The New Frugality
by It is becoming popular to be frugal. People are beginning to learn to shop wisely, spend less money, and be satisfied with less.
With the loss of jobs and the inability of so many to keep up their mortgages, thrift has
Become the name of the game. Thrift is becoming chic. These new shopping values reveal retail winners even in these uncertain times. Choices are value driven, from trading down to a less expensive automobile to buying store brands at the grocery store. Anything that helps save money is hot.
More people are eating at home and when they do eat out more are opting for inexpensive restaurants or fast food. McDonalds and Taco Bell are more popular than ever. McDonald’s added bacon to their $1 double cheeseburger and charge $1.69. That gimmick had added greatly to their bottom line…
Folks are looking for cheaper transportation. That includes bicycles and scooters to more energy efficient cars. Vespa sales are up 174 percent compared to July 2007. You can get 80 miles a gallon in a Vespa, when you are lucky to get 20 miles a gallon in the average car.
People who can afford it are remodeling instead of buying a new house. Many are buying furniture from thrift stores and second hand shops rather than buying high end. Young people are educating themselves and learning that older furniture is stronger and better made than new furniture manufactured today and can be bought for a trifle.
Wal-Mart, Aldi, and Dollar stores are selling more merchandise than ever before. Their prices are lower and people are flocking to those stores. When you need to stretch your budget to the limit or you just want to save money, that’s where to shop.
To some the word thrift reminds them of people who are poor, unfashionable and have no money or choice. They believe that shopping at high end stores and spending freely puts them on a higher more fashionable level. But look back in history. Thrift meant growth, good fortune, and prosperity. So how did we become a nation to spend, spend, and spend ourselves out of house and home?
Thrift is the cure for the situation we find ourselves in today. We have forgotten that to our parents and grandparent’s debt was a despicable shame. They would not lower their good name to ask for credit or to owe anyone. We have been led a long way down the garden path. It’s time for a change. It has taken millions of people losing their homes to foreclosures and fat credit companies racking in our hard earned money for interest but there is evidence that thrift is making a come back. We have a long way to go but little by little we can raise our heads out of the sand.
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Post CommentChristine amsay
On December 15, 2008 at 8:43 am
You are so right Ruby. We have had it too easy for too long. Perhaps now we shall return to the old values. Good work.
Love
Christine
sue mcverry
On December 15, 2008 at 8:46 am
I agree. Good article. Re-gifting is another idea that is becoming popular. It simply means giving any unwanted presents to someone who would like them. It’s catching on over here as a way of reducing waste. Most things can be recycled with a bit of thought.
Countrymom
On December 15, 2008 at 10:26 am
This recession reminds me so much of the great depression that my grandmother told me about. People are loathe to part with the money they have in fear of losing their jobs and medical insurance. My husbands company has scaled back our medical insurance 3 times in a year. That is bad news if you are in the middle of any medical procedures. Insurance with one company will pay while another won’t and in the middle of a procedure that is really really bad news. We make a lot of our gifts and if it weren’t for that no one would get one!
Reilley
On December 15, 2008 at 10:46 am
Good job, great info, nicely presented.
Karen Gross
On December 15, 2008 at 11:16 am
I wonder if our generation will develop the strength, the work ethic, frugality, and sacrificial character that our grandparents had. I know that some have, but in general, I have a feeling that this generation is soft and spoilt, with an entitlement attitude. We have been weaned on credit, and there are an awful lot of adults who have no idea how deep in debt they really are until it is to late.
goodselfme
On December 15, 2008 at 11:21 am
Wonderful information and presented in easy to understand form.
Morgana
On December 15, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I have also noticed that people are recycling things that they buy.Things like bottles to make their own juice at home and fill the bottle with the homemade juice instead of buying another bottle of juice only to throw away the plastic. Maybe this economic hardship we are facing is pushing us to do things that are better for the environment. That might be the only positive outcome of these times of struggle.
Moses Ingram
On December 15, 2008 at 3:31 pm
This is so true Ruby, debt was a shame to our parents and grandparents. We could learn so much from them, most people today are just one pay cheque away from living on the street.
nobert soloria bermosa
On December 15, 2008 at 5:38 pm
exactly just what you’ve said Ruby,i absolutely agree with you
Darlene McFarlane
On December 15, 2008 at 7:39 pm
I agree with you, Ruby. We need to know our limits and stay within the boundaries. Those who are used to spending more freely are most likely the ones who will find it hard to cut back without cutting out.
Nice job!
PR Mace
On December 15, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Good article, Ruby.
I agree 100% with you. I know I am being more careful and thinking twice before I buy something.
NA Staffieri
On December 16, 2008 at 6:49 am
Great article, Ruby.
neelam pandey
On December 16, 2008 at 1:56 pm
It’s absoultely correct, ruby as the world situation demands it and if denied can lead us to the worse condition…gr8 article!!
CA Johnson
On December 16, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I am being more careful with my spending too. My mother taught me about being frugal when I was a kid and it has stuck with me ever since.
eddiego65
On December 17, 2008 at 1:16 am
You’re absolutely right in this. Great article.
Ruby Hawk
On December 17, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Thanks guys for your interest and your comments. I can always depend on you. I appreciate you all so much. This economy effects us all and we can overcome with thrift and patience.
Mr Cool
On December 19, 2008 at 5:23 am
This is a great article and I agree completely, frugality is the way to go. Many of my friends at school always make fun of me because i sepnd ages in a shop looking for the best buy or buying a multipack instead of single bars of chocolate. People are becoming too soft (except farmers) and need to learn to work harder.
xoxo
On December 20, 2008 at 9:32 am
Thanks for sharing. We should all be careful about spending.
Evvie Sands
On December 21, 2008 at 9:48 am
Great article, Ruby! My grandparents ran away from starvation and war, and I learnt a few frugality lessons from them.
BTW, I’d rather buy clothes from second hand shops, you’ll find either designer clothes for a few bucks or even vintage clothes, you know fashion keeps coming back.
Ruby Hawk
On January 24, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Way to go Mr. Cool you will have moeny in your pockets when your friends are broke.
Evvie,I’m sure your grandparents have taught you a lot. When you live it you never forget. You are so right about vintage clothing.Why pay the big bucks when you can get it for less.
Ruby Hawk
On January 24, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Countrymom and Karan; I do think that young folks have had it so easy it would be very difficult for them to survive a real depression. We have all gotten soft and used to having almost everything we want. Most younger folks don’t know the difference between necessity and want.
Daisy Peasblossom
On March 28, 2009 at 10:56 pm
I’m reading back through old posts tonight. I’m not sure I was ever part of the prosperity, so life is pretty much the same for me. But I agree, the next year or so are going to be hard for everyone.