To think being frugal is just another form of selfishness?

[BoldPoster]

People love to brag about being frugal but isn’t it just hoarding money instead of contributing to the economy and helping others?

isn’t it just hoarding money instead of contributing to the economy and helping others?

Usually people who are frugal aren't so for fun. And sometimes people just don't like spending money on stuff they don't need even though their spending may well "help the economy" as you put it.

As for helping others, I don't know how we would know what anyone does to help others. Someone may not be spending money on XYZ but may be volunteering, helping their elderly neighbours or relatives in various ways or just assisting a stranger in the street. What exactly would you classify as helping others and why is it connected to your question about being frugal as opposed to spending money?

My grandparents gave church mice a run in the poverty stakes, so they had to live frugally. My sister is loadedbut she never pays her way. She's not frugal, she's a tightwad.

Yes, there's such a big environmental impact to the overspending/commercialisation. I once read that if manufacturers stopped producing clothes today, we would still have enough garments in existence for everyone on the planet and for the next 6 generations of descendants! So how many new things do we really need?

I think that being frugal isn't a bad thing, it just means that quite often you don't need a new, shiny version of something that you already have one of in the cupboard.

People who overspend aren't necessarily greedy and hoarding things, they are often overspending because they are bored of what they have or occasionally forgetful and have so much stuff it is difficult to remember or find what they already have at home because they have 10 of something in cupboards, drawers and boxes and can't remember what they did with them.

Sorry to derail the thread but that sounds quite inspiring! How is living in France? Have you made friends. Maybe start a thread-more interesting than discussions on whether people are selfish for saving.

I would assocaite being frugal with reducing waste, which benefits the environment and ultimaely everyone, there's nothing admirable about throwing money around, buying new, chucking good stuff away.

I'm frugal but that's because I work full time and still can't afford shit

Doh! i've fallen into the trap! 😜

More people should be frugal IMO. Overspending on shit we don't need is such a waste. Financial independence should be the goal of everyone, as difficult as that may be for most.

Have you been reading Peter Singer?

OP seems to have confused 'frugal' with 'mean with money'. Frugal means thrifty or economical, i.e. the opposite of spendthrift. Obviously if someone who doesn't need to count the pennies continues to do so this may be because they are of a naturally miserly disposition and hate parting with money, but most people who are frugal are just being sensible. Most of us have to plan and monitor our spending to make sure our money stretches to cover essentials, with some held back for savings, rainy day fund, holidays and other things that are not essential but are nice to have, as and when funds allow. I for one don't spend money when I don't need to just so I can say I am putting money into the economy.

Are we talking buying Lidl shampoo instead of L'Oréal or washing your clothes while having a shower like in those TLC extreme cheapskates programme?

Either way each to their own? How does it impact you directly?

Frugal is simply not wasting money on things you don't care about in order to afford the things you do.

It's just good sense.

I'm fairly frugal because I value financial security, having grown up with a spendthrift mother who lost us our house due to her terrible decisions.

Is that a good enough reason for you OP?

I too think this.

I think you're conflating frugal and miserly and the reasons for each mindset

People are quite often frugal in respect of some things to allow them to spend on others.

Yes, this too.

I'm frugal because I'm living off my work pension - no State pension for another 4 years. I can't work part time because of health issues so I have no option other than to be frugal.
If contributing to the economy means wasting money on overpriced ordinary food in restaurants when I could make the same at home for a fraction of the price, then so be it.

So now it's bash the poor for being poor time. Like when you don't have a lot of money to spend you need to be frugal or you won't have enough for the whole month.

I do agree with you , well partly. Some people are frugal because they have no money which is fair enough. But my IL's have plenty of money for multiple lavish holidays, dining out and nights out / events. Basically what they want to spend their money on. But they are far from generous when it comes to gifts etc. They buy for others from pound shops and charity shops. They won't have the heating on for long at their house so as to keep their dc and guests warm. The house is freezing. They scrimp on shopping and bills all the time. I personally would much rather a warm home than a holiday but obviously they wouldn't 🤷‍♀️

For the wealthy it's all about priorities imo

I like a strong coffee so I buy from the coffee guy in our local market even though his are half to a third the size of a Starbucks. DH likes cheese so I buy from the cheese guy in the market because his stuff is excellent even the though the price is way higher than I would pay in a shop. I try and buy our fruit and vegetables from the stall that's run by the local farm shop. We can afford it, it supports local businesses. I don't buy from our local baker as her stuff tastes of damp and sadness.

We usually tip 20%.

On the other hand I shop the local scrapstore for craft supplies primarily because they are cheap but also because it gets material out of landfill and supports a charity.

Is that the stuff you mean?

It would depend on how you are defining frugality? I define it as making my money stretch as far as possible and getting the best value for my money. Prioritising what is important to my family and our happiness without going overboard.

I would call those who are incredibly miserly with their money to the point of making their direct family miserable without a good reason for said miserly behaviour just selfish tight arses.

I know quite a few frugal people (by my definition) and I myself would consider myself frugal. For example, next week it is half term here. We have 3 days out (with friends) to places we have an annual passes for (1 day at local NT site, 2 days at our local theme park), passes for theme park bought on black Friday at a discount and I've worked out that if we go 3 times a year we've made our money back, between buying the passes and today we have been 10 times. We will pack up for all these days out to save on food costs. We are meeting other friends one day in the holidays at a kids eat free place so that meeting will cost me 1 adult meal. Then the rest of the holidays (if dry) will be spent at home/ park or other free places. If wet we may pop out to another local NT place that has indoor activities and make use of the soft play at the theme park we have annual passes for.

Sounds like you're angry about something specific.
Some people are frugal through necessity, seems unreasonable to call that selfishness.
I could afford to spend money on certain things but I prefer to be frugal so that I can maintain savings for any emergency situation that might occur, so that I don't go into debt if something unfortunate happens in my life. I'm not sure that's selfish either. Just a personal priority that I don't see as a direct disadvantage to anyone else.
FWIW I consider myself frugal but do donate to charity, something I couldn't afford to do if I didn't cut 'unnecessary' spending in other areas of my life.

Nothing to do with your question but I absolutely hate the word frugal. My neighbour said it once (about herself) and I don’t like her since.

I think it was the way her mouth moved, even saying the word looked stingy.

People be careful with money is good, stingy is bad.