After watching some TV shows tout frugality that aren't really in our best interest, I wanted to express what I think is not frugal.
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Lots of good advise here, Donna! Thank you.
Some sound advice! I am very frugal but I learned years ago that one evening per week spent on couponing is all that makes sense. After that, you're using valuable time better spent saving elsewhere.
When I use coupons I spend more. So we usually buy the store brand which is often cheaper than the name brand even with a coupon.
This is so true. If I do save a coupon, which is very seldom, I compare the name brand price and the store brand. If the store brand is cheaper than the name brand after subtracting the coupon, I just lay the coupon up on the display for someone else to use.
"Sales" are not always beneficial. My mom had her eye on a set of lamps she dearly wanted and when they went on sale, they were higher than the week before when she looked at them. She complained to the manager of the store but never got them after she realized the deceit. You have to be wary also of bait and switch when you go to get a sale item and hmmm, it's out, but of course they have this higher priced item that is better. Just saying, frugal is a matter of knowing your prices and getting the best deal without the deal getting you.
Great advise. Also what is not frugal is taking handfuls of napkins, straws, and condiments. It is stealing.
One great question I ask myself? "Do I need this, or do I want it?" World of difference between the two and, in being honest with myself, I tend to spend a lot less.
Great comments....tired of people saying their drive an hour to get a cheaper price at big box stores when smaller home town markets are just as manageable. Who carries out your grocery..Who home delivers when you are sick, broken limb...My son's supermarket is delivery 5 days a week and sometimes weekend--depending...$2 a delivery. Many seniors' family set up 3 day a week delivery, HE goes into the home, checks on them, brings fresh which ever, puts things in fridge/freezer, opens jars, etc. KNOWS their brand and will often stop the personal store shopper when they have so and so' list, NO on the the sale one, the one they BUY. Extra eyes on a family member is worth it. Going an hr to get to the big box store does not give you value you are looking for. Not when you don't NEED the SUPER SIZE, but take it because you drove there. Gas money..OH you get yourself things not on the list, and absolutely you eat out, dissolving any pennies/nickles you think you saved. As your local grocery for the item or brand you like. I have no problem getting my favorites.
My eldest son beef shops with local farmers, and in finding 'organic' ranchers same price we buy on the hoof.
I have food allergies and do not buy anything PRE ready. 60% of my groceries are from the fresh produce isle. Summer I grow my own...or shop farmer's markets (learn who sells the best of what supply). And some neighbors and I trade off garden foods. When some neighbors give up early on their gardens, I offer to take them over till frost. Eating good does not have to mean spending wads of hard earned money.
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