Status of our Country
at present
Thrift and frugality have been gone from our National values
for some time. No longer are children coached in saving, no longer are they
encouraged to think before spending. Some of their parents try to “make lots of
money so they can spend it.”
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.
At the same time, people who practice principles of Thrift
are criticized for not giving their children the very best, for wearing older
fashions or for maintaining a “nice but humble home.”
Our population is daily exposed to thousands of commercials
from communication sites, entertainment, written material, and signage.
It is difficult to
determine the exact number of commercials presented daily.
This depends on:
·
How you define a commercial (a message on television,
in films, on labels, in public signs).
·
Magazine articles about activities which require
special equipment
·
Fashion and how it