Comments on: A National Shift Toward Frugal Living?

By: jBill

jBill — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:14:50 +0000

I’ve been economizing for so long now, I think it’s permanently ingrained. A shift towards thriftiness in the U.S. is not a bad thing.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:01:27 +0000

Kristy: I worry that it may be temporary as well. But I hope it isn’t. The longer this recession lasts, the more permanent a change this will instill in people.

By: TStrump

TStrump — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 03:07:47 +0000

Have definitely cut back on spending but wouldn’t really say I’m frugal.
I do drive a ‘94 Tempo, though, and it still runs great.
I try to buy most things on sale – the biggest thing I’ve cut back is entertainment.

By: Steve

Steve — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 03:02:15 +0000

Frugality offers the opportunity to simplify one’s life. A way to reintroduce human relationships. With all of the stress built up by excessive wants and extravagance – here’s a chance to tone down and enjoy life.

By: Kristy @ Master Your Card

Kristy @ Master Your Card — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 04:15:22 +0000

I’m definitely seeing more of a trend towards frugality as well. I work for a credit union and we’re seeing a lot of our members coming in wanting to talk more about budgets and emergency funds. It’s great to see people taking financial responsibility, but I worry this is only temporary. The Great Depression inspired a generation of savers, but it was very different then. I worry that people will revert to their old habits when the economy shifts again.

Personally, I learned long ago the need to be frugal with my finances. I don’t always follow my advice and sometimes I fall off the bandwagon – particularly when there’s a huge DVD sale going on – but for the most part, the downturn hasn’t really affected how I’m saving because I do that already.

By: Craig

Craig — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:11:43 +0000

I am too young that the economy hasn’t affected me the way it has others. I do brown bag and cook my own meals though, as not only a way of being more frugal, but healthier as well. I try to take the initiative on my finances for things like food so maybe I can have more for other circumstances like my social life. It always needs to be balanced with me.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:41:16 +0000

Glad to see some more people are taking an added initiative. There is no time like the present to get on top of your finances!

By: Kristen

Kristen — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:02:14 +0000

Interesting post Patrick. Since I work for a credit counseling agency, we were just talking about this today. Several of our counselors said they have definitely noticed that people are trying to be more frugal, and we’re starting to see more people who don’t have unmanageable debt, but are calling to do a credit counseling session just to have a good budget review and get some tips and an action plan as far as their home budgets and credit/debt management.

I really hope that something positive comes out of all of this economic sense in terms of people being more aware of their finances and spending habits and being more proactive.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:24:08 +0000

You’re absolutely right, Sam. I know quite a few people in debt as well. The problem is, some of them think it is normal – that people are supposed to be in debt.

By: Sam

Sam — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:12:58 +0000

We sure could use a national thrift week. I still know people who don’t own a bank account or who are in piles of debt. You gotta look out for yourself, and that means not going into too much debt.