Are we "uncool"?

**Jamauk** · 07-21-2008, 06:24 PM

I've never concerned myself with whether or not I was "cool" even in highschool I just didn't care much.

I have a friend now who loves to talk about how she used to be so good at the grocery game. She new all of the good coupon sites, she hit all of the sales. She could feed her family for pennies.

Now, however, this woman must grocery shop 3-4 x per week. She runs to store for any little thing. I know her husband got a big raise about a year or so ago (when they moved into our area). We DO NOT live in a particularly wealthy area ~ but there are a lot of small farm towns around (to the north) and a lot of blue collar type towns (to the south). Unfortunately, suburban sprawl seems to have hit our little town and we now have a lot of Seattle commuters, so we "appear" wealthier as a town (we all know what appearances mean: DEBT!).

Anyhoo, I just get the impression that now she thinks playing the grocery game is beneath her because it isn't a "neccessity" for her family anymore.

Personally, I'll brag to anyone that'll listen about all of the great finds I get and how I get most of my HBA's for free, etc....

Does that make me a dork? Do I care?

**frugalfriend** · 07-21-2008, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by Jamauk

Personally, I'll brag to anyone that'll listen about all of the great finds I get and how I get most of my HBA's for free, etc....

Hey, me too!

No, you're not a dork, in fact that makes you super cool in my book!

**prftstrngr** · 07-21-2008, 06:36 PM

Well if that makes you a dork....I think there are alot of us out there!! Your new neighbour may not NEED to shop wisely now but I know from experience jobs and income can change very quickly. I cringe now at the money we have wasted and Im still wasting!! Although I am learning and getting much better out of necessity! I have told my family and friends about this site and some of the things we are trying to do to keep our head above water. Some of them understand....some Im sure think Im very UN-cool!! Oh well.... I have managed to stay afloat so far and it has been 9 months since my husband got *downsized* out of his job! I happen to think thats pretty darn cool!

**IntlMom** · 07-21-2008, 06:42 PM

Hey, I don;t NEED to shop frugally, I do cause I want to, and it's a smart decision to shop frugally. So major dork here........

**Missy** · 07-21-2008, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by frugalfriend

Hey, me too!

No, you're not a dork, in fact that makes you super cool in my book!

in my book too!!

**leezza** · 07-21-2008, 06:55 PM

Jessica,

You are COOL to me : ) I think you are very insightful also : )

And what is wrong with getting the very best deals/prices on things you do need......makes us all aware of how we are spending our money, and makes us have more for other items.

Have a great day,
leezza

**Greebo** · 07-21-2008, 07:20 PM

Be weird. Normal is boring. (AND BROKE!!!)

**Newsnerd68** · 07-21-2008, 07:28 PM

Actually, we may be the new cool! I've read several stories lately (I'm a newspaper copy editor) that talk about people shopping at thrift stores, using coupons, shopping farmers' market, stockpiling, not shopping at all, etc. because of the uncertain economy.
I'm thinking "Hey, I've been doing this for years, it's no trend to me!"

So, we just might be the trendsetters here!

**emily_hope** · 07-21-2008, 07:47 PM

I think it's pretty darn 'cool' myself. At this point in time, I don't HAVE to do it. But, why do it any other way. Why waste the money. I've been where I HAD to pinch a penny til it squealed. And you never know, it may come again. People who have to have everything and keep up with the Jonses are the weirdos in my book. Be yourself!

**The Muse** · 07-21-2008, 08:14 PM

Lately, my frugality is making me cooler. People used to roll their eyes at my ways, now they're asking for tips.

**savvymom** · 07-21-2008, 08:33 PM

I think being frugal is cool! It doesn't come naturally to me, unfortunately, but I am learning. My DH still thinks I'm a dork, but he knows I'm trying, and trying to teach him too. lol

I wish this all came more naturally to me, as we should have been doing all of this all along. Now I know, and can begin to correct the problem...thanks to FV!

**frugalandsimple** · 07-21-2008, 08:44 PM

Frugal Dorks Unite!

Frugal is the new cool! I don't care what other think of my frugal ways. It's my money.

**cheriede** · 07-21-2008, 08:55 PM

I always see it as being a good steward with money, but I suppose some people could see it as being a dork.

**MoonMommy** · 07-21-2008, 10:16 PM

I haven't been accused of being a dork (well not to my face) but I have been accused of being **gasp** cheap because I didn't see the point of a $200 diaper bag just because it was Coach. I figure, we all need to rejoice in that which makes us unique and wonderful. If that is being frugal in a time when people have to buy everything and anything well, then more power to us.