Frugality

[ultrarunner]

And then sometimes we do things for sentimental reasons...

Helped a friend restore his Grand Dad's tractor... sure, he could have went out with a little luck and bought one done or nearly done for what he paid but that tractor meant so much more to the family than dollars and sense... plus it is connection to the past from a generation of kids that never knew him but know him...

 

[ultrarunner]

Here is a link to some thoughts on where money goes...

Farewell Money - HumbleDollar

 

[CajunRider]

Can someone help me to understand the difference between being cheap, and being frugal?:laughing:

I absolutely love my 65yr old Dad, and he has been gracious to me in the past to give me some of his acreage$$$ without any expectations or hesitation. However, there is not an item on this green earth that he doesn't think is "too expensive". We have a great relationship, but it does not matter if its taxes, boots, ammunition, gasoline (he will drive $4.00 worth of gas to save .02 cents/gallon). He will then bust my b@llz if he finds out that I didn't do the same!

I say all of this in jest, but I really do wonder, psychologically, where that stems from? I am his polar opposite, however- I believe if you do your research, that quality goods cost quality money. If the old man knew I was thinking about a new Kubota M59, he'd lose his mind

Anyway- let me ask you 'thrifty' guys out there- what makes a person so concerned and critical with the price of EVERY good out there?

For me being cheap is getting by without or only pay the lowest priced item when one has to buy while being frugal is getting the relatively highest quality item within your affordable price range for just the things you need.
In buying a tractor being cheap is to keep borrowing your neighbor's tractor until he won't let you anymore then go out to buy the cheapest Jinma you can find on Craiglist while being frugal is to get a Kioti, New Holland, Kubota, etc.. with no fancy features and for exactly the size you need and at the most reputable dealer you can find near your home.

 

[Bigkrank]

My Dad is a bit different. He needed some spark plugs for his truck. On his way from work, he stopped at Advance Auto, Napa, and O'Reillys to check prices... on (4) spark plugs. Once he got the price, he then returned another day and bought them:duh: How much money do you think he saved vs. spent on (4) Champion spark plugs after all of that?

My neighbor had an old V8 Oldsmobile that was running rough. Short version is he went to the store and bought ONE spark plug, to replace the one that was fouled the worst.

 

[Industrial Toys]

My Father often pointed out that saving means just that. NOT spending your money. Buying something and "saving" 50% isn't saving! Funny too, how the stuff we generally really need, uually doesn't have substantial sales. Just the worthless crap we really don't need!

 

[Molalla1]

On frugal, I had to pay up front for my fathers funeral, on the quote it had 'priest donation $600', I figured they had their hands in his pocket for a number of years so I told them to take it off as I was not paying a donation especially to an organisation that have recently had one of their highest ranking jailed for pedophile charges yet continue to support him.
A new quote arrived with "priest fee $600'.
I was not happy

Father was not a vet I take it? . . . good on you for taking care of dad.

 

[Industrial Toys]

AND the Priest! lol

 

[bunyip]

Father was not a vet I take it? . . . good on you for taking care of dad.

He was a vet but they (VA) don;t pay funeral costs, the money came from his bank but it was quite some time before we could get that back due to probate qualifying times which at least 6 months after application.