Miserly or Wiserly...

**Holding Pattern** · 09-26-2009, 03:11 PM

We love festivals. We hate festivals.

Today was the Chili & Frijoles festival, we go to get the ambiance, the sun, and an outing. The only thing we ended up buying were a few packages of tortillas because they were fresh-made for $1/pkg, can't turn that down.
Our friends were nearly horrified at how little we spent. They got $8 meals, $4 colas, $18 plaster painted pepper decorations, and on and on and on. I heard one of the snottier acquaintances comment about us being "misers" I thought we were bring the wise ones.
On the way home my wife commented to me that it's so hard to put out that kind of money. Although I have to question the relevance of her argument after she said "It's like hanging an 18 dollar bill on the wall." Ummm, honey.....

But I was in awe of the money being spent when there is so much uncertainty and obviously so much debt and trouble.

**frugalfranny** · 09-26-2009, 04:25 PM

I know what you mean and agree.

I saw the same thing at our fair last week........the cheapest food item was a PIECE of pizza for $4....cheese or pepperoni.....no thanks. Took my own snacks, and water and enjoyed myself without the expense.

**NewLeaf** · 09-26-2009, 04:41 PM

I love going to festivals to look, get ideas and enjoy being out. But I can't bring myself to spend that kind of money either. Instead, If I like a craft I try to make one myself at home- much more fun and it gives me a sense of pride & accomplishment.

**Contrary Housewife** · 09-26-2009, 06:55 PM

When we go to something like that it is usually planned. We have an ethnic festival here that is a lot of food and crafts. I budget for it. We bought the $8 meals and $3 lemonades and had a good time. It was still cheaper than going to a "real" restaurant and the music and entertainment was free. But then, our economic reality is not uncertain and we are not in debt any more....

Today we went to a hobby event here in town and "blew" over $100 on craft stuff, absolutely none of which we "needed", and lunch for us and friends we were with. The bulk of what we bought was heavily discounted, though, in some cases 80-90% off retail so it was an unbelievable savings for us. We will have plenty of fun projects to amuse ourselves with at home this winter. Somebody who did not know us might have been surprised at the amount we bought. I thought we got some amazingly smart bargains.

I guess what I am saying is, while some people are comfortable going out and only buying water, or taking their own snacks and avoiding the shopping temptation, for others the spending and the shopping can be part of a responsibly budgeted weekend. It just may not look like that to you.

**mamamia** · 09-26-2009, 09:44 PM

To me it's both. While I agree you can be foolish and throw alot of money around and be VERY sorry for it the day after

, I also disagree that it can ALWAYS be counted as a waste.

For instance my hubby and boys love to go to the Rennaisance Fair every year. So every year about the time it comes, I start putting some cash aside for it. Everyone has a "set amount" that they can use to buy something. I already know that I'm gonna get ripped off buying the food there. ~BUT~, I don't think it's fun to always say no either. It's only ONE day, and they have so much fun for the price of getting a little ripped off. For me it's worth it.

I know how to be just as miserly as the next lady with a box of coupons,

and I take the challenge on every week with good success. And when I say success, it means because of that work and time I put into it, we were able to have some fun together for it. Priceless? YES!!!!

Hope I explained that OK. It just means for me, I have to draw the line somewhere. And after all, money DOES help to make some fun. And no, I'm not saying anyone is right or wrong here

, it's just my own two-cent contribution to the post.

....which BTW, is a good topic.

Theresa

**Holding Pattern** · 09-27-2009, 10:52 AM

Very interesting replies. I love it because it makes us think.
For the State Fair we budgeted for funnel cakes, a ride or two, and a fried Snickers. The Boats, Bands, & BBQ Fest is no holds barred, we gorge on every competitor's goods.

Contrary Housewife - you're absolutely correct with your post, thanks for the reminder...because while we do these things too (concerts are our weak spot, I freely admit) I guess the overbearing crowd must have gotten to me yesterday, I always get edgy when it is shoulder to shoulder.
Also, by not having children it is a bit easier for us to go somewhere and not spend and I tend to forget that with a family it is a little harder to say "no"...and now that I've posted this thread other friends want us to go back with them this afternoon...at least it's free admission.

**NikoSan999** · 09-27-2009, 11:47 AM

Going to a fair, if I can't have a funnel cake for $4 I don't want to go. That's the only thing I spend on I wouldn't spend $4 for a trinket to sit around and collect dust. I even take my own home filled water bottle but gotta have the funnel cake.

**McD** · 09-27-2009, 12:05 PM

We always get Wesley one of those outrageously huge corn dogs. There is just something hilarious about me watching my little fella eat a corn dog that's as long as his leg.

**Nishu** · 09-27-2009, 12:55 PM

When I go to these things, I tend to spend money on things that I can't get elsewhere. I would pay for a funnel cake (except I can't eat funnel cake) or maybe a caramel apple, but I usually won't pay for a coke or a cheeseburger that I can make at home or get at McDonald's. I try to focus on the experience and not food.

At the same time, feeling like I couldn't spend money would totally ruin the experience for me. I tend to get too carried away with my budget and feeling like I can't spend a penny on things that really do bring enjoyment is defeating the purpose of living on a budget, imo.

Btw, $1 for handmade tortillas is awesome. You should have scooped those up!

I'm sorry they called you a miser. I would be hurt, no matter how confident I am in the choices I make.

**shoiji** · 09-27-2009, 01:28 PM

It is always tempting to buy things at festivals. I usually have a game plan before I go depending on how much money I have on hand. Sometimes I might get something inexpensive to eat or know ahead of time I won't be buying anything. Basically that just means not bring any or very little money with me.

**Spikey1341** · 09-27-2009, 04:09 PM

The best part of a fair is the food! However, I find myself saying, "I'm not paying that" alot. But when you budget for it, why not have fun!

**acabin42** · 09-27-2009, 04:14 PM

I love to go to War Eagle arts & craft festival every year. I always know that it is in October, and just put my spending money into the budget to go. Now, we are empty nesters, and are debt free for the most part, so it is not a problem for us. I know that I will spend money on things I don't need, but it is all part of the fun. It's MY TIME!

**Persimmon Lace** · 09-27-2009, 05:51 PM

Love War Eagle! We usually go with friends to craft shows and stuff, we budget the food in and usually end up splitting something with the friends. That way everyone can have a helping of something.

I have said no to most of the craft festivals the last few years, but we are leaving in a week to go to Silver Dollar City. Funnel cakes and strawberries with cream, here we come!

But whoever called you a miser needs a refresher course in manners.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 09-27-2009, 06:28 PM

Dh and I set a budget. We don't do rides (just not worth it to us), we bring water and soda and a few small snacks. But, for us, the fun of the fair is the food and sights.

So, we splurge...we just don't go over our limit. Also, we get a food item and then split it so we can taste/try more things.

**Cricketlegs** · 09-27-2009, 10:09 PM

I went to Port Arthur last weekend(the coast of Texas) to see my nephew and his new condo apartment with my dd, sister and neice.

I gave myself $190.

I didn't pay for gas as I went with my sister to help her help her son move. We went in her car.

We stopped a few times along the way and I got dd a few snacks. We had lunch in Port Arthur, I got a new eyeglass case as mine broke and $1.50 to case $300 glass= a sound purchase and then we had a nice expensive celebration dinner(my dinner was $20 dds about $10) and then lunch on the way home.

I came home with a little over $100 and we had a blast at the beach, swimming, crabbing, and just visiting.

My points are--

1. set a realistic budget and plan your purchases
2. have fun with what you have
3. you don't have to spend all you put aside but you can if you want

Balance is the name of the game!