Shoved to Them
I have been told four times this week, and by four different people, that I am the cheapest person they know. To be fair, the fourth amended it to say that I am merely the most frugal person. She even said that I could give classes on saving money and that people would come.
Isn’t it funny that I never think of myself that way? My closest friends think of me as a penny pincher who never pays full price for anything, and I think of myself as a regular person like everyone else. I freely admit to only paying full price rarely, but I guess that I just assumed everyone cut corners when they could.
I am not the kind of cheap person who won’t buy what is necessary because it costs a bit. I am the kind who always looks for the way to get it free, or at a reduced price. For example, I only shop online from places that offer free shipping, or credit from every purchase goes toward a gift card. Last Christmas, I had almost $300 in gift cards to use for my shopping. I don’t see it as thrift, just good common sense.
My two eldest boys wear through the knees of their jeans just as quickly as any other boy who spends all day outside, so I refuse to pay full price for jeans which will be full of holes within the month. Their jeans come from the local Goodwill. When I spend $1 a pair, I don’t care if they wear holes in the knees. I just go get another pair. They don’t care where they come from (I know, I asked), they get to be boys, and I don’t yell at them for not taking care of their clothes. It seems win, win to me.
We live in a nice house, drive a fairly new car, the kids take all kinds of classes, and we always have what we need. So, am I cheap? I don’t know, as I said, I think I’m average but perhaps I’m not. I clip coupons, and shop around, and drive hard bargains so that we always have what we need and most of our wants met, and so that I can stay home with my babies while they need me.
So, I guess that I am a girl with an eye for a bargain. I don’t know if that’s a character flaw or an endearing quality. More than one friend has confided that I affect her shopping habits. They pick things up and then put them back on the shelf thinking “(the Mom) would wait until this went on sale.” I hope it is a good inspiration and not a nagging feeling.
From time to time, I’ll post a Penny Pincher tip on the blog for those who need them, and classes start next Thurs at 7:00. Call me and we’ll discuss the price…that’s your first lesson, always negotiate.
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