When it comes to frugality, I've grown up in a pretty average family. We're somewhere smack dab in the middle of all the typical economical stereotypes. We don't toss aside the never-been-used every Wednesday with our trash, but we don't hoard everything either. However, I have to admit- after reading the latest business article in Newsweek, I felt like my family could be doing a much better job at managing our money. Called "The Frugal Family Guide", Steve Tuttle describes his family life growing up in rural Virginia. His parents have never owned a television, clothes dryer, or credit card. Some people may think that their approach to life is a little extreme, but it actually worked. The Tuttle family ends up saving enough money every ten years to buy a new car and pay in full the day of. Up until now, I basically thought doing that was impossible. Even the most thrifty people I know are nothing in comparison to the Tuttle's. Long story short- I was amazed at how far living simpler and more efficient can get you. But the point of the article was to convince readers that during this recession, "there are still valuable lessons to be gleaned: the people who have been living the thrifty life all along are the smart ones now... while the rest of us watch and worry, my parents, with their paid-for house and their old rusty mousetraps, have peace of mind to spare." This is true. We're in the midst of some difficult times. My dad just recently switched jobs and is making less money than before, but we're still pretty well off. We cut back a little, but with the way the economy is headed, I'm beginning to wonder if it's enough...
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