Comments on: Will frugality ever be ready for prime time?

By: That One Caveman

That One Caveman — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:26:39 +0000

It may not make the most compelling story – it certainly wouldn’t qualify for The Great American Novel – but it’s a very important topic to continue writing about. As more people search for ways to make ends meet, having many non-scam, anti-get-rich-quick articles out there to greet them will help them recover.

One thing I have noticed that gets some extra attention is extreme frugality. It carries some of the same David vs Goliath power as paying off a major debt, just with a different focus.

By: zpinzane

zpinzane — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:02:14 +0000

I have a feeling any reality show that is focused on frugality would probably depict the lifestyle as Old McDonald meets Antiques Roadshow. Lots of quilting, turning old nylons into soup strainers, and using empty paper towel rolls in home construction.
Freak shows “sell”, so that’s 99% of what is put out there.
Gotta disagree with Living Off Dividents though, that’s just too mean-spirited for me.

By: Living Off Dividends & Passive Income

Living Off Dividends & Passive Income — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:02:16 +0000

You know what would make a good tv show?

where they show people who’ve dug themselves in holes they can’t get out of and then they show people mocking them and making fun of them!

By: deepali

deepali — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:25:38 +0000

Good points. Though I imagine we could get a good reality TV show out of people learning to live on a budget (ie, lose a job, downsize, extra kid, something like that).

You still have to have the hardship factor though. Someone has to struggle with something, or it ain’t worth watching.

By: Maria - Frugal Homesteading

Maria - Frugal Homesteading — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:25:25 +0000

Hmmm … I think you’re right. There is a certain fascination with the success of others getting out of a bad situation. I think there’s another reason, and that’s that most people can identify with those who have or had a mountain of debt. That by seeing their success, they can have hope for themselves. Someone with $15,000 in credit card debt and two mortgages can’t identify with the frugal family who’s never been in debt, never eats out, buys clothes second hand … and so on.