Meet a reader: Ann from South Carolina.

First, let me be clear: Ann is not a turtle. She’s a  camera-avoidant reader who requested that I use a photo she snapped of a turtle sunning itself.

There’s another reason for the turtle, though: Its slow-and-steady approach to life is analogous to Ann’s brand of frugality.

She’s in no rush to get the latest anything, has lived in the same house for more than three decades, and knows all the best thrift stores. Recently, Ann met a friend for lunch at a hospital snack bar, which she says has a “spa-like” vibe: “It’s got a skylight, it’s very sunny, they’ve got healthy food, it’s inexpensive, it’s fast.”

She drives a car “that no one will steal,” and specifically chose a job with a pension. Ann is lucky to live in a city where supermarkets “compete,” and she can turn those deals into comfort foods that cost way less than takeout.  “I feel rich if I’ve got cooked ground beef in the freezer…a perfect start for tacos, spaghetti, chili or nachos.”

Ann has been a reader since the MSN Money days, so it was great fun to attach a voice to the history. Please join me in congratulating her on her end-of-December retirement, at age 57. And enjoy the following conversation, which has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.

Background: Before she retired, Ann worked for the government as a program manager. Now she’s looking forward to exercising more frequently, doing more DIY projects, and maybe picking up a little freelance writing here and there. Ann and her husband raised two children; as empty nesters, they still live in their first home in a medium-sized city in South Carolina. When you look at the next generation, I see they’re going to struggle more than we did. I can’t imagine buying a house on an entry-level salary,” she says.

Tell us a little about yourself

I grew up in a very frugal household. My parents were both raised during the Depression (in) large families. They ate what they grew, and they were very careful with money.

It was something I may not have appreciated as much when I was young, but I certainly benefited from it when they were able to pay for my college education. As a (teenager), I probably would have preferred designer jeans. But as an adult with no college loans, I really benefited.

I remember growing up and reading all my mom’s magazines: Redbook, Better Homes and Gardens, Good Housekeeping. How you could reuse something, how you could turn this meal into something else…

So it was watching my parents, and reading materials that were at the house. When I established my own house, I knew what to do.

 

What kept you on the frugal path?

One change for me came when my daughter was young, and I decided to stay at home with her (for a while). That was a scary decision: Do I leave a full-time job I love? I ended up going part-time and it kept me in the workforce, kept my retirement savings going with it.

But during that time period I was thinking “I may not always be able to do this.” I (decided) I would save half of my part-time income. It allowed us to test: “Can we do this?”

[At about that time, Ann discovered the MSN Money Smart Spending blog.] I remember being intentional about things. Is this purchase necessary? Will it educate my children? Will it promote a healthy lifestyle? A lot of times, something is a good deal – but it may not be the time for that good deal. You say to yourself, “I hope I can find a good deal like this when I need it more.”

Another thing we did at that time was (to) borrow things. For instance, my daughter was in Girl Scouts and we needed a tent. We borrowed a tent from someone who had kids in Boy Scouts. [At one point both kids had campouts scheduled the same weekend. That’s when Ann bought a used tent on eBay.]

The other thing is, I would make financial passwords my financial goals. I would (use) an airport code and a year: “My goal is to go to this city by this date.” Or, “My goal is to have my child complete college by this year,” or “My goal is to retire by this year.” That just reinforces (the goals) when you are pulling out that card and keying in the passcode.

What’s the “why” behind your money habits?

When I was considering making the jump to part-time, I had a friend who’s a CPA and she told me that money is choices. Money is power. You want to be able to make choices.

What’s your best frugal win? 

A $9 L.L. Bean Gore-Tex raincoat. I have worn it 20 years now. If you consider what I paid for it and the number of times I’ve worn it, it’s probably a penny per wear. It was high-quality and because it’s Gore-Tex it’s rainproof, it’s lightweight, it’s just a very functional piece.

Pretty much the only things I buy new are underwear and shoes. I remember my son was probably eight and it was, “Do we have to go (to the thrift store)?” I asked, “What do you want?” and he said, “A Led Zeppelin T-shirt.” I walked into the thrift store and put my hand on (that shirt) and it was a dollar.

Generally, anything you want, if you wait long enough you will find it. I think you could call me a patient frugalist. If you get the newest model of the iPhone, it’s expensive. If you buy a hardback book, it’s $30; but if you wait a month, it’s discounted, and if you wait two months, you’ll find it at yard sales.

I know what I want, but I’m patient. I know that someday I will get what I want.

I would like to have a shiny new electric vehicle. I would like to have the features like lane-change assist and collision avoidance and (the) partially self-driving feature. I’d love that. But paying $80,000 for that really is not in my plan. Five years from now, that car’s going to be available (for less) and it will be mine. Right now, I’m driving a 2011 Nissan. It’s adequate. It’s never going to win best-of-show awards. But it’s very reliable.

What thing(s) do you splurge on? 

 Recently we have gone to a couple of concerts, artists of the ’70s and ’80s. We didn’t buy nosebleed seats; we bought the best seats we could. It was (a) once-in-a-lifetime event. The last concert we went to was in a neighboring city; I got a hotel room free with points.

