RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ?

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BlueHnS -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/12/2008 12:57:22 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: pahunkboy credit cards are a necessary evil. I absolutely disagree. I will grant that they are a convience. I just don't see the logic in giving a third party even more of my money because I have to have something right now.

popeye1250 -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/12/2008 3:13:56 PM)
I think I'm a little of both. I spend a lot but I save a lot too. I buy "storebrands" mostly because there's only one way to make mayonaise! Or pasta or a lot of other things. But for clothing, I like nice stuff, sweaters from Ireland, shorts and shirts from LL Bean, cowboy boots made in Texas at $175 but they last forever. I have a savings account that I put money into every month and another that I started years ago from not buying junky Chinese stuff with a good bit of money in it. When I buy guns there's no cheap stuff for this disgruntled citizen, I buy Glock, Smith and Wesson, Colt, Sig-Sauer. I have no problem spending $600-$700 on a handgun. And my credit score is pretty good too, 680 low, 720 high. I usually charge up $2-$3,000 then pay it off and start again. You really do need a credit card. You can't rent a car or most hotel rooms without one. The trick is to only buy what you can afford! I could go out today and spend $10,000 but, I know that I can afford to pay it off. And when you make regular payments and occaisionally pay it way down that looks real good on your credit score. I do live within my means though. I wanted a new Cadillac a few years back that had a sticker of "$46,000" on it which I could have gotten. (A nice red "STS"!) But, I opted for a Mercury Grand Marquis at $22,000 and payed cash for it. That would have been a "downpayment" on the Caddy and I'd still have payments! Wow! I'm proud of myself for that one! What restraint and discipline! But, the Mercury is a great car with that luxury car ride. I don't need 320 horse power anyway. Oops, sorry PHunk, I'm turning this into a "car" thread! I love talking about cars!

hisannabelle -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/12/2008 6:02:43 PM)
-fr- it depends on the item. i'll gladly buy cheaper frozen foods and most other kinds of food, with the exception of fruit and some kinds of veggies, and chocolate and tea (two of my favorite things in the world...so i buy the good kind). and if i buy juice, it's pretty much always organic. i'm also picky when it comes to shampoo/conditioner but not to soap, generally. and as far as clothes i have a couple of nice online shops i buy from - mostly fairly inexpensive, but good quality. the credit cards i have are things i bought ages ago - mainly trying to keep up with necessities and pay for meds when i didn't have enough cash to do it - that i'm still paying off. insha'allah i'll have it all paid off soon, then no more credit for me, unless i absolutely have to have it to rent a hotel room or something. i just don't buy stuff often, i guess. i have about 10-12 dresses and 10-12 hijabs and that is what i wear, along with a couple of pants and shirts from before i reverted. i buy chocolate and tea maybe once a month. i grocery shop every other week, but i usually buy generic when i can. thankfully i only have to buy shampoo once every 2-3 months because it's expensive, LOL, but it lasts 2-3 times as long as the cheap stuff, too. i hate buying razor blades and tampons, though. they're both either really expensive or really terrible quality and still not very cheap. i'm with christine - who wants to teach me how to use a straight razor?

slaveboyforyou -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/12/2008 6:26:35 PM)
quote: Razors, why not go the whole hog and get a straight razor, learn to use it and there you have the best blade for life. I did this when I was stuck for cash. The head hair, I just let it grow out My last cut throat razor I actually bought from the U.S via ebay, a eighty tear old Solingen steel razor for about eight dollars. A bit of polishing and honing and hey what a brilliant and quick shave. I now have a few of them and rotate the blades every couple of days. Disposable razors are a complete con. I have even learned now how to shave dry, i.e. no soap suds and water, and I don't remove so much skin as I used to. You know Aneirin, I considered that. I think I am too lazy to sharpen and hone the blades. I only sharpen my pocket knife once a month, and that takes me a half hour. I just don't have the time. I am usually in a hurry in the morning, so I don't have the luxury of a shave like that. I think the old double edged razors are the next best thing. I have got a lot of my buddies switched over to it. It's a change for sure. I used to rush through a shave, and I always use a razor longer than I should. But you can use a double edged blade for quite awhile. You just have to shave the corect way.

pahunkboy -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/13/2008 5:18:59 AM)
a surplus outlet opened nearby for groceries. I have been there 4x. Got a cart of groceries each time- with the tab of $30-$40. the cereal might not have a box, coffee can dented- but all good stuff. on razors- i get cut up with the cheap ones. so i end up using quatro 4. if i want something badly ill pay more. i prefer to have the gas tank topped off most the time. so i fill up often.

