How did your friends react to frugal ways?

**NewLeaf** · 01-08-2009, 01:46 PM

I have always been pretty frugal and so have my friends. But this year I am trying to cut back even more and become super frugal. Some of my family and friends just don't understand. They think I am just cheap I guess.

For example: I made homemade laundry detergent. My dh family thinks its crazy. My Mom is supportive and wants to try it too. My bff tried it before but is doing good financially now and is not into the frugal thing as much as I am at the moment.(She was smart and became frugal and paid off alot of debt already.)

I am curious about reactions you have gotten from people. In the end I really don't let them deter me, because I am committed to bettering my familys situation.

**forHISglory** · 01-08-2009, 01:54 PM

Friends who were really friends didn't say anything. Those who sifted themselves out as NOT being friends had all kinds of comments. For example, Hubby and I built our own house; I mean, we literally built each part of it. We lived in the shell while we slowly finished rooms. One "friend" said, "I could never live this way. Look what you are doing to your family." I looked, and to me, it looked as if we were doing quite well, thank you!

**jayneluvsmickey** · 01-08-2009, 02:03 PM

i don't talk about it much

i do talk about all the free stuff i get online, though, and that intrigues them

**chevy_chick95** · 01-08-2009, 02:05 PM

My mother thinks I am crazy. My grandma doesn't think anyone is frugal enough. :LMAO: and my friends don't know. I learned my lesson with my mom. I choose to live this way for a reason and I don't need anyone telling me it is weird!

**The Muse** · 01-08-2009, 02:11 PM

I've always been frugal, but have kept it to myself since I don't think it's proper to talk about finances with friends.

DH's family thought it was strange, but as the economy worsens, they're coming around and often ask me for financial advice.

DH and I have always been into voluntary simplicity and green living, so I don't think any of our friends equate our lifestyle with frugality, just mindful living.

**spyzvixxen** · 01-08-2009, 02:17 PM

i get enough "cheap" comments from my family and vic just doesn't understand couponing no matter how many times i try to put it into laymans terms. my best friend usually changes topic to how broke she is because she has always been in financial trouble and doesn't have a frugal/saving state of mind even though her father is an accountant/financial advisor. Who'da thunk?

**NewLeaf** · 01-08-2009, 02:19 PM

My bff and I used to get together w/our kids when they were little for play dates and lunch (mac n cheese).
Now that our kids are much older and in school we try to go out to lunch about 2 times/month. I pay one time and she pays the next. That works out ok, but I was really wanting to cut down on non essential expenses this year. I don't want to hurt my friendship and I don't want to be cheap but I am not sure I can keep doing the eating out.
I am not sure how to handle this.....any suggestions. We usually spend about $20 ea. time. She pays one time and next time is my turn.

**Moor** · 01-08-2009, 02:20 PM

At times, I have had family think we are crazy, but now, not so much. lol

My sister is extremely free with her money. But at the same time, is extremely cheap. She would give me all the money she had in the world if I told her I needed it, but would prefer to go and buy me groceries, clothes, shoes, things I need instead.

Now, my brothers are all big spenders. They all are in debt up to their ears. But at least one of them has his house paid for.

**tbs727** · 01-08-2009, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by NewLeaf

My bff and I used to get together w/our kids when they were little for play dates and lunch (mac n cheese).
Now that our kids are much older and in school we try to go out to lunch about 2 times/month. I pay one time and she pays the next. That works out ok, but I was really wanting to cut down on non essential expenses this year. I don't want to hurt my friendship and I don't want to be cheap but I am not sure I can keep doing the eating out.
I am not sure how to handle this.....any suggestions. We usually spend about $20 ea. time. She pays one time and next time is my turn.

Could you ask her if she would mind going back to having lunch at your homes?

**TinyDancer** · 01-08-2009, 02:24 PM

My parents are pretty proud of me. Most of my friends totally understand and are supportive. That said, it's still hard because my friends don't necessarily embrace this lifestyle (at least to the extent that I do). Mostly because I make a fraction of what they make and I have the most debt, so I need to be really careful with my moolah. Somewhere along the lines I went left when everyone else went right.

**tbs727** · 01-08-2009, 02:25 PM

We don't talk a lot about finances but I write about my money saving tips and sale brags on my blog. I used to try to keep it private (away from my real life friends) but I made it public because it's a big part of who I am. Part of the reason I'm frugal is because I want to be a good steward of what God has blessed me with and want to be able to give to others, not because I'm cheap. I'm not ashamed of that and have gotten great support from my friends.

**lotsadebt** · 01-08-2009, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by NewLeaf

My bff and I used to get together w/our kids when they were little for play dates and lunch (mac n cheese).
Now that our kids are much older and in school we try to go out to lunch about 2 times/month. I pay one time and she pays the next. That works out ok, but I was really wanting to cut down on non essential expenses this year. I don't want to hurt my friendship and I don't want to be cheap but I am not sure I can keep doing the eating out.
I am not sure how to handle this.....any suggestions. We usually spend about $20 ea. time. She pays one time and next time is my turn.

We do dinner dates at homes. One of us hosts the evening, the other brings dinner made at home. You don't have to cook and host at the same time. Plus you can sample other recipes that your family may not apprecitate. Much cheaper than eating out, and you do not feel rushed to leave.

**lmbaker520** · 01-08-2009, 02:36 PM

Fortunately my best friend is also frugal and we enjoy talking about the new ideas that we have or about the deals that we find. We have both been able to equally help each other out. I appreciate the support that I get from her. I have tried to get her on here but she just doesn't have time because of her job and kids. I still tell her about everything that I learn on here though.

My parents are supportive of this lifestyle. They think that the deals that I get shopping are awesome for example. I have helped them get their grocery prices down by helping plan their meals and shopping for them. My sister teases me that I am cheap and that by not drying my clothes for example isn't making any difference. Maybe it isn't, but it sure feels like it is.

**MamaTreadler** · 01-08-2009, 02:36 PM

Friends haven't really been a problem. I keep my circle very small and they all live the same way I do so they get it. But family is where I've had comments and looks like I'm from another planet. Well more accurately, they don't really comment to me as much as talk behind my back. I just have to ignore them and keep pressing on.

**joyofsix** · 01-08-2009, 03:07 PM

Many of our friends think we're nuts and some (more aquaintences) think we're poor mouthing. My family is frugal but tends to blame our cost cutting ways on our family size which really isn't the reason we're frugal but whatever.