Do you believe that Thrift is helpful for everyone? Do you use it in their your life?
Does your family (personal or extended) understand and, hopefully support you in your choice of this lifestyle?
Welcome to Thrifty Living Today. A special way of life for the Twenty-first Century.
My name is Lori Blatzheim and I am your host.
I honestly believe that the majority of people, living in the USA do not know what Thrift is and that they could benefit by using Thrift strategies in their daily lives.
A while ago I started looking around at family, friends, and neighbors. I came to the conclusion that people were hurting. Prices had gone up, job availability had gone down. Some people had lost their jobs, had their hours cut, or were having trouble keeping their families insured. I asked myself "what would happen if we shared Thrift with others who never had an opportunity to learn about the strategies and benefits?"
I started opening up to people and telling them that I believed in Thrift and that I thought it was helpful. I got some strange looks and frequent questions. People would ask "what is Thrift?" And, "are you talking about a Thrift shop?" Others wanted to know if it had "something to do with renting a car?"
It was pretty obvious that people in my circle, knew very little and seldom practiced the strategies of Thrift.
I tried to help by gathering people together, speaking, and writing about Thrift, frugal living and strategies which might lead to a better life. This was marginally successful but I could only reach a small audience.
I started wondering why we seldom broach this subject in public.
Why don't people speak to others about Thrift?
Why don't we hear more about this in conversation and in the media? Why does a lifestyle practiced for thousands of years and heralded by Benjamin Franklin, one of our most famous statesmen, fail to receive the acclaim it is justly due?
Why don't people promote it, celebrate it and educate others in a lifestyle that they truly believe will help people?
If you appreciate and practice Thrift strategies, if you have benefited from this style of life, consider telling a friend.
You might help that person to view things in a new way. Think about it. Among other things, you could tell them about:
- the value of an emergency fund, and how the money can help buy something when it is suddenly needed, or when it is needed for a special life experience
- the value of looking at needs versus wants
- thoughtful consideration of a major appliance or piece of furniture before buying
Just by mentioning Thrift, you might be able to help another person. At the very least, you might plant a thought that will encourage that person to learn more.
In other words, if you live it, support it. Share it with a friend.
Lori Blatzheim is a wife, mother, nurse, writer, and thrift advocate. She knows that use of Thrift can help people because she has experienced the benefits.