I have slowly begun collecting All-Clad cookware, a stainless steel, last-a-lifetime cookware. I buy it piece by piece. [As an Amazon affiliate, Surviving and Thriving may earn a small fee for items bought from links.]

The other thing is possibly a dress or a new suit. I can find separates pretty easily at a thrift store, but it’s hard to find a matching suit that fits. I might go to the mall – and I spell it “maul,” because when you go there at Christmastime it’s just carnage – but I’m talking once a year.

What’s a money mistake you hope never to make again? 

 I can’t think of anything that’s been significant. We all make mistakes, but I don’t have any regrets.

What frugal tip(s) can you share with readers? 

(Frugality) is a lifestyle. You can’t do just one hack and you’re set for life. It’s the mindset of, “How will this purchase benefit me? Will it change my life? Will it make me more happy?” Have that decision-making process – and once you have the habit, it’s easy-peasy.

And knowing others who have a frugal lifestyle; they’re not going to suggest something that will break the budget. They’re happy going for a walk with you instead of going to the movies because they’re interested in saving money, too. It helps to have frugal friends.

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19 thoughts on “Meet a reader: Ann from South Carolina.”

  1. I enjoyed meeting you, Ann, and wish you well in your retirement. I particularly liked such details as your approach to password making (I can always use a new trick in that department) and your description of going to the “maul.” And my 2010 Honda Element says hi to your 2011 Nissan!

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  2. Congrats on your retirement Ann!
    I also have the “patience is key” mindset — I don’t submit to trendy buying at all, but I also know whatever the latest trend is…(I’m looking at YOU, over priced Stanley tumbler…) will be at the thrift and yard sales in a year..LOL….So its a waste right now to spend $45 on it. Also…who are these people waiting in lines before the stores open to spend FORTY FIVE DOLLARS on a beverage container..??

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  3. Congratulations on your retirement and thanks for sharing your story. You and I have a frugal commonality! I recently bought an LL Bean Gortex raincoat for $8 at my church’s thrift shop and after waiting patiently for one to come across my path. Not only exactly the knee length I wanted but my favorite color too. I know you understand my excitement! BTW, they run close to $200 now.
    Thanks again for sharing your ideas and lived experiences.

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  4. Thanks for all of the well wishes. I am enjoying retirement. (It gives me more time to go to thrift stores.)

    I wait for deep discounts and hunt for second-hand finds to save money. I also think waiting adds excitement. I collect green glassware from the 50’s. It makes me happy to see emerald green tumblers in my pantry and bowls on the counter. I usually just pay a quarter or two. Some times I spend up to $2. If I wanted to I could buy a complete set from Etsy for $100. What fun would that be though? Each piece has brought me joy.

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  5. Love the article!
    Love the password tip! I’m currently at 13 pages of passwords, and I cannot think of any more, so this will help.
    My car is a 2011 Chevy.

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  6. Ann’s story is a testament to the power of frugality and intentional living. Her journey highlights the value of patience, resourcefulness, and long-term thinking in achieving financial goals and finding contentment. From borrowing tents for camping trips to patiently waiting for thrift store finds, Ann’s approach to spending reflects a thoughtful consideration of what truly matters. Her frugal wins, like the enduring $9 raincoat and finding joy in simple pleasures like concerts and quality cookware, inspire us to appreciate the value of what we have and make intentional choices about what we bring into our lives. Thank you, Ann, for sharing your wisdom and experiences with us!

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  7. Thanks for all of the positive comments. I encourage every one to volunteer to be profiled. I think Donna has written a word picture which captures the real me.

    Spending update:
    Found eight green glass bowls marked down half price at an antique mall. I can imagine serving peppermint ice cream in them at Christmas. I might use them for salad toppings. $24. Yes that is a dollar more per piece than my target price but they bring me joy. I found them when shopping with my 89-year-old father who declared nothing at the mall as an antique because everything was younger than him! The bowls will remind me of that afternoon.

    Made plans for an inexpensive “Ritzy” vacation. There is a huge car show in Amelia Island at the end of the month. They have an auction preview day which is free. We will pay for gas to drive to Jacksonville and stay with points. We will take a cooler and picnic on the beach rather than dining at the Ritz Carlton. I am pondering if we will park at the Ritz or a couple of miles away and ride our bikes in. Biking is fun; you get to take the cart paths at the golf course and see the event organizers setting up. We will see at least a hundred really rare cars. Gas is the only real expense. We would have to eat anyway if we were at home.

    Would the event be better if we went on the judging show day when tickets are $150? Maybe, but $300 for two tickets would weigh us down. We would feel like we had to get there early and stay all day “to get our money’s worth.” Next year if we plan ahead we might volunteer and get to go to the show in exchange for taking tickets for two hours.

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  8. Quick update. I am re-employed. Found a gig I LOVE. It pays well and I still get pension checks. I am now saving for two goals: A new car. (The 12-year old motor still looks good but won’t last forever) and remodeling the kitchen in my 70 year-old home. I think I can do both without having to dip in retirement savings.

    Reply

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