I have something of a reputation for frugality. I shop clearance racks, clip coupons, plan my route to run errands to use the least gas, re-use generic Ziploc bags (dry goods only) , use my credit cards for everything to get more rewards.
There are people in my life, though, that don’t view me as frugal – they view me as cheap. I get teased, mostly good-naturedly, on a frequent basis.
I don’t see myself as cheap at all. I just don’t see the point in leaving lights burning in unoccupied rooms, buying lots of books when there’s a wonderful library just minutes away, or buying clothing just because it has a certain label on it.
To me saving money is a hobby. I get a kick out of getting a really great deal. My sister and I often tell each other how much we spent on our gifts to each other so we can share a zen moment. Besides, it’s fun to bargain hunt.
Still, you need to have a thick skin to be frugal in today’s buy more, borrow more society – especially if you are the only one in your circle who is. Then, when you find a like-minded person it’s as if the Red Sea has parted again, the angels are singing and you, for once, don’t have to explain why you go to four grocery stores, or don’t go out to lunch every day, don’t buy all the latest DVDs and don’t go skiing every winter.
It’s not that I don’t like nice things – I do. I just don’t see the point on paying $800 for a handbag with some guy’s initials on it. Though I’ll happily sport one if it’s given to me.
Don’t hate me because I’m frugal.
Are You Going To Be This Way The Rest of The Time I Know You? 
November 18, 2007 at 11:45 pm
I’m not nearly as frugal as you but I admit to getting a little bit of a high from a good bargain or saving a few bucks.
November 19, 2007 at 11:25 am
I am not as good as you are at the bargin shopping, but I think it is because we were overseas for so long and the only one place we had to shop was AAFES, and there were no bargins to be had there. I am getting better since we have been back, but I need to be even better. Maybe I need lessons…
November 19, 2007 at 6:16 pm
I think everyone has things they’re willing to pay for or not based on what’s important to them and make concessions to have what they like and not have what they don’t find important. The quirkiness of frugality and the difference between one person’s frugal and someone else’s is fascinating.