Is Frugal “Cool”
It has always been fascinating to me how vocabulary changes through the generations. In my younger days, the word "cool" might have been defined as biting or chilly. The word "in" was the word with a similar connotation to the word cool. People or objects that were considered to be of value were "in." Now, I am not saying we would say "in" when we liked someone or something in the same way the word "cool" is used in today's vernacular. I do, though, consider the two words to be similar in meaning. And yes, I will admit I am from the days when the word "groovy" was on the lips of many (but not mine.)
Up to this point, I have never been what the culture would call "in" or which would now be described as "cool." Actually, Husband and I have made many counter-cultural decisions. Not by any means with a need or desire to be different, it is just that we seek to live our lives based on Biblical principles and that means we often say "no" to something the culture finds to be a "yes."
For many in today's world, Husband and I drive a very uncool car with dents in the side and some missing trim. I think it might be referred to as a "beater." The fact that it is paid for and gets us where we need to go is more important to us than the fact this car is not cool. Living in a doublewide mobile home certainly makes us not cool to some people. But again for us, the fact our home is paid for overrides its not being cool. Our list could go on as we homeschooled our children, rarely, if ever, go to any really "cool" places and our names would never be found on any kind of a "who's who" list.
Now, though, I think we may actually be becoming "cool." How can this be? Because I think being frugal is becoming a "cool" thing. There are more frugal blogs than I could ever check in a day and let's not forget Dave Ramsey of the debt free scream who has done a great job of making the debt free life cool. I applaud Dave for making what was once the norm, living within your means, a cultural plus again. Truth is there are young men and women reaping great financial benefit for making the frugal life a "cool" one and I am grateful.
Actually, I am encouraged by frugal becoming cool. Anything that makes people really consider the whys and hows of living a well thought out life can only be an asset to their own personal future and to that of our country.
So I ask you? Do you think being frugal is gaining popular support and are you frugal cool?
3 Responses to “Is Frugal “Cool””
March 19th, 2013 at 6:24 am
I have always been frugal out of necessity, even in my youth. There was never extra money. I admit to not being as frugal as you are; but I will note one thing about cool vs. not cool. Those who know how to be frugal weather financially troubled waters much easier than those who have not.
The whiners and nay-sayers of today are USUALLY those who have never had to scrimp. I particularly like the “couponers.” Most of that is for using name brands, and I’ve rarely used name brands to start with!
The reason for all the blogs now is because people are looking for help. Thanks for all that you do!
March 19th, 2013 at 10:04 pm
I don’t think it’s gaining as popular support as it needs to be.
I think those of us, who are working at being frugal and debt free, naturally surround ourselves with others in the same boat. Just like homeschoolers, Christians, basketball players, etc. We surround ourselves with people that are likeminded. So to us, it may seem like more people are doing it…but really, I don’t think so.
I do however, notice that when you come across someone who is NOT thinking of living frugally, they have one of two thoughts….”Why?” or “NO Way!”
You tell which is which, by the emphasis they use,when they look at you, and say, “Cool.”
Pat
March 20th, 2013 at 6:32 am
Denise:
I agree with you that having some frugal skills is a real blessing when financial challenges come to call.
Pat:
As always I appreciate your perspective on the frugal life being less popular as a whole than in my life circle. We do tend to gravitate to those like-minded and may at times have our reality a bit skewed. Thanks for the reminder!
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