During the last recession, people went to surprising lengths to make ends meet. Hypermiling. Navy showers. Dumpster-diving for food (aka “freeganism”).
Some practiced extreme frugality to keep from sinking further into the red; others did it to survive. (Some still do.)
Hailed at the time as examples of savvy consumerism, these sorts of activities don’t get a whole lot of press today. Some would say that’s a good thing, i.e., fewer people are living on the edge.
I’m not so sure.
While I’m glad the recession is technically* over, I remain sad that we seem to have learned nothing from the tough times of previous decades. There’s more things than ever to buy, especially as regards electronics – and quite a few us want these things at all costs.
In fact, a new survey from CreditCards.com suggest that 61 percent of people with credit card balances are willing to add more debt for the holidays.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m really glad I no longer have to wash all my clothes by hand, or live on the most basic of foodstuffs. But I think we could all do with a little bit more strategic frugality.
Some people think “frugal” means “impoverished,” and certainly it’s true that some people live frugally because they have no choice. It’s a way of life that can be terrifying. (Anyone else here ever raided the baby’s piggy bank** for bus fare to get to work on payday?)
In those days, and again during my lengthy divorce and return to college, I was frugal because I had to be. But even when times got better, I was still frugal – because I happen to think it’s a great way to live. To me, it means a life in which every decision is intentional. Every step I take (or don’t take) means something.
Frugality is the reason I’m out of debt and saving for retirement after some tough times. It’s also why I want to start a new occasional series of articles on the subject of extreme frugality.
Defining “extreme frugality”
No doubt some of the articles I plan to write will be considered tame by the super-penny-pinchers. For example, I know of one frugal blogger who doesn’t buy toilet paper: Her household uses “family cloths,” which are washed and re-used. #nopenopenope
I’ve read about people getting live-in nanny jobs to avoid paying rent, making their own cooking fat (free chicken skins from the butcher FTW!), never spending a dime on entertainment outside the home, growing a beard to save on razors, taking the same super-basic lunch to work every. single. day.
Then there’s the folks who think you’re extreme if you mash your own potatoes.*** Thus finding the balance between “no thanks, that’s just ridiculous” and “you call that frugal?!?” will be interesting.
But that’s okay. I don’t mind (much) being second-guessed. That’s why I have a comments section. And speaking of asking for feedback…
Got any topics to suggest?
I’ve already come up with a handful of extreme frugality topics. Since it’s already November (!), an obvious one is “celebrating the holidays without breaking the bank.” The piece will contain tactics that are actionable but that won’t embarrass you.
“Staying warm/keeping utility bills manageable” is another natural idea for this time of year. Also on the list: furnishing/decorating a home, staying healthy, finding affordable entertainment and, of course, stretching grocery dollars.
Who’s got ideas to share? Please leave them in the comments. I can’t promise I’ll do them all, but I’d like to hear what’s on your mind.
Finally: The point of this exercise isn’t to make people feel judged. You won’t get kicked out of the movement if you don’t use homemade dish soap to wash out your Ziploc bags for re-use. No one will force you to make your own soup stock or tsk-tsk if you decide that cable TV or subscription boxes really are right for you.
No, it’s all about my longtime frugal mantra: I save where I can so I can spend where I want. Small changes can help with some pretty big goals – stuff like debt pay-down, homeownership, retirement planning**** or a child’s education.
Who’s in?
*I say “technically” because I believe that for some people it never really ended. Some are still lip-deep and sinking; others merely treading water.
**Yes, I paid it back. Every time.
***While I’ll admit that there are some pretty tasty instant varieties out there, I’m simply not willing to pay so much more for a so-called “value added” product.
****You have until Nov. 14 to enter to win a copy of “The Only Retirement Course You’ll Ever Need.”
As usual you are spot on. I have read almost everything you have written and I was addicted to Amy D. in the 90’s. It all made perfect sense to me. I really do not have to be frugal now, but I am because it was the way I was raised and when Dorian hit my Son’s family home, I had the money to help. Nothing feels better than that. Hubby would like to spend more, but he also knows that I taught him how to be a saver and able to afford what really matters to him. Once again, thank you for the kick in the butt reminder that we all need. Keep writing and I will keep reading.
I like the idea of extreme frugality but sometimes I feel like I’m going a bit overboard with the saving and reusing because it seems like a bit of a burden. It’s a constant balance that you have to manage, I suppose. Here’s an idea for you though: maximising the mileage of your car. So this would include stuff like keeping the weight of luggage low, avoiding using the AC, etc. Yes, it is a bit extreme 🙂
I should clean out that back seat and trunk…..while leaving enough for traction in snow and ice. Thanks for the reminder.
Really enjoy your writing and look forward to the series.
