rose — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:54:48 GMT

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?

re: Live frugally without being obnoxious

Susan Shiipman — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:11:44 GMT

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.

re: Live frugally without being obnoxious

Frugal Wench — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:22:38 GMT

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

re: Live frugally without being obnoxious

dawn — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:42:47 GMT

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

re: Live frugally without being obnoxious

HiC — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 05:06:57 GMT

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.