This is so sad to me...anyone feel the same?

**Jaded** · 08-29-2007, 11:55 AM

I try to give out frugal advice at work, point out special buys, coupon deals, etc. Most people are thankful, but some are actually OFFENDED, and say things like "money isn't a consideration for me". It's just that mindset that gets people into trouble. They can't stand to think that people will look down on them for picking something less expensive. I pray nothing ever happens to alter their income drastically, because those are the ones who end up here, begging for help.

Yesterday, a very young child (about 9 or 10, I'd say) came to me looking for an item. Her mom came up and I commented that she was a very good shopper. She said it was part of her homeschooling program. I praised her mightily for this, and told her daughter that frugality is the best lesson you'll ever learn, and anytime you can save a penny and put it away, you're doing great. Her mother actually thanked me. She's probably made sacrifices to be able to stay home and teach her child. I wish more parents felt that way, and would teach their children the REAL value of a dollar.

**bagpipes00** · 08-29-2007, 12:50 PM

I totally agree. I see wastefulness (in my opinion) everyday living here in LA. It's terrible how people are offended by the idea of saving money! My BF and I were walking last night to run errands and for exercise, and we actually had people scream out of their car window at us! Pedestrians are frowned upon here in LA, and you really have to watch the drivers....it seems like you aren't cool if you don't drive everywhere!

Kudos to that Mom for teaching her daughter the importance of knowing how to handle money.

**Dancing Lotus** · 08-29-2007, 01:10 PM

I toaly agree with you. And I am speaking as someone who has been there done that. Untill about five yrs ago I could have cared less about how much money I spent. And that is why I am in the spot I am in today. But I can honestly say I am a happier person now.

**ktsmama** · 08-29-2007, 02:39 PM

I think a little frugality and common sense go a long way!! And some people, like children, have to be taught this because I don't think you are necessarily born with those traits. IMHO.

**ScrapMama** · 08-29-2007, 02:54 PM

I totally agree with you. I can't tell you how many times people I know would frown upon my "frugalness" and I actually felt shame. Now I'm in a pickle I'm having to climb out of and it's that frugalness that will get me where I need to be. It just drives me crazy.

**tammy88** · 08-29-2007, 03:11 PM

i think being frugal is great, if you can do it. i dont think there is anything to be ashamed of when saving money but there is one thing i dont like... dumpster diving (sorry, not trying to offend someone) i have a neighbor who does this every day, going through the neighborhood trash and junk, brings it home and cleans its i guess, then gives to her toddler or has a yardsale. to me it isnt smart to have a yardsale with your neighbors junk, im not sure it would be profitable. she kept trying to get me do it and i finally said that if i need something i will buy it, im not hunting throught the trash for it. im sure i offended her, but i nicely refused plenty of times and one im not fond of her, and i just get the creeps using someones garabage...but i like finding ways to save money in my bills and pay things off, and i like challegening myself with groceries..

**miss_thrifty** · 08-29-2007, 03:48 PM

I know what u mean. We have friends that spend as fast as they make the money. Their kids at 1 yrs old who could talk very well would ask for MCDonlads and they always gave in or pop. The oldest is only 4 but thinks money grows on trees and everyone goes every day upstreet to the stores and out to eat.

**changed4life** · 08-29-2007, 04:26 PM

Yep. I had a neighbor/friend tell me she wouldn't be caught dead handing over coupons at a grocery store. She said it would make her feel needy. She also spends water like money and can't be left alone an entire day without spending money somewhere.

As time went on, I found out we had very little in common and I separated ways. Materialism and wastefulness is not for me. She was just a bad influence.

**cab54** · 08-29-2007, 04:46 PM

My IL's found out that I sometimes ride my bike down to the store when I have only a few items to get. They thought it was just appalling as their son had bought me a 'nice car'.

I figure it's a good way to get two things done at once--get a few groceries AND get my exercise in. I couldn't believe they were this aghast, as MIL is always telling me I need to lose weight.

I'm 53 and they've been after me like this for 30+ years.

**kaykwilts** · 08-29-2007, 05:00 PM

Makes you feel good when your advice is well received like the child's mother. As for the other people they may never know what financial peace is.

**Darlene** · 08-29-2007, 05:17 PM

"A fool and his money are soon parted."
Thomas Tusser

**ewokgirl** · 08-29-2007, 06:33 PM

For some insane reason, people think it makes them look poor to use money or shop sales. I think it's a sign of immaturity to be so concerned about what other people think when they see you purchasing things. That level of self-absorption smacks of a junior high mentality where you think your every move is being watched, scrutinized, and judged.