I’d suggest ideas for frugal hygiene and cleaning products. I learned from another blog to use a drop of anti-bacterial dish soap in warm water to clean a retainer, instead of expensive denture-cleaning tablets or scrubbing with tootpaste (which also risks bending the expensive retainer). I never would have thought of it, but the bottle of name-brand, anti-bacterial dish soap cost less than $1 on sale and has lasted *years* since I only need a drop a day.
I’d also suggest more on frugal gardening. We don’t have a garden but hope to someday and I’d like to be ready.
Lastly, I’d suggest frugal kitchen ideas — I learned from you to add vinegar/oil/etc to the last of a mustard bottle. This “mustard vinaigrette” was perfect when we ran out of bottled salad dressing, and I wouldn’t have thought to do this, even though I sometimes make my own salad dressing. This was both faster and cheaper than making my own dressing from scratch. Thank you!
A few thoughts about articles: 1) If you really try to be frugal, you will have a little money, an article about making the most of it (more than .01% on your savings account!), 2) I like making my own laundry detergent – I tried several recipes before I found one I liked, 3) Do-it-yourself hacks/ideas (Youtube is very helpful!) 4) Ideas from the book(s) “Tightwad Gazette”
Thanks for your articles, I always find them interesting.
Looking forward to the series!! After following Amy D through the 90’s, there is no such thing as too extreme frugality as long as it is legal and it’s a win/win for everyone involved. (IE taking handfuls of ketchup packets from McD’s is not a win/win – someone has to pay for that ketchup!) I would suggest frugal holiday ideas, regifting, or even just learning to say NO to some (expensive) holiday traditions.
Ah Donna you took me back in time. When DS was about four he kept a piggy bank. One day DH took out about $2.00 for tolls and left a five dollar bill inside. DS ran to me crying with tears spilling all over his freckled face and sobbed “Daddy took my money and left me this piece of paper!” Needless to say all change was returned.
It’s easy to look back now when we have no bills, but I remember those days of scrambling to pay everything very well. BTW DS became an accountant and makes sure nobody raids his funds.
Best wishes from Best Bun.
😂😂😂
I continued to practice frugality during a marriage (six figure income) because you just never know when someone will get laid off (did), sick (did) and divorced (Yay!! shh sorry). Circumstances now are such that I’m only working part-time and living on about 1/10 of the former income or trying to. lol
Two things stuck with me….an interview with Amy D when she said something to the effect…If people would practice being frugal during the good times, the bad times won’t seem so bad.
And another video that started out, “There’s usually a rock in almost every pan of beans.” Its called Living Poor and Loving it featuring Donna.
I keep both of these videos bookmarked and watch them often, even after all these years. Keeps my compass pointing north.
I like to read anything about how people survived the Great Recession. So many of us had to change our lifestyles to make ends meet. I remember that my husband and everyone in his company lost 9% of their income (but got extra vacation time) so that no one would have to be let go. Not easy with six kids in our family. I admire the can-do spirit of those such as Amy D. and thousands of others who were/are able to make ends meet with frugality and change of thinking. Diane
Re-purposing! This creative way of looking at the world is frugal, environmentally friendly, and builds self-confidence. It really is a skill (or rather, a set of skills) worth cultivating. My 3 kids’ Halloween costumes cost less than $5 total, because I used a combination of things we already had plus two clothing items from the thrift store to provide fabric to sew the rest. My shopping bags were stitched from an old tablecloth, and I frequently get compliments from the cashiers. Yogurt tubs into cheese molds, reply envelopes into ToDo lists – the possibilities are endless!
Bonus: Those bags are washable, whereas I’d be wary of throwing some of those plastic-y bags into the washing machine.
I second your motion for re-purposing. What with DF being a bush boy and all, he’s accustomed to using every scrap of every item that comes his way. Which is, of course, wildly attractive.
You and your DF seem to have the best relationship. Congrats to both of you!
We are very lucky.
They are ADORABLE together!
Yes they are.
I love repurposing! Recently our church held a Meatless Monday potluck and specifically requested “no single-use plastics”. I thought about that as I washed tortilla bags (a little bigger than gallon zipper bags; great for homemade bread) and the storage containers repurposed from our favorite Chinese restaurant and realized that even single-use items rarely get just a single use around our house!
Donna, great idea for a series! I’ll look forward to it, and come back if I have any ideas to share.
My mom uses almost all the envelopes for grocery lists/errand lists! It’s a good idea, I just didn’t know anyone else did that!
You can put any coupons inside the envelope.
We do that too.
This brought back memories! I remember my mom would always use her letter opener to open up the reply envelopes so we could use the insides to write out grocery lists 🙂
She also would let her adding machine tape spillover and run and run – and then she’d have us kids roll it back up onto the roll so she could use the other side.
Looking forward to this series! I ALWAYS learn something new
Longtime reader and fan of yours, Donna. I would love an article on dressing for success using frugality. In the corporate world, this is essential. Also there is a trend for blended homes where kids and parents are living together to help each other out for many reasons. I am always up for suggestions on practicing frugality in a house where others may not acknowledge it.
