Is this penny pinching stuff really worth my time?

[cschin4]

I think "pinching pennies" as a lifestyle or practice is fine. And, we all could learn to use what we have, appreciate and be content with what we have and not buy so much or more than we will use. However, I take issue with being "cheap" and becoming a person who is no longer generous of oneself, one's time or one's money. Not saying that it is for me to decide this, but we all know people that are "cheap' to the point of valuing their things, hoarding their money, etc over relationships, etc.

[BillK]

We watch our spending carefully, but no obsessively. We clip coupons, double up on trips to town and so on. The largest challenge is when something happens, like a 16 year old driver smacking the car up and Leukemia bills. It makes you wonder sometimes if it is worth it. But once my mind is clear, I have to realize those things may have happen anyway and I still have the money I saved.

[lovcom]

Saving $$ should be a way of life; and nearly as automatic as breathing.

Once one incorporates saving into their lifestyle, their paradigm of living, then saving is no longer something to work at, nor does it take much effort.

It took me a while to do this, and it was not easy, but over time it has become so ingrained in the way I think I can't imagine living another way.

I think one can get too fixated on the saving side, while neglecting the income side. I think learning new skills, the type that can increase one's income 50% over several months is exceedingly more beneficial then trying to save 3 cents per gallon on gas each week. Of course one should be mindful of both saving and income.

[LuxLiving]

I'm with Ima Saver and John D. Rockefeller. They think small sums add up and so do I.

Note my signature quote - The practice of thrift & economy is nothing to be ashamed of and well worth our time. Parsimony and stinginess are all together other beasts.