Frugality fizzling?

**Russ** · 04-08-2011, 02:05 PM

I think these people surveyed the wrong village!

Life Inc. - America's frugality fad fades away

I don't know about most folks here but in our house we are making more of an effort than ever before. How can you not the way prices are going?

**heartofmine** · 04-08-2011, 02:42 PM

Everyone I know is trying to cut back and save so I believe they interviewed the wrong people too.

**IndigoMom** · 04-08-2011, 02:46 PM

Sad, but true. I see it all around me. I have to come here for any like minded conversation.
Although - I do see an interest from my son's peers in our frugal life style. It's kind of funny. One of DS's friends is coming to help with my garden to learn. Also, he is the Youth Group Leader for his Church. Every Friday there are a few extra's here, and the Pastor picks them up from here. Since I've started making pizza's on Friday nights - attendance is up, LOL.

**Nishu** · 04-08-2011, 03:05 PM

Ah, what a bummer. Not in my house, though. At least not now.

**monkeywrangler71** · 04-08-2011, 03:08 PM

26% of people are spending more than last year but 42% were spending less than last year. 51% were spending less in 2010 than in 2009, and 57% were spending less in 2009 than in 2008. I don't think that indicates that people are being less frugal. You can't continuously spend less every year than you did the year before, not when the price of everything keeps going in the opposite direction.

Also, I found this statement misleading: "Nearly 50 percent of adults do not maintain a budget or track their spending." If you read the actual results - 43% have a budget, 34% have a good idea of what they spend but don't keep strict track, 15% don't track individual spending categories but set limits on overall spending, and only 7% don't know what they are spending.

**frugalwarrior2** · 04-08-2011, 03:57 PM

Let me first state the obvious. This is not the crowd their looking at. Those who did it as a fad have a short term attention span anyway.
However,is they looked at my grocery bill it would have at least doubled.(I am stockpiling.) If they survey this fall,it will be 1/2'd.lol
And yes we are doubling down again. Upping the coupon usage,less driving,got my park pass. Asking for deals on all services. No graduation but a little cash for DS. DS will earn 12 credits at Comm Coll. for a hefty savings before Northern.

**Homekeepn** · 04-08-2011, 04:16 PM

Of course rising prices on food to clothing to travel makes the bottom line look like people are being careless about spending. They didn't ask what people were buying, just that they were spending more. Duh!

And I agree the numbers do not add up. What was the motive for this article anyway. Seems pointless.

**chowder** · 04-08-2011, 06:42 PM

With temptation everywhere to obtain credit,and advertising for all the new improved,get it before your neighbor does,buy the best and spend money on yourself because"you deserve it" talk,I think folks get swept away with all this.
Frugality takes discipline,and for most,it is just easier to go with the way of the world.We were in Home Depot today looking at washers and when I said,yes,this ones nice I will think about it he jumped right back saying we can put it on a HD credit card for you,and have it delivered by Tues.
I told him it will not be going into my house unless I OWN it!!!

**many houseapes** · 04-08-2011, 10:00 PM

On what planet did they interveiw the inhabitants??? Here in this house we are scraping bone...but we are not in debt except for the house (working on it) b/c of our frugality. I don't know of a single family that isn't cutting back on their spending. Grr

**Sophiasmama** · 04-08-2011, 11:43 PM

In my town...frugal isn't 'IN'...most are maxed with credit of all kinds...I get made fun of by some...all joking manner of course...but it's okay...got thick skin...and come Dec 2012...a paid off home. Life is good being a weirdo.

**frugalfranny** · 04-09-2011, 12:15 AM

Originally Posted by Russ

How can you not the way prices are going?

So true! And with the prices of gas and groc.............what else does that leave? They are both killers........you just pray for less cost with the utilities.

Originally Posted by IndigoMom

Although - I do see an interest from my son's peers in our frugal life style. It's kind of funny. One of DS's friends is coming to help with my garden to learn.

I have seen the same thing with a gal I know........she wants me to show her how to can things this summer......totally surprised me.
(her mother does NO canning----or saving for that matter!!)

I plan on canning MORE this year........and putting up more food period. Even if I don't grow it........will watch for sales and buy it.

Not that it will be so much cheaper......but sure tastes better and is better for you.