Is Frugality Becoming Fashionable?

Posted on November 30, 1999
Filed Under frugal living |

With all of the focus on personal finance lately, you have to wonder if frugality is coming into fashion again. Frugal mothers, wives, college students abound on the internet and talk shows like Oprah have special guests who talk about ways to save money. Everywhere you turn in the media, someone is talking about how to save money.
Admittedly there are still plenty of options out there to go the luxury route but it seems to me that there is a lot more focus on saving money recently than there have been in the past.

While there are plenty of Personal Finance “gurus” out there that talk about spending plans and savings plans, I know I have found the most motivation and help from other personal finance bloggers. Somehow, its different reading about someone who is living it than it is listening or reading someone preach it to me. Being in a somewhat contemplative mood today, I started wondering about how much influence frugal and personal finance bloggers were having on the fashionableness of frugality.

So I thought I would ask my readers and fellow personal finance bloggers. How much influence has reading or writing personal finance or frugal living blogs had on you? Do you think it has helped to change the way you look at your purchases, debts, investments and savings? Do you think we can start a frugal revolution and bring back the value of … well, of everything?

Help keep me awake to write by buying me a cup of coffee! .

You Also Might Enjoy

If you enjoyed this article, you may want to subscribe to my feed by RSS or get updates in email.

Comments

9 Responses to “Is Frugality Becoming Fashionable?”

Melanie (1 comments.) on March 1st, 2008 7:45 am

Interesting post! Just a day or so ago I was thinking something similar. The idea of being Green and Frugal seems to becoming a “fad!” I hope it isn’t just a passing “fad” however, but something people grasp onto and make it a way of life. I have been, budgeting, watching our spending, etc…for several years now since having my son ( 2 1/2 years old now) and one day it struck me to start a blog about what we do. It isn’t revolutionary the way we save money or anything, but I find it fun and something that I look forward to blogging about! Save here and there, get rid of this or that, and in return you are helping the environment for the most part and able to buy the things you really want as well!

I love the post and thought I would share my thoughts! Have a great weekend!
Josh (5 comments.) on March 1st, 2008 9:32 am

For me and my girlfriend it has become fashionable. I don’t miss my old way of live a bit constantly in a debt cycle. I wish our government thought frugal was fashionable.
Mr. Debtbeater (1 comments.) on March 1st, 2008 1:19 pm

I find that you end up spending the way people around you spend. Until we (the frugal minded) become the majority, I think we’re all still going to act like money’s not a problem to those around us. It’s just natural to try to blend in and not look irresponsible.

Hanging out in the blogosphere with others that think the same has really helped motivate me and keep me going in the right direction. It’s easier to act and behave frugally in front of those around me when I’m around those of you out here sharing your stories.

I sure hope frugal becomes the new “in” thing. I’ve always wanted to be a trend-setter.
Festival of Frugality #115 — Broke Grad Student on March 4th, 2008 8:12 am

[...] CindyS from Oh My Aching Debts asks, “Is Frugality Becoming Fashionable?“ [...]
Festival of Frugality Picks | Oh My Aching Debts on March 4th, 2008 9:14 am

[...] Festival of Frugality found it’s home at Broke Grad Student this week and my article on Is Frugality Becoming Fashionable was [...]
Frugal and Proud? Get the Shirt Contest | Oh My Aching Debts on March 5th, 2008 11:47 am

[...] couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post on the fashionableness of frugality. I had a lot of positive feedback about it and a few people who left a comment that they hoped [...]
Monroe on a Budget » Blog Archive » Festival of Frugality’s Ramen noodles theme on March 7th, 2008 6:09 am

[...] My Aching Debts presents Is Frugality Becoming Fashionable?: “I know I have found the most motivation and help from other personal finance bloggers. [...]
Monroe on a Budget (1 comments.) on March 7th, 2008 6:26 am

I was blogging on living on a budget for several months before I found the carnivals on personal finance and frugal lifestyles and subscribed to some blog feeds.
Since then, I must admit, I haven’t lacked for ideas either for my blog or my pocketbook!
I live in the metro Detroit area. Given the local economy, frugal living has become a necessity rather than a lifestyle option for many area families. We do appreciate the experience and wisdom of frugal bloggers who live elsewhere!
Deanna on March 16th, 2008 10:28 am

I’ve always been somewhat frugal. Its funny that my siblings are now trying to turn me on to this new “frugal” type of living. When they realize my finances, they realize its been that way for awhile. No credit cards, no car payments, little to no mortgage,and lots of home cooking. Now, unfortunately, the “somewhat” comes into play, where did all that extra money go? Well, enjoying life, entertaining, good restaurants and some shopping. Fortunately, I have always shopped “off season”, or just wait for the right item to be the last one in stock with a big discount on it. Some of the best jackets I own were purchased near the end of winter and the most beautiful furniture I own from estate sales, etc.!

I am in real estate and living with the credit crunch and other finance crises. I feel for those who didn’t “get it” early on. It is exactly what will keep me off the statistic list of financial victims.

Welcome Newcomers!

Deanna