Cheerful Frugality Faces Financial Meltdown
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I hesitate to turn on the radio these days: bail outs, buy outs, declining real estate values, gas shortages.
What is the cheerfully frugal person to do?
For my own sanity, I avoid what I call "Chicken Little" blogs--those which take pleasure in announcing that the sky is falling.
The clouds are looking closer to me, too--just because I don't write about it doesn't mean I don't understand what's happening. Yet there's a fine balance between relishing "I told you so" and burying one's head in the sand.
Here are some questions that I've been asking myself lately:
- Have I done everything I can do to effect change on a national or neighborhood level?
- How can I help others in my community who are not faring the economic crisis as well as we are?
- What sources allow me to stay informed without sending our daily thoughts into depression?
On a personal level, acknowledge reality--but remember the positives:
- We did buy a more expensive house 2 years ago, but my husband now has an enviable 3-mile commute.
- I feel limited by my gas consumption, but I am grateful that we arranged our lifestyle so that my working/driving is entirely optional.
- We've already trimmed our budget lean, but now I have new motivation to stick to it, spend less, and get creative.
Feeling powerless is even worse than feeling poor.
Those of us who've been studying the frugal arts have a great opportunity to reach out, right now. Let's do what we can to lift the spirits of those around us, even as we seek to lift ourselves from economic depression.
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9 Responses to “Cheerful Frugality Faces Financial Meltdown”
September 29th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Great post, Meredith. I haven’t written about any of this either, which certainly doesn’t mean I am not paying attention. If anything, this situation has furthered my resolve to be more independent and to continue focusing on my individual goals. It’s my way of taking back the control that it seems is being lost all around me.
September 29th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Meredith, I love you to bits. {hugs}
I’m not all happy go lucky and oblivious either. Rich and I spent almost 2 hours last night discussing this stuff, our finances and our future. I avoid the day to day financial news so I don’t worry excessively. God has a plan and is working it… We just need to have faith and hang on.
September 29th, 2008 at 9:20 am
the last sentence… that was the most powerful.. thanx… everytime you start having a “pity party” is when you need to thank G-d for what you DO have
gp in montana
ps.. can you let me know when we’re added to blogroll TIA
September 29th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Just wanted to say a quick Thank you… I’m enjoying reading Frugal Hacks!
September 29th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Great article!! I started writing a comment, then realized it was long enough for long blog post. I wrote more, but I’ll share one thought here:
This is a great time to teach your friends, neighbors and family members to live frugally. Gather a group of women to teach about budgets, pinching pennies at the grocery store, cooking inexpensive meals, living simply… My friend Shannon lead a great discussion on “saving on groceries” at my church a few years ago – I learned sooooo much listening to other frugal women.
And pray that God would remind you how BIG he is, and how much you can TRUST him. Then use that peaceful perspective to encourage other people to put their HOPE in Christ, the only sure thing in times of uncertainty.
September 30th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
I think that the best thing that I can do is focus more of my blog posts on ways to save money and reuse items that they already have. You know teach the people who are freaking out because they don’t have a finacial plan how to live large on a little budget.
October 1st, 2008 at 7:26 am
I just love the way you try to look at life. Keep it up!
October 5th, 2008 at 11:27 am
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October 6th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
GREAT POST. I really needed this. I work at a bank, and people are coming in every day freaking out. We’ve had people want to take $100,000 in CASH home!! They are nuts. Not only is that a stupid idea, but it’s going to make things worse if everyone pulls their money out! I think you’ve got a great outlook. Thanks again!
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