Frugality

Frugality and Relationships

by

A commenter yesterday asked how my girlfriend deals with my lack of spending. My reply started to become rather lengthy so I am posting on the subject as well.

My GF is relatively frugal when compared to how most people spend their money. Compared to me she is not that frugal. I realize that my level of frugality is not what most people are accustomed to. I’m not going to change my frugal ways though. At least not much. In any relationship you have to compromise some and we have both made some compromises. She has become slightly more frugal and I have loosened up on my spending a little. Money hasn’t been a problem so far because we keep our money separate. It could become an issue eventually depending on what happens with our relationship.

Since I am now living with my GF money is more of an issue than when we were just dating. I pay her an amount roughly the same as I was paying for my apartment towards our household expenses and she pays all the bills. I suppose some could question whether this is a fair arrangement since I’m paying less than half the household bills. I do pay more than what my living with my GF is costing her though. We are both happy with this arrangement and that is what counts.

I don’t think there is a standard formula for dealing with money for couples. Couples just need to discuss the subject and come up with their own solution.

Is Frugality Becoming Trendy?

by

With the economic downturn tightening budgets I have seen several articles discussing how frugality is now becoming cool. They usually support this claim with a few anecdotes from ordinary citizens. Based on my own observations I doubt that frugality is actually becoming cool or even becoming much more socially acceptable. There are more people becoming frugal from necessity or perhaps because they are worried about the economy. They aren’t becoming frugal because they want to though, they are becoming frugal because they have to or because they feel that they need to be frugal due to the economy. Perhaps people will discover that a frugal lifestyle is a good choice regardless of whether it is necessary. My guess is that once the economy recovers the vast majority of these people will abandon their frugal ways and return to being regular consumers.

November Credit Score

by

My credit score for November was 729 up from 722 the month before.  My credit score seems to be staying in the 720 range the past few months which makes sense since I am not doing anything that should have much effect on my credit.  720 or better is considered good credit so this is good enough for me.  I don’t plan on borrowing any money but it can be helpful to have good credit regardless.

I receive my credit score for free from one of my credit card companies.  I never use that particular card anymore.  The only reason I ever sign in to my account is to see my latest credit score.

Save Money by Not Shopping on Black Friday

by

There may be some good deals to be had today but you don’t actually save money by buying stuff you don’t need.  I’m guessing that approximately 100% of the stuff being bought as part of the Black Friday deals can be classified as wants rather than needs. I’m lucky that there is very little I want or need.

I only have one more Christmas purchase to make and I’m not going to be doing it today.  The GF and me might go by CVS later and take advantage of some of the “free deals.”  Technically we will be shopping on Black Friday but we will not be spending any money.

The Dollar Double Cheeseburger is Ending

by

This is the last week that the double cheeseburger will be on McDonald’s menu.  The price will be going up to $1.19.  They will be coming out with a new $1 sandwich called the McDouble.  It is basically a double cheeseburger but with only one slice of cheese.

The double cheeseburger was a favorite of mine and  it probably contributed to much of my weight gain.  I think I’ll be passing it up now for the McDouble though when I’m buying food at McDonalds.  And that probably won’t be very often.  Since I get a free McDonald’s meal every week I do not plan on going there other than for my free meal.

A dollar double cheeseburger was a frugal choice for eating out.  When you consider that you could eat cheaper and healthier at home though it probably wasn’t a very good choice.