Cheerful Frugality Chats About Saving Money
Isn't it lovely to find a kindred spirit?
That's how I feel after discovering many of the blogs on our Frugal Blogroll. Most stay-at-home moms in my circle are working the one-income puzzle, but I am always hesitant about exposing the depths of my thriftiness.
(Like I can hide it, right?)
There is a certain joy in chatting with someone who also thrills at a triple coupon score. Wouldn't it be fun, I wondered, to have everyone together in one big room? To ask follow up questions and advice from some of your favorite frugal hackers?
I started by chatting with Jenn of Frugal Upstate about discerning wants vs. needs. (You can hear our interview here.)
Then I twisted the arm of a new-to-me blogger, Robyn of Lentils and Rice, and had her walk me through the steps of cooking a big pot full (among other things).
A few days later I calculated PST so I could speak with the Chief Family Officer about spending cash.
Pushing past my comfort zone has left me motivated and inspired. I'm now a little bolder when I ask others about money:
- Where do you find your greatest savings?
- Have you figured out the least expensive way to do this?
- How much does this cost where you shop?
Do you ever "interview" the women at church--older and younger--about saving money? Do your mom friends pass along deals at playgroup? Whom do you ask for expertise about saving money in real life?
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5 Responses to “Cheerful Frugality Chats About Saving Money”
February 11th, 2008 at 11:11 am
I’m getting braver about this – I think thanks to discussing it with like-minded mommies online. Most of my friends IRL are working moms – most are well off and only have one or two kids specifically so they can give their kids the “finer” things.
I do share great deals when I find them, but my biggest step forward so far came just yesterday when a girlfriend stopped me to tell me she’d found a mini van that would be perfect for us. We’re still driving a Camry and a little truck until we save up cash for a bigger vehicle. SO instead of hemming and hawing around like I would have I just said “we’re not going to buy one right now. We’re spending money to finish the downstairs and saving up for a van later. Thanks though” I was shocked at how easy it was:)
February 11th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Sigh.
Almost no one that I know gets excited about a good deal.
February 11th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Um, like right here, in my home town? Honestly? I don’t have anyone now that my girlfriend just flew off for two years in Honduras.
If I talk about frugality at all, I’m the one people ask for tips because I’ve made some offhanded comment that peek their interest. 90% of the folks at church are two family incomes. I don’t know if the local homeschoolers are independently wealthy or just don’t want to talk about it…
February 11th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
I must be blessed — I’m surrounded by people who are interested in saving money and plenty who have taught me new tips in frugality. Some may not want to take it as far as I’m interested in, but they’ve been helpful nonetheless.
Of our circle of friends, we are probably in the highest income bracket. But those friends don’t look at me quizzically when I ask them about good deals or how to “make do” in certain areas.
Occasionally, I get the ?!? look from people who don’t “get it” — but when I tell them about the charge I get at being able to give $150 worth of food to the food bank because of smart shopping and couponing, a little lightbulb comes on.
Love this site! Is very encouraging to me.
February 11th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Oh, and one other thing…it helps to have a DH who is just as obsessed about getting a good deal! We feed off of each other’s enthusiasm.
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