The Economy Sucks...Good Thing I'm Cheap

I was reading an article recently about the economy. I've been very tuned into this issue because my family is feeling the crunch big time recently. We've been pinching pennies as much as possible to make up for spending close to $600/mo. on gasoline, $550-$600/mo. on food, $350/mo. on heating our house and many others. The article I was reading was posted last week on msn.com. It was basically talking about how each "class" is downsizing their spending. People that normally shop at Nordstroms and Dillards are shopping at Kohls and TJ Maxx. People who normally shop at Kohls and TJ Maxx are shopping at Wal-Mart. People that normally shop at Wal-Mart are shopping at Dollar General stores. It said you will be seeing more Lexus' and Mercedes parked in Wal-Mart or Target parking lots. I'm seeing it.

I grew up in a very financially tight home. I'm use to pinching pennies. I've had a few stints of financial freedom in my life.....which was nice, but most of my life I've been just making ends meet. I'm not complaning about that either. It made me who I am....CHEAP! Wait, I prefer FRUGAL.....that sounds better. I'm not cheap as in....I rip off people on tips....or I buy lower quality items because I don't want to spend the cash on good quality.

The definition of FRUGAL is: economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful: a frugal manager. <---this is me.

I have the ability to find "deals" on things that we need. I find it more fulfilling to get a GREAT top at the DAV Thrift Store for $3.00 than to get the same top at the mall for $65. It's been a LONG time since I've been willing to spend $65 on a top. Don't get me wrong- I like the mall too.....but I head directly to the clearance rack for my buys.

I believe the economy is in a downswing....I see the evidence every day.....but I hope that the people of the U.S. will buck up and answer the call to be more frugal and wiser with their money so we can get through this recession.