The Thrift Thread

[davekershaw]

Quote: what about those who "don't" smoke, just cadge em off their friends!Ha! Nice one Linzi.I don't smoke, so I've not tried that one.I'm making cuts myself, as things are getting crazy here too!I'm cancelling my internet subscription tomorrow. Thought I'd keep my laptop in my car, drive around a while until I find someone's wireless connection, then park outside their house.Should save a few quid!!

[jchitty]

Sept 4, 2008, 4:56am, anne wrote:Does anybody watch the Suzi Orman show, or similar?She had a waitress who earned about 21,000 dollars a year, who was in her 30s, and already had over 48,000 in her retirement accounts and no other debt. She called about buying a pair of boots that she wanted ($140). When you compare that to all of the folks who call in wanting to know if they can afford a boat or a car etc you have to laugh, but if you just look at money as "its mine for me and my family" it becomes much easier to save. Since my income disappeared with our economy, I'm really starting to pay attention to every penny, saving up for things ahead of time, being sure to put away "family and friends" money, but really focusing on getting our debt down. This is a great thread!Hey, Dave and Lindz....thanks for more tips. Lindz, that's quite an impressive list.Anne, I've always heard that it's not how much money you make, it's what you do with it that counts, and the waitress is a good example of that. Most of us can save if we put our minds to it, even if it's only a little bit. In the end, that little bit can add up to a big amount.

[anne]

Absolutely with you there, Chits. My Aunt worked at her job (started on an assembly line, ended as an executive secretary - back when that job was a good solid job ). She never made much but :She supported her entire family (at 18 yrs old) from 1931-1937, when her Dad got a job at the same place.She helped my folks after they had five of us little brat kids.She paid off her house.She dressed to the 9s while working.She had enough money (after selling the house) to live with my folks but remain completely financially independent until she died, and I was able to throw her the biggest party of a funeral (her request) without worrying about the bill.And, she was able to go to Europe (cruises from NY to Italy, and one early Pan-am flight) for 6 weeks-3 months at a clip, 5 times between 1950 and 1965, as well as trips to Canada and the Bahamas. She stuck to a budget and that is how she did it. So, I'm just working on paying off the debt that my income was covering by doing flea market runs, selling stuff on ebay and craigslist and various odd jobs, all until the big fat royalty checks come in!!

[jchitty]

Sept 4, 2008, 1:37pm, anne wrote:Absolutely with you there, Chits. My Aunt worked at her job (started on an assembly line, ended as an executive secretary - back when that job was a good solid job ). She never made much but :She supported her entire family (at 18 yrs old) from 1931-1937, when her Dad got a job at the same place.She helped my folks after they had five of us little brat kids.She paid off her house.She dressed to the 9s while working.She had enough money (after selling the house) to live with my folks but remain completely financially independent until she died, and I was able to throw her the biggest party of a funeral (her request) without worrying about the bill.And, she was able to go to Europe (cruises from NY to Italy, and one early Pan-am flight) for 6 weeks-3 months at a clip, 5 times between 1950 and 1965, as well as trips to Canada and the Bahamas. She stuck to a budget and that is how she did it. So, I'm just working on paying off the debt that my income was covering by doing flea market runs, selling stuff on ebay and craigslist and various odd jobs, all until the big fat royalty checks come in!! Great story, Anne. My grandmother was the same way, and because of her thrift, she was able to help members of her family, purchase a house on my grandfather's hardware store salary, put 3 kids through college (my dad included) and she created a wondeful legacy for us all. I still fondly remember her washing baggies and re-using them (I don't do that, I must admit I splurge there) sewing her own clothes, shopping at thrift stores, etc. She grew her own vegetables and did a lot of canning too. She never ate out that much 'coz she was such a good cook. She was really resourceful.

[suzdoyle]

Some great ideas on this thread!I would add that money is really just energy, and that it amplifies our basic nature and view of life (e.g. scarcity versus abundance). From which viewpoint are we saving money? I think that makes a difference.In the Millionaire's course, Marc Allen suggests that true success is related to your intention about what you want to create in life (not just "things-wise," but the flow of your day, how you spend your time and energy, etc.). If you are a pauper or a tycoon, but miserable, then you have not created success. If you are either of these, but love your life, then you are successful.I have friends who intentionally live under the poverty level (for political reasons), some friends who are millionaires, and ones along the spectrum inbetween. To me, the ones who are successful are those who are creating exactly what they want in life -- and living in a state of gratitude and flow. Doesn't matter what the income level is.To me, when you set an overlying intention about your life (including your relationship to money), then the details about how to manifest that tend to take care of themselves.Just my two cents (pun intended) . . . !!SuzP.S. And personally, I like the idea of voluntary simplicity - over-consumption of things to me feels like a burden and a distraction (too many "things" start to own you!). Living lightly and simply (which of course includes a music studio full of amazing musical instruments/ equipment!!) makes life feel balanced and nourishing, at least for me. My measure of wealth is having ample time each day to do what I love and be creative. When I used to be addicted to busyness and overdoing, I realized that I could take better care of myself by creating more space and time in my life. So I started saying NO to more things, and began focused on and leaning into the empty space and time in my days. LOVED IT! And over the years expanded upon and created more and more of that unstructured open time, which to me is now an essential part of my self care practice.I've been completely self-employed for almost 10 years, and am able to structure my days exactly how I'd like -- and still pay the mortgage, be a mom, and be all about music and creativity. Pretty nifty!

[mojobone]

Great post Suze! That articulates very succinctly some things I could go on at great length about. Living simply is something I do with intent, but not for political reasons; it's more about what I'm willing to do and not do for the not so almighty dollar. When someone asks the question, "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?" I'm at a loss for a reply. It wouldn't be smart to tell them I'm rich.

[feaker]

chitMarried 39 years, my wife and I are always looking for humor each day.We also do not like to waste. When either one of us is on the pot, the other (if in need) will yell out "hold that flush" Thrifty Paul and Roz

[davekershaw]

Quote:When either one of us is on the pot, the other (if in need) will yell out "hold that flush" That's a strange thing to yell out Paul!My wife usually yells: "save some'a that joint for me!"

[aimusic]

Sept 11, 2008, 3:51am, davekershaw wrote:Quote:When either one of us is on the pot, the other (if in need) will yell out "hold that flush" That's a strange thing to yell out Paul!My wife usually yells: "save some'a that joint for me!" Dave,You cracked me up on that one!!! Gotta love the English Sense Of Humour!!! Growing up with my dad kinda forced me to think that way - ya know the "everything's gotta have a double meaning"

[davekershaw]

Quote:A great method of shopping my girl and I found is, try shopping only for the next +-4days, don't bulk shop (as many do) because then you have a tendancy to buy stuff you don't needHey, speak for yourself Brad!I've been waiting years for a buy one, get one free offer on Stella Artois.Finally, Tesco's done it!!I bought enough to last me a month yesterday!Bulk buy gooood!!!