Post #10, March 29, 2009, Pinching the Penny

If you haven't already known, America is currently facing a recession. Millions of people have lost their jobs and as a result, living conditions and the ability to support for one's self and family have become more difficult. What's a solution to a time like this? Frugal spending. In Newsweek, the article "The Frugal Family Guide," by Steve Tuttle, talks about how Tuttle's parents haven't been seriously affected by the present economic crisis because of the use of penny pinching methods, some that are somewhat extreme. Bill and Joyce Tuttle have never had cable or satellite TV, hand- cut their own wood to heat the house, don't have air conditioning, shop at Goodwill stores for their clothes, and have only recently bought a cellphone, the throwaway pay- as- you- go one that costs about 15 dollars at Wal-Mart.

Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle have even been using the same mouse trap since they've been married. In my opinion, that's too far-fetched even for Americans in today's present economic conditions. However, the Tuttles have also been using other thrifty methods that are quite clever and practical. Their meals consist of homegrown vegetables and game that Mr. Tuttle kills, and instead of using a clothes dryer, Mrs. Tuttle hang dries the clothes instead. In response to whether or not Mrs. Tuttle would ever buy a clothes dryer she says, "Why would I ever need that as long as we have the outdoors?"

I agree as well because there's no need in wasting money on something if you could get the same job done differently and for free, especially if your electricity bill would go down. That also reminds me of the time in World War II when Americans at home would try to waste less and stretch the resources they had. They too began growing their own food in their backyards, which were called "victory gardens," and people even saved small things, like aluminum gum wrappers, so that they could be recycled for the war effort. Do we need another major war to get more Americans involved in reusing and recycling and get the economy running again? Unfortunately I have heard some people respond with a "yes" to that question, justifying that people would be able to get jobs more easily.

However, I don't think that war is the answer. Americans just need to know that there are smart, frugal- spending tips out there so that they can afford to hold on to their houses, send their kids to college, and have enough money in their 401(k)'s to have a happy and undisturbed retirement, just like the Tuttles. Steve Tuttle, their son, says "While the rest of us watch and worry, my parents with their paid- for house and their old rusty mousetraps, have peace of mind to spare."

Here are links for some frugal living tips.
http://zenhabits.net/2007/08/the-cheapskate-guide-50-tips-for-frugal-living/
http://www.doughroller.net/smart-spending/painless-ways-save-money/