Posted on 06/17/2010 4:20:41 AM PDT by Daisyjane69
Before the economy imploded, cheapskates were considered a pitiful bunch -- frumpy coupon moms racing across town to save 19 cents on baby wipes, joyless penny-pinchers subsisting on ramen noodles. Meanwhile, the cool kids were starting wine collections and equipping their homes with plasma TVs and stainless-steel kitchen appliances.
Then, in the drop of a Dow Jones average, frugality suddenly became fashionable, and all those still-unpaid-for off-road vehicles and granite countertops became symbols of foolishness and excess, rather than success. Lifestyle sections brimmed with redemptive stories of former mortgage brokers/derivatives traders/entertainment publicists who had suddenly discovered the humble joys of family game night and three-bean soup. The general conclusion: We had all overextended ourselves, and now we all must learn a new way.
This narrative largely neglected the Americans best equipped to speak to the simple life: the people who have always lived frugally. In his new book, "The Cheapskate Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of Americans Living Happily Below Their Means," author Jeff Yeager gives voice to the sensible folks who spent the boom years quietly paying down their mortgages and making their kids earn their allowances (if they got one at all). Yeager surveyed and interviewed more than 300 fellow cheapskates -- traveling the country on his bicycle and crashing on the couches of his thrifty brethren. He quickly discovered a group of people who bore little resemblance to the stereotypical tightwad. Not only do Yeager's cheapskates donate more money to charity than the general population, they also have lower divorce rates and higher education levels. Although their politics and religious views span the spectrum -- from Christian conservative to hippie freegan -- they're united in their rejection of consumer culture, excessive borrowing and waste. They also believe the cheap life is the happiest.
(Excerpt) Read more at salon.com ...
I guess it is a matter of interpretation. I only saw the article as an object lessons. People have choices. This article shows the result of what happens when people choice one path over another.
This is not a new lesson, the story of the grasshopper and the ant tells the same tale.
I visited 'my' superstove every time I went into Lowe's for MONTHS before I could throw down the cash to take it home.
When my husband I joined our denomination nearly 30 years ago I decided that I would consistently and honestly paying a full tithe. Almost immediately, I was able to pay bills and pay down debt that I thought would be impossible.
One memorable Friday afternoon soon after starting to pay tithing, I didn't have enough money to pay the staff of my small business. At about 4:30 p.m. a woman came into the office an made an appointment for a very expensive service. He next statement was, "Can I pay for that in advance?" She handed over in cash the exact amount I needed to cover the salaries for that pay period. Consistently, I found that when I needed the money, a payment would arrive just in time to cover the expenses of the office and my personal needs.
Several things happened as a result of tithing:
1) I stopped worrying about money. I knew I would have enough.
2) I realized that everything belonged to the Lord. In reality "I had nothing to lose"! It was all His anyway ( on loan.)
3) I completely lost my desire for many luxuries that at one time I felt was sooooo important. I just didn't want them anymore.
3)) No matter what I had, whether it was a lot or a little, I would be happy and content. I would always have what I absolutely needed.
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