Right? Instead they teach us a lot of irrelevant information that's useless for life. Not once did I need to use the Pythagorean theorem in my day to day.
It's about control. It's a mind-boggling psychology. I have true sympathy for those in dire financial straits and am pretty strict about my own spending but not to the point of rewashing ziplock bags or skipping dental cleanings. I did invest in good hair trimming scissors and high-quality shampoo and cut my own hair because I've been shamed and then over-charged one too many times by awful hairdressers.
I know well-off relatives who sit in chairs with springs in them, sleep on wooden boards instead of replacing the mattress, won't cut the grass (lawnmowers are too expensive!), spend $30 a week on groceries from save-a-lot, literally let staph grow in their house instead of clean or replace stuff (cleaning supplies cost money!), all to save a buck. For what? They don't give presents, donate to charity, or travel. It all sits in a bank?? Then if they need to sell their house it's probably depreciated in value since it's in such an unlivable condition??
I saw this post on reddit today about some dad complaining because their kids were complaining that he set the AC to 80 F and he like timed their showers and made them turn off every light when leaving a room (which actually decreases light bulb life FYI). The takedowns were great. Those who impose their frugality on others for no legitimate reason are nitpicking, nagging, bossy. They are fine letting others sit in discomfort to save a few bucks. That's it a few bucks that don't result in any magical pot of gold at the end either, as you pointed out.
Again, spending money on things like good quality shoes, mattress, health care, education, your home, food, are good investments that yield both tangible and intangible benefits over time.
Yes!! All about control - it hasn't got much to do with money or saving, as much as it does with controlling the environment. I'm a bit frugal frugal as well, but from that insanity is a long way.
PS: my mom turns off the lights all the time, even when people are in the room, if there's the slightest amount of light outside - it's her little obsession. Well, one of them :))
Terrific and so true. Glad to hear I’m not the only one who cuts her own hair though. I bought good quality haircutting scissors, and a nifty three-way mirror that I can set on a counter. Even so, learning to cut my own hair is a work in progress.
Pleasure is so important. We need to invest in pleasure too.
Haha, not the only one, Karin - I had my hair butchered so many times by bad 'professionals' that I'd rather butcher it myself, at least it's for free :))
These concepts should be taught in high school.
Right? Instead they teach us a lot of irrelevant information that's useless for life. Not once did I need to use the Pythagorean theorem in my day to day.
Both are important.
It's about control. It's a mind-boggling psychology. I have true sympathy for those in dire financial straits and am pretty strict about my own spending but not to the point of rewashing ziplock bags or skipping dental cleanings. I did invest in good hair trimming scissors and high-quality shampoo and cut my own hair because I've been shamed and then over-charged one too many times by awful hairdressers.
I know well-off relatives who sit in chairs with springs in them, sleep on wooden boards instead of replacing the mattress, won't cut the grass (lawnmowers are too expensive!), spend $30 a week on groceries from save-a-lot, literally let staph grow in their house instead of clean or replace stuff (cleaning supplies cost money!), all to save a buck. For what? They don't give presents, donate to charity, or travel. It all sits in a bank?? Then if they need to sell their house it's probably depreciated in value since it's in such an unlivable condition??
I saw this post on reddit today about some dad complaining because their kids were complaining that he set the AC to 80 F and he like timed their showers and made them turn off every light when leaving a room (which actually decreases light bulb life FYI). The takedowns were great. Those who impose their frugality on others for no legitimate reason are nitpicking, nagging, bossy. They are fine letting others sit in discomfort to save a few bucks. That's it a few bucks that don't result in any magical pot of gold at the end either, as you pointed out.
Again, spending money on things like good quality shoes, mattress, health care, education, your home, food, are good investments that yield both tangible and intangible benefits over time.
Yes!! All about control - it hasn't got much to do with money or saving, as much as it does with controlling the environment. I'm a bit frugal frugal as well, but from that insanity is a long way.
PS: my mom turns off the lights all the time, even when people are in the room, if there's the slightest amount of light outside - it's her little obsession. Well, one of them :))
Terrific and so true. Glad to hear I’m not the only one who cuts her own hair though. I bought good quality haircutting scissors, and a nifty three-way mirror that I can set on a counter. Even so, learning to cut my own hair is a work in progress.
Pleasure is so important. We need to invest in pleasure too.
Haha, not the only one, Karin - I had my hair butchered so many times by bad 'professionals' that I'd rather butcher it myself, at least it's for free :))
Yes, I’ve moved recently and it took me so long to find the right stylist near my previous home. I’d rather see if I can figure it out myself.
Great piece. Timeless but rare lessons. Thanks.
Thank you so much!
I really needed to read this, today. Thank you very much for this article, appreciate it so much.
Happy you liked it, Monica, thank you for being here.