(
(Chinese Buffet)
You know you're a frugal tightwad when you can't remember the last time you ate dinner that didn't end with "All You Can Eat Buffet" at the end of the eatery's name. What can beat a soup to sundae bar buffet for $9.95 with carving station. Certainly not a white linen table restaurant with a plate too pretty to eat that sends you hitting the Wendy drive-through window on your way home.
You know you're a frugal tightwad when you go to the supermarket with a friend and you break out in a sweat when she pays full-price for items without coupons and barely noticing the prices.
So, what's a tightwad frugal to do. When she's not looking, you switch them out for store brands at buy one get one ignoring her shaking head. She'll thank you later.
You know you're a frugal tightwad when you drive back to the supermarket when the register over-charged you a nickel for an item. Hey, at this supermarket, that mistake will get you the item for free. Can't be that with a half-priced baseball bat.
And yes, you have Frugal Tightwad-itis when you walk with your eyes reverted to the ground constantly scanning for change like a human metal detector. I'm not embarrassed, well ... not anymore. Because a found penny or nickle can make a difference between getting a 32oz. cup of Kona coffee and a 12 oz. cup at 7-Eleven.
Coupon Entertainment books are a wonderful addition to the 20th and 21st centuries. They're an even better when you buy them on sale, or if you snag a promotional coupon. I've got my eye on the 2011 Coupon Entertainment Book. This is great for when you travel to a spendthrift city like Vegas. I think most major cities have entertainment books.
Average Joans and Coupon Entertainment Books go hand-in-hand.
I was never a spendthrift. No, that's not true. I had my moments living the single life in New York City. Ah... that was the life, and I've got nothing to show for it.
This reformed frugalista, tightwadista whatever you want to call me has more to show for it, I'm quite happy to say.
It all began when I said "yes" to a date and then "I do," four and a half years later. (No, that's not me in the bride cake above.) My tightwad groom would've passed out if I had ordered that. I'm sure it was bigger than my editorial assistant wedding budget could handle. Eighteen years later and we are frugally happy.
Being married to a frugal tightwad, the son and grandson of tightwads, it's bound to rub off on you. In our early days, I used to hang my head in shame at my husband stingy, not-so-cute ways.
Now, with the recession kicking our booties. Mine is sometimes clad in my latest Salvation Army, never worn before Ralph Lauren Jeans. These days, I can't stop smiling at the check out line, when the cash register rings up $40 and I spend $3. That's after I stood behind someone who just spent $120 for food without coupons. Double Yikes!
What's the advantages of being a frugal tightwad? I get to vacation on a tropical island once or twice a year for three weeks. Of course, we take our coupons and are well-stocked with the island's supermarket cards. What? We haven't lost our minds.
Living for less doesn't mean you have to settle for less. No, No Nanette. I have two Coach bags one bought at a consignment shop for $20 another at the Salvation Army for $8. And yes, they're the real deal.
I wear mostly designer clothes because my husband, the shopperismo of the family, loves only designer wear and always finds a great deal for under $20 and even under $10. We love when the mark-offs are marked off with an addition 10 percent off.
Eyes Wide Open
I knew I wouldn't be creating the Holly Golightly Breakfast at Tiffany's lifestyle with my George Pepard, but I didn't think discount cards would make my wallet hard to close.
Sure, it wasn't all sunshine and roses when we first got together and I noticed we barely ate at a restaurant without a coupon. But when I started seeing the fruits of his thrifty labors, I jumped on the bandwagon without hesitation.
Yes, on occasion we visit Le Bec Frou Frou, but you better believe theres a 40th anniversary price deal or a free desert special or gift card to get us in there. We are coming out of there with a smile and a saving, and probably not with a full belly.
These days, it's cool to live large for less. Try it... I guarantee, if you do it right ... you'll reap the rewards.
Oh my gosh, those are all true at the top! Especially having a heart attack when you are shopping with someone and they pay full price! LOL It's true though, you don't have to settle for less!
ReplyDeleteI'm frugal but not extremely like a tightwad. I don't go back to the cashier to ask for my nickel. Or look down on the ground looking for coins. :-) I just shop wisely. Anyway, where do you get designer clothes at less than$20? Share please.
ReplyDeleteGuilty as charged, at least on a couple of things...
ReplyDeleteI love "all you can eat" restaurants and always check my receipt and complain if I've been overcharged a few pence :-)