I just wanted to add that I do have a friend who is one of those “Super Couponers” and she manages to get so much stuff absolutely FREE, like the Venus razors and other toiletries from CVS. She has turned it into a ministry where she gives away everything to the women’s shelter, free medical clinic, “goody bags” for teachers, etc.

I keep a copy of _The Tightwad Gazette_ on hand for when I need a refresher or inoculation.

I’m afraid it’s all relative, though. Just to play devil’s advocate, let’s look at some of the things on your list:

Make your own yogurt, bread, cream cheese, pizza, biscuit mix, bread crumbs…, desserts, snacks, laundry soap, household cleaners, etc. From scratch. – One could argue that you don’t need cheeses, pizza or desserts. And that most things can be cleaned with plain water. And that maybe some things don’t need to be so clean.

Cloth diapers purchased at a thrift shop, yard sale, or given to you buy a friend. – Don’t kids go diaperless in some cultures? (I swear I heard this incomprehensible thing somewhere.)

Popcorn- not microwave- instead of chips. – You don’t need any of these. Grow your own carrots instead of chips?

I am always looking for ways to remind myself of what I really need, what I actually like, and what really makes me happy. And of all my nearly limitless fabulous choices, which ones are the best value? When can I borrow or rent something instead of buying it. How can I use something I already have in a creative way instead of buying something? Should I just make changes in my lifestyle to reduce my expenses or increase my happiness, even if they seem drastic?

And so I also look at blogs. But mostly I like _The Tightwad Gazette_ best. However, see also “Early Retirement Extreme” and “20 Year Challenge” for some examples lower on the spending totem pole.

I read a quote years ago by whoever was mayor of NY City at the time. There was an opportunity to buy some cheap land, but he passed on it, and he explained to his critics that twenty five cents for two elephants is a good deal, but only if you have a quarter, and only if you have two elephants. I wish I could find the exact wording and the person who said it. If you ever see someone looking at something at a store and saying to herself, “Do I really need two elephants?”, it’s probably me.

DOB has taken to collecting water from the heating shower, air conditioning system, and dehumidifier, and dumping them in the washing machine for use on clothes. It only saves a few bucks a month, but then it only takes a few seconds.

He also was extolling the virtues (in summer) of shutting off the shower while lathering. I told him it wouldn’t work if you were using the shower as therapy for sore shoulders after nursing twins all day, but if you’re not, that does save quite a bit of water.

I’m all about ways to save money that involve less work. Bathing children less often (better for their skin, too!). Rewearing the same clothes, when possible. (Hard with little kids in mud season). Planning meals to mess up fewer dishes.

I’ve also been trying to teach myself to live with less air conditioning, but after five summers in the midwest I still wimp out at 75 degrees. Sigh.

I think *that* is the essence of frugality.

It’s not a deal if you don’t need it, wouldn’t have bought it anyway, or costs more to take care or it.

I hope that one day I won’t have to be so frugal, but still will.