Discount Diva
Time to share frugal tips with friends
In 2009, another generation of penny pinchers is turning over a new MoneySmart leaf.
As a member of the old guard, I’d like to welcome you aboard. There’s always room on this bandwagon.
For those of you who are new at this whole cheapskate thing, I’ve taken the liberty of writing out your list of New Year’s resolutions.
Since the first baby step is usually nixing the $3 daily latte, I know you’re probably busy figuring out how to operate that new coffee maker you got for Christmas any-ways.
• I resolve to think beyond the sale signs in store windows.
Being a cheapskate doesn’t mean you buy stuff just because it’s on sale. And cutting back doesn’t mean you still get to load up your cart with everything you see just because you have a coupon. Besides, “on sale” covers just about everything right now.
• I resolve to be “that person.”
You know the one. The one you used to roll your eyes at in the checkout line.
The one who has the nerve to watch every item scanned at the grocery store and politely points out overcharges. The one who stands in the aisles with a calculator, comparing unit prices and volume.
The one who stands at the register recording debit purchases in her check ledger. The one who holds up the line (for a whole 10 seconds!) because she handed the cashier a handful of money-saving coupons to scan.
You get the idea. Next time you end up in line behind one of these people, use the time you spend waiting to learn a thing or two. Ask their advice, watch their every move, find out if they’re willing to take you on as an apprentice.
• I resolve to say it loud and say it proud: I’m a tightwad.
No one is doing anyone any favors by keeping their newfound MoneySmart ways a secret. The idea is to make frugality the new status symbol, not try to buy the old ones at a discount.
In: Bragging about the gorgeous winter coat you found for $7 at the Salvation Army.
Out: Buying poorly made, ugly counterfeit purses for the sake of having something emblazoned with a designer name.
We want to pity the Joneses, with their huge house, brand new cars and massive debt — not keep up with them.
• I resolve to be smart, not stingy.
Stock up on staple items? Great idea. Get serious about savings? Awesome! Mooch off your friends and family? Put a stop to charitable giving? Become a money grubbing churl, hoarding cash and goods like a squirrel storing acorns before a long Buffalo winter? Not so much.
• I resolve to keep an eye on quality.
How many dollar-store snow shovels do you have to buy (and break) to equal one well-made one?
Finally, here’s a resolution for the veterans. For those of you who have been at this game for a while and can lend the kind of insight newbies desperately crave, repeat after me:
• I resolve to share the wealth — of knowledge. I will visit the MoneySmart blog or call the MoneySmart hotline and share my expertise. Contact information is below. We need you!
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