Comments on: frugality versus self-sufficiency

By: S.

S. — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:20:51 +0000

Those great deals aren't happening right now, wait until the end of the year – between christmas and new years.

I have cash saved to replace my very old rusting washer, but am hanging onto it for now. I'm betting christmas will leave stores knee deep in higher dollar items. The savings will go towards bulk purchase of detergent and any left goes to more insulation/weatherstripping to reduce the energy bills.

The upcoming new luxury: staying warm.

By: S.

S. — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:20:51 +0000

Those great deals aren't happening right now, wait until the end of the year – between christmas and new years.

The upcoming new luxury: staying warm.

By: bubelah

bubelah — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:47:48 +0000

We haven't bought tomatoes in about 3-4 months now. My dad planted about 3 bushes and we has SO many tomatoes, we don't know what to do with. We can't even eat them anymore.
It probably saved us tons of money considering how much the tomatoes cost in “Garden State”…

By: Rex

Rex — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:30:56 +0000

I think if you have one TV and it breaks, you need a new TV now. Kidding aside, those who have stockpiled cash for times like these might find great deals on new items they might need.

By: Susy

Susy — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:02:32 +0000

Great article. For the last couple years we've been growing a few edibles, each year we grow more than the last. This has been a huge help with our grocery budget (saving ove $100 a month). We're also trying to build up a network of local suppliers for everything: we have a local farm we get milk, eggs, chicken & beef from, we have a few other we can get pork from and a few to get veggies from. We also know local sources for grains. By doing with we're helping bolster our local economy and we're building a network we can use in tough times.

We cut back to just putting a small amount in our IRA's and we're using the rest to pay down the mortage (which will be gone in 3 years if all goes well). That will be a huge help if the economy tanks, no mortgage, no car payments, we can grow our own food, we have a network of local food suppliers. I think we'll do alright.

We're also going to get a woodburner for heating this winter or next (free from a family member) that will be a great as an alternative.

By: Curmudgeon

Curmudgeon — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:15:48 +0000

I've probably said this before . . . I remember maxing out my 401K after the dotcomm bust and 9/11, for 18 months it didn't move as the Dow inched down into the 7000s, even though I was shoveling in money. Once the markets started growing again, in the next two years it tripled in value. I can't say that will happen this time, and it certainly hurts to look at the balance, you are doing yourself a disservice if you're not on a regular investment program.

By: David

David — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 02:53:01 +0000

How about canned goods, guns, and silver/gold? Those might be worthwhile investments right about now…. . Kinda.

By: fern

fern — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:46:04 +0000

New books are enormously expenses disproportionate th their value. It would be much better to borrow from the library or shop at a used book store.

By: guinness416

guinness416 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:53:19 +0000

Yes, good post.

You can never have enough potatoes though.

By: bouncing betty

bouncing betty — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:46:15 +0000

I like this post very much. You make some very valid points. It's about buying what is neccessary and needed and waiting on what is not needed. People need to really suss out their needs (immediate, can wait, long term, actually a want) and not give in to temptation and buy now. Look before you leap!