DiurnalVampire -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/13/2008 5:28:54 AM)
I am very careful. I live on my own, and manage to make it by, but with little overhead spending money for the moment. I do not car for name brands when I can find the same thing for less. I shop almost exclusilvely for higher priced cosmetic and toiletry items at my store where I work to make use of the employee discount. I use coupons, obsessively, and have a habit of looking for clearanced and discontinued alternatives to the things I might have wanted. My endulgence? My photography. I print the parts I really love. I spend on occasion on props for the photos, even if that is typically at dollar stores. I love frames and pick those up whenever I can find them inexpensively. DV

SugarMyChurro -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/13/2008 5:44:51 AM)
I am very frugal. I don't buy name brands because I want to be paid if I am to be a walking advertisement. I buy quality. I only buy real food (very little highly processed food). I use things until they are worn and need replacing. The only thing I bought on credit was my education. As a do over, I would not have done that. But I am not exactly sorry for it either.

MissMorrigan -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/13/2008 5:51:46 AM)
It goes to show that people don't have to spend a fortune renovating their properties, Hunk, and once the renovations were over and we decorated, it's tastefully done. We have used a raspberry colour which is striking for the main wall that juts out in the lounge, with a very pale pink for the rest of the walls to offset it, neutral carpets and red suede curtains which were surprisingly cheap and cost so little - We even have Italian leather seating which was a bargain when we snapped it up for just £100, when it should have been over £1000. Even a friend of ours, who's an interior designer, liked what we had done with the place and normally she's very critical... although she did point out a few decorating flaws where we'd messed up with hanging the paper, but we then disguised it by incorporating it into the base texture of the wallpaper, and it's random, so makes it seem as if it's done on purpose lol The 3k included the decorating, along with all the furnishings too. As for my son. He grew up the son of a woman who refused to allow him to wear labels of any kind, he suffered bullying from his peers as a result, but did gain many peers' respect and now that he is an adult (24 this year), he's liberal with his money but in the right areas and opts for taste as opposed to a label. He works hard, plays even harder and is currently saving for a car for himself - again he'll opt for a good second hand car, as opposed to new. Thanks for the congrats re. driving. I'm scared of doing it, but now that I live on the south coast where public transport isn't that reliable, it's become a necessity. quote: ORIGINAL: pahunkboy holy cow! 3k ? come on over! :-) with your son, teach him the REASONs, to critque labels and to not fall for just the package. congrats on driving!! I cant say I buy beans.

NorthernGent -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/13/2008 6:40:33 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MissMorrigan When it comes to holidays abroad I'm the opposite, I keep well clear of the tourist areas as much as possible, although some of them are difficult, even nigh on impossible to avoid depending on where a person goes, and I tend to stay in hostels which cost a small fraction of a hotel and there are many which have the rating of a three star hotel, are clean and comfortable. It leaves me more money for travelling, which is what i'll be doing when we go to Sri Lanka next year. There's a cracking hostel on the edge of a nature reserve and it charges just £8 per night... Getting up for breakfast each morning and watching elephants grazing. I cannot envision anything more wonderful. quote: ORIGINAL: NorthernGent Thrifty when it comes to items I don't need. Spend-happy when it comes to holidays abroad. My money doesn't go on hotels - I like nothing better than to just get in a car and drive and pitch a tent wherever. But, I make sure I have the money to eat well and go where I want to go.

MissMorrigan -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/13/2008 7:49:05 AM)
Once I learn to drive, more places in the UK will be accessible to me... I'm not sure I'd have the confidence to drive abroad though. Camping is great fun and something I haven't done for quite some time... We may get around to camping when in Italy and right on the beach, which is pretty popular. I would like to go on a survival course, learn to eat the natural foods around us and then take myself off on a six month backpacking holiday in Asia (accompanied, of course).

Aneirin -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/13/2008 8:16:06 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MissMorrigan Once I learn to drive, more places in the UK will be accessible to me... I'm not sure I'd have the confidence to drive abroad though. Camping is great fun and something I haven't done for quite some time... We may get around to camping when in Italy and right on the beach, which is pretty popular. I would like to go on a survival course, learn to eat the natural foods around us and then take myself off on a six month backpacking holiday in Asia (accompanied, of course). That, Miss Morrigan is but a worthy quest, personal transport though maybe a luxury to some, is but the only way to travel ,be one's own guide and to open the mind to yet further often unthought of possibilities. I of course here refer to, 'getting lost,' following a route until such a time an error is made and often the error is worth more than the route.' A desire to live off the land, my I here recomend a book that may help; Wild Food by Roger Phillips. Not so much survival akin to the Rambo way, but the things that can be found and a gourmet meal make, a wonderful book even for the photography !

