Do people make fun of you or put down your frugalness?

**mymoney$** · 08-31-2009, 01:25 PM

For example:
I have dial up internet. I pay 3.95 a month for 100 minutes. We have to accounts so I can have 200 minutes. Is it slow? Heck yea! But for our budget right now it fits just fine. Later I would like cable internet but am patiently waiting. I hear comments about it all the time.

I make our own bread. That gets put down as a waste of time also.

I hang laundry. That is called tacky. (It' in my yard behind a privacy fence.... Don't look at it!!!!)

Whats really sad is that this is by my family!!! We grew up poor and I don't want to struggle all my life. My hubby i on board with me and my kids are just use to it, so I don't know why the outsiders feel the need to fuss about it all.

**2ndGenGranola** · 08-31-2009, 01:53 PM

I've been called a !@#$! !@#$ !@#$ before because of some of my repurposing items. (sorry but I can't even hint as to what is behind those symbols - it would shake the toughest ones here even)

In case you are wondering what I did...I used my old plastic dorm shelf as a coffee table until I got one. I set my TV (without cable) on an plastic shelf).

**DJ1972** · 08-31-2009, 02:03 PM

Unfortunately I haven't been frugal enough lately for anyone to notice, lol. I do get comments from my siblings about why my husband and I don't just buy a new car instead of repairing ours, or why we don't build a bigger house since we can "afford it". They often call me a tightwad...but who cares.
I love being debt free (except the mortgage), and I love not having to stress over when I am going to get paid again or what would happen if me or my husband got laid off...I know we would be ok. Peace is much nicer than things.

**jas** · 08-31-2009, 02:08 PM

Sure my dh and kids find my ways strange. My dh says I could be into ways worse things, he reaps the benefits so he goes along and is getting quite used to them. He is probably more of a tight wad than me with money.

I grind my own wheat, make bread, dehydrate, stockpile, ect...
He hardly spends anything and fix most everything. I guess we compliment each other.

The kids have no choice but go along for the ride. Hopefully some of it will wear off on them.

**mauimagic** · 08-31-2009, 02:12 PM

My family and some of my coworkers give me some kidding grief about all that I am dehydrating!! I told my coworkers that they will all be getting emergency dehydrated food that they will thank me for some day!!

Really doesn't bother me - I chuckle to myself and my bank account goes kerching!!

**frugalfranny** · 08-31-2009, 02:23 PM

My TRUE freinds know how I am and accept it and some will even come and ask for info when they want a 'frugal' way of doing something........the others.......WHO CARES???

**beks37** · 08-31-2009, 02:31 PM

I've never actually had anyone say anything to my face.

That's sad that a person would actually put another person down because they were frugal. Everyone does things a little differently.

**shoiji** · 08-31-2009, 03:28 PM

Everyone I know is pretty frugal minded. Actually I get a lot of compliments on things that I have bought at the thrift store.

All I know is that I have a budget and if I want to be able to pay the bills and save for things then I need to stay on a budget and save the way I do. I definately feel much more empowered since being on this site and using many of the suggestions.

**Robilanyo** · 08-31-2009, 03:41 PM

I am affectionately referred to as a "nerd," but I get the feeling people are more impressed with my frugality than offended by it (because let's be honest, some people are truly offended, which is just STUPID).

I guess it helps because I get probably too excited about saving money on the "boring stuff" (toilet paper, laundry detergent, ground beef), because it means I get more money to do what I actually want (see list in my signature).

I don't try to impose my frugality on others, and I'm certainly not a penny pincher in all facets of my life. I think some people probably get annoyed or offended because they're jealous that they don't have the determination and patience to be frugal. True, it does take a lot of work, and some things (like making your own bread) may seem like a waste of time to some people, but the payoffs are INSANE! Not only for your wallet, but also for your body and the environment. Besides - if making a home (and doing it frugal) is what you're passionate about (as I am), then it's not a waste of time -- I like to think of it as a hobby.

The more I learn about being frugal, the more I love it. I vow never to be annoying about it, though. haha

**NewLeaf** · 08-31-2009, 07:35 PM

I think some of my inlaws think I am just cheap. My friends probably get tired of hearing me talk about couponing and making laundry detergent. But my dh and my mom are on my side!!! I just think it is wrong to be wasteful with the resources we have.

**jamie79** · 08-31-2009, 07:48 PM

I have to say at my age I just dont give a damn what other people think

**phoeny_moonstar** · 09-01-2009, 02:28 AM

Do people make fun of me because I am frugal? Heck yes! Especially considering my age (24) my friends think that I am insane because I don't have the newest game console, or a big screen tv, or loads of junk food in the cupboards. But I laugh at them with their high student loan bills, large car payments, sr 22 insurance, and buying everything brand new and not being able to get ahead financially.

**ahmom** · 09-01-2009, 08:32 AM

Don't worry about what other people think.
Others may see you being shocked at what they buy ect. They could interpet it to be making fun of them.

**spyzvixxen** · 09-01-2009, 10:01 AM

Yes, my entire immediate family pokes fun at my couponing calling me not-so-nice names. Funny how they don't say anything when they're eating a meal that cost me very little to make or when I send home a goodie bag of items they use that I got for free.

**perSue** · 09-01-2009, 10:14 AM

yep... my family sometimes doesnt understand why i may do something at times, but they might tease me, but they then do it themselves.
now, coworkers will say rude things because i usually take in my own lunch or because I don't have the latest/greatest in clothes, or because i make some of my things (if I dont hit the thrift shop).
I make the majority of my food from scratch, that's apparently a time waster when i can get "just as healthy" crap from a box... show me where, and _MAYBE_ i'll try it! ROFL
I get name called or talked about because I use the 3R's - i recycle the glass jars I may buy from the store, or i reduce by not buying what i don't need and I reuse everything I possibly can!
Giving gifts around holidays at a work event, well, homemade candies are usually a hit, until someone realizes it's me who brought them in, then it's "cheapskate" or something because I dont participate in 'secret santas' - because there's always a dollar figure attached and homemade is not accepted.

The majority of people who call me names are those who feel they must impress with material items. I'm learning to accept this as it is, and understand that's how some people think, and that's acceptable. It's not how "I" think though, and it's difficult for me to survive in that style of environment.

However, the majority of my friends/family think it's funny at how much I do. They think they're fine & dandy until they hear all the stuff I do, and then they ask how & if they can 'borrow that idea'... well, it's not mine to give, so by all means! LOL

It's not fun being pointed out as the one who doesnt fit in... but it is fun being the one without major debt.