BlogHer - money - Comments

It Really Does Take Time and A Shift In Being

Gena Haskett — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:01:05 -0600

One of the things that I am learning is adapting to a new sense of self. You don't have the brackets of Mother/Father anymore. Who are you now! Where do you go from here? How much time do you have left to mess around?

Time is moving faster and slower at the same time - damn it is the holidays, no, I'm not ready for them. You get to figure out how to balance those two conflicting time zones.

You can create your own traditions. The BF doesn't have to participate but maybe going someplace that brings you peace or soothes your soul, like a park or a retreat where you can be quiet. Or to a Headbangers ball. Or something in-between.

Maybe it is being in a museum or a hockey game. Or eating exactly what you want to eat even if it is non-traditional.

Be kind to yourself as you find your new space in life. And if the BF doesn't want to go on a trip leave him at home. This will help him appreciate you more when you get back. ;-)

Gena - Out On The Stoop

Right on the money!

TheSaleRack — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:15:55 -0600

I've just joined Blogher and with your post I feel like I've come home! I have to bite my tongue to stop myself from saying "oh you love my sweater? Got it at marshalls for $19 bucks!" From my earliest shopping excursions with my mother I learned to shop the sale racks and dig through bargin bins, and oh how I enjoy finding an originally high-priced item at a deep discount. It's absolutely the BEST. This feeling is actually what prompted me to start my blog - I want to find deals and share them with others. So happy to see that there definitely "others" out there who enjoy a bargain just as much as I do!

Ncole

The Sale Rack

cheapskate

GreatPicken — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:05:17 -0600

INNside Innkeeping in Montana

ah yes subscribing to my theory .. "less is more"

Organic Hostess Gifts?

Denise — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:51:45 -0600

I swear I am cutting back this year. I swear. And I'm interested in the organic hostess gifts. Bring 'em on!

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Flamingo House Happenings

Staying Home Really Helps

BookLady Alison — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:41:36 -0600

Yes, I guess you could say I'm a cheapskate, though where I come from it's called being a Canny Scot. I too own the Tightwad Gazette, though I did not buy it frugally at a garage sale -- wish I had!

Being a homeschooler and also working from home really helps in the frugality department. I don't need to obey a dress code for work, my kids (pre-teen and teen) don't care that I shop for their clothes inexpensively, and what's more they don't have friends who care either. We can even cook from scratch twice a day if we want and I have time to pick out the best deals at the supermarket because hubby works from home too and I don't need to take distractions with me when I shop.

The only things I splurge on are my cable service, books and snacks. But lately I've solved my book splurging problem. It's true, I can now visit a bookstore and wander the aisles and feel as free as a bird. I can even leave the store empty-handed -- that's without being forcibly removed by hubby or kids! How could this happen? I must admit that it was unexpected. It wasn't on my gameplan when I started my own book business, after all, who could be satisfied with books from just one publisher? Nonetheless, as each new Usborne book entered my home I began to find myself reading every one contentendly, no matter whether it was designed for 4yr olds or teens. Then one day I discovered my book compulsion missing in action at Barnes and Noble. What a pleasant surprise!

Here's to frugality and my fellow cheapskates!

BookLady Alison

GreatFunBooks.com
UsborneKC.com
Homeschoolers Guide to the Galaxy

Can Totaly Relate

kawaii crafter — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:21:50 -0600

LOL when I read this. I just bought a pair of shoes for $10 that were originally $150. And yes, if someone compliments me I have to tell them how the shoes were such a bargain.

Agree, great topic.

jessica

www.zakkalife.blogspot.com

Judging your skill

Wilma Ham — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:13:13 -0600

Spending wisely is a skill and why judge it negatively.

There is a distinction between frugile and stingy and I would like to avoid mixing the two and not confuse frgile with stingy.

I love how you explain what frugile spending consists of. I cannot find any fault with it, it makes very good sense and I have certainly seen good value in this.

However if it was about stiginess then I would not have felt good about your post.
Stingyness is going without and not feeling good about it.
Stingyness is about holding back and normally creates little enjoyment.

I would say, go for wise spending and enjoy your purchases and don't judge it negatively.

It is a skill you have and be proud of it and thanks for your lessons.

Wilma Ham

www.wilmasblog.com

Good quality

KLinnea — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 10:35:48 -0600

And like Giyen says, buying good quality goods that will last for years is both satisfying and good for the environment.

Think of everything as an investment in the future and in hope.

Linnea

http://madhattersapprentice.blogspot.com/

Learned Cheapskate

mwaters — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:51:30 -0600

You are right about being able to learn frugality. I'm living proof! After years of spending I've done a complete about face. It's become almost like a game to see just how much money I can save. I'm getting a little obsessed with it!

Stocking up your gift closet with things no one wants sounds like one step away from becoming a hoarder. Yikes.

Great article.

Mary@SimplyForties
http://www.simplyforties.com

Frugal Is The New Black

Giyen — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:36:51 -0600

I believe that being Frugal is not about being cheap, it's about being wise with your money ... for instance, buying a $100 pair of shoes that are classic and will last you for years vs. buying 4 pairs of $20 shoes. The latter will cost more upfront, but in the longterm you'll spend less, waste less and is better for the environment.

Kudos to you for writing this. People need to know that being cheap isn't something that you should be ashamed of. Frugal people unite!

Great topic!

Giyen

Bacon Is My Enemy

Lastest Post

Pigeon Heads Are Crunchy Things

Thrifty is Nifty

Candelaria Silva — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:55:18 -0600

There was a publication that I got as a book (at a yard sale) called The Tightwad's Gazette. Unparalleled frugality.

I must say that sometimes I don't share the cost of an item or the fact that a pair of shoes or earring that my snobby friend raved over came from thrift or Payless or whatever. Just can't give her the satisfaction some time. (Hee-hee)

blog.candelariasilva.com

Good and plenty!

Makes a lot of sense!

KLinnea — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 08:05:34 -0600

Makes a lot of sense! :-)

Linnea

http://madhattersapprentice.blogspot.com/

Me Three!

TooheyMomster — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:09:40 -0600

My name is Jeanne and I am a frugal cheapskate! :)

I'm Polly, and I'm a cheapskate too

pollypoorhouse — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:31:58 -0600

When I was in college if somebody complimented my sweater, I couldn't resist saying, "Salvation Army--2 bucks!"

I like to think the obsession to get a better deal has vestigal roots in our hunting and gathering forbears.

I get a weird pleasure of seeing how long I can go with only a few dollars in my wallet.

I think it's an illness!

Polly Poorhouse

http://economiccrunch.blogger.com

Did you say cheapskate?

Dree — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:28:54 -0600

Yup that's me. *raises hand* I too love a great deal and will tell everyone about my "steals". Whenever my family wants to buy something online they are like "Hey Dree can you find me a great price on such and such?". I guess they are also cheap but don't like to find the deals. I don't mind, I love it.

I also live buy the if you don't need it don't buy it motto. I have seen tons of awesome deals that I wanted to jump on but didn't because it didn't pass my do I really need this test.

Lemme know if you find a steal on a MFC Laser Printer. I am in the market for one under $200. (Now I sound like my family. LOL)