MissMorrigan -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/13/2008 8:57:01 AM)
A book that connects the reader with such visual splendour is Travels with Charley, and all without pictures. I grew up a tomboy, Aneirin, and love adventure. I'm fortunate insofar as I was taught to fish from a very young age, so have fished (sea) throughout my life, I haven't hunted though (animals) so that would be something completely new for me and I would not have a problem killing for food if I needed to. I'll certainly look for that book you recommend, thank you. When my cats have gone to kitty heaven, and not before, that's when my boy and I will take ourselves off on that adventure across parts of Asia, and also, India. I could go into details as to why india is a big interest of mine, but don't wnat to derail this thread. And back on track... I'll go to my library to get that book instead of buying it [;)]

Aneirin -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/13/2008 9:26:35 AM)
Hahaha, Wild Food, a book with thrift in mind I first found in a charity shop, years later lose it I did, only to be found again in yet another charity shop and this time cheaper and newer, for the princely sum of one pound did I get it. To kill for food I will do if necessary, but only for that and take what I need and nothing more. Same when I fish, four mackeral, plenty enough for myself and my friends the cats here abouts. Not having a freezer I have to get fresh and with that not frozen and hidden away, it is always there reminding me not to waste, often nature there doth do it's best, ho hum. I see why Asia though, with Briton's it is not just a lure to the spirit, but with many I know, ancestral ties do beckon so. Money I see an unfortunate but unecessary evil, without which in this society it is not easy to not even get far, but a shortage of wealth, does teach the value of things we have and that life can be lead most happy without the worry of finance to worry about. It is just a pity that now common land is forbidden, for there I do see a means for the destitute to get a hang on the ladder to better things if they desire.

LadyHibiscus -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/13/2008 12:38:20 PM)
Well I am happy to report that I am a feckless spendthrift! I collect asian ball jointed dolls. <G> okay, the dolls, the yarn, the beads and other art stuff are the big indulgences, but I learned long ago that self-deprivation for the sake of saving a few shekels is not satisfying. I go out to eat. I buy good quality things that last for years, and use them forever. I have companion animals. Can I buy whatever I like? Hell, no! My health insurance is $600/month, and I just met my deductible for the year, so thus far another $450 a month has gone out for my medications. Then there is the car payment, etc. I diligently cruise clearance racks (the Bloomingdale's at 900 Michigan in Chicago is the BEST), use restaurant coupons, and hunt for discontinued yarns. If I want something, I budget out a way to get it. Yes, I am the owner of Too Many Things, but my possessions bring me joy and entertainment that money in the bank (and yes, I used to have it before I got sick) never did.

popeye1250 -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/13/2008 2:10:51 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: LadyHibiscus Well I am happy to report that I am a feckless spendthrift! I collect asian ball jointed dolls. <G> okay, the dolls, the yarn, the beads and other art stuff are the big indulgences, but I learned long ago that self-deprivation for the sake of saving a few shekels is not satisfying. I go out to eat. I buy good quality things that last for years, and use them forever. I have companion animals. Can I buy whatever I like? Hell, no! My health insurance is $600/month, and I just met my deductible for the year, so thus far another $450 a month has gone out for my medications. Then there is the car payment, etc. I diligently cruise clearance racks (the Bloomingdale's at 900 Michigan in Chicago is the BEST), use restaurant coupons, and hunt for discontinued yarns. If I want something, I budget out a way to get it. Yes, I am the owner of Too Many Things, but my possessions bring me joy and entertainment that money in the bank (and yes, I used to have it before I got sick) never did. LadyH, now that's a good healthy outlook on things! I'm a saver too and would rather take the time to save up before buying things. But, that's the way we were taught as kids growing up in the 50's & 60's.

MissHarlet -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/13/2008 2:16:58 PM)
Amazing how when ones health declines our ways can quickly change from spendthrft to tightwad in many areas. However, I am a believer that we always find a way to have the things we truly love ... at least I do .. and part of that process ..is deciding what I truly love.

midgetmafiosa -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/13/2008 2:31:37 PM)
I eat out. every meal. it's just what i do. can i afford it? not really, but if you saw my kitchen, you'd do it too. aside from that, i spend my money on snowboarding. when summer rolls around, i get the occasional pedicure, and try to buy some clothes when i need them. i really do wish i had more money to spend. i would do it in a heartbeat. on myself and others. travel more, see friends, get some furniture, take better care of my car. spending $200 a month on prescriptions doesn't really help my budget any. i need a better paying job. and yeah, buying razor blades really does suck. but i don't skimp on them. i buy the ones with the shaving lotion built into them in a bar. it saves me time, which is more important to me than money.

QuietlySeeking -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/14/2008 8:02:32 PM)
As long as you don't mind a 2 BR 1 bath house from the 1940's.....rural middle Tennessee....although the property will only be about 1/6 acre.

QuietlySeeking -> RE: tightwad or spend thrift ~ ? (4/14/2008 8:05:26 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: popeye1250 I wanted a new Cadillac a few years back that had a sticker of "$46,000" on it which I could have gotten. (A nice red "STS"!) But, I opted for a Mercury Grand Marquis at $22,000 and payed cash for it. Wow, popeye. We finally found something that we agree on. I bought a Grand Marquis last year....what a ride! Go out, cover up the RQUIS on the trunk lid to see what kind of car you REALLY have!

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