I work for corporate America and frequently find name brands (LOFT, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic) at my local thrift for less than $5 per piece. (A favorite pair of LOFT capris were found on fifty cent day LOL!) And, I get complimented all the time at work on my “new” blouse or pants! 🙂
+1 on thrift stores for dress clothes! Also resale shops and “almost” thrift stores like Ross and TJ Maxx, and resale sites like FB Marketplace.
Hi Donna! Looking forward to the new series! I am always interested in the grocery store/food planning. Years ago I read an article (not sure if it was your work) about a grocery list for a single person on a $20 a week budget – or something along those lines. I was fascinated at the hearty meals created from that very small budget. As you have said before, groceries/food is the one area we have the most control on what we spend. I also enjoyed your ideas about shopping at thrift stores!
I always enjoy your columns. The other day DH told me I was a food miser – I took it as a compliment, because he was referring to how no food gets thrown away at our house. Partly, I think, because I remember the Great Depression. For me, frugality is no longer necessary, but it sure is fun!
I also am looking forward to this series. All the topics sound useful, and I always learn something. I’m especially interested in frugal decorating/redecorating and home improvement.
Look forward to it, Donna!
As a plastic bag washing, old tee shirt cutting, office breakroom leftover shopping, card carrying, thrifty gal- I am ALWAYS looking to learn new ways to up my Frugal game 🙂
Maybe you could do one article packed with readers best suggestions on their favorite frugal hacks?
My idea is to ask readers at the end of each piece for their tips — but collecting some of the best (i.e., the original or at least lesser-knowon ideas) is a great plan. Thanks!
P.S. We wash plastic bags, too.
Don’t worry about being too extreme. When I was trying to reprogram my consumer brain I read EVERYTHING frugal I could get my hands on. Even though there were ideas that were a bridge too far (cutting broccoli rubber bands in half so you get two free rubber bands – uh no) all of it reinforces the idea to live consciously and THINK before you spend.
I had never heard that one! This is great.
With the holiday season almost upon us, I would be thrilled to read anything about frugal gift giving and entertaining, including frugal but scrumptious recipes. I already have the frugal decorating thing down to a science…I don’t buy anything new except the real tree. I still use some of my Mom’s, Grandma’s and Mormor’s(great grandmother) decorations. Thank you Donna.
I’d love to read the new frugality series! Just the other day I was rereading some of your earlier posts, back from the MSN days. I was in my teens when the recession hit, and I remember learning a lot about how to manage money, partly due to your posts, partly due to my upbringing. I have definitely had my hand-wash all clothes, live on beans days. I’d like a post on how to manage sanity and time management with frugality. Some things very money-responsible, but take a lot of time not all of us might be able to juggle. I know Abbey works on this, but I’d like your take too.
Ditto the time management and frugality issue. I’ve been trying to deal with it by simplifying as much as possible. Batch cooking, mix and match outfits for work, etc. More tips would be great.
The most unfrugal experience I saw in my life was my mother’s dementia and having to place her in long term care (aka nursing home). so any frugal comments on long term care would be great.
My mother was a hard worker and very careful with her money. She lived through displacement and refugee camps in Europe. Came to America with nothing, went to college, bought a house and lived a frugal life. But when it came to protecting her home and finances from long term care costs… nuthin’ doin’. So all her savings, the house, her life insurance policies went to the long term care facility. When that reality happened it distress her deeply.
How to legally protect some of your assets from the state/s or long term care facilities taking them for quick sale to cover LTC costs would be helpful. I know costs have to be covered, but sometimes things happen quickly, which does not always result in maximum funds being generated.
I’m looking forward to these articles. I have been doing the 333 project for about 9 months now–wearing only 33 articles of clothing or shoes for 3 months at a time. (You don’t need to count exercise/gardening clothes or sleepwear, unless that’s all you wear). It has helped hone my wardrobe, keeps my closet tidy, and curbs my need to shop for clothes.
In general, I find that frugality ramps up creativity. If I don’t have something I think about what I have that will work in the situation. I can’t think of anything specific right now, but I love the challenge of figuring out how to solve a problem.
I’m looking forward to this series, Donna. I’m always ready to learn something new when it comes to frugality. Also, I just really enjoy your writing.
Why, thank you!
Second that!
I would love some frugal articles. Dh has done well at work, the house is paid off and both kids through college – one on his own the other we helped. I saw Amy D. on the Donahue show right after having my first baby while I was in the hospital. She gave me the instructions on how to be frugal so I could stay home with my son while everyone else said I had to go back to work as dh and I wouldn’t make it. I made it my job to live on dh’s salary. There is a husband and wife who dumpster dive on YouTube it’s called “Freakin Frugal” There are the crazy drugstore couponers on there too. One is “Designing Jen” and the other is “One Cute Couponer”. But really I want a fire lit up under my bum to get back into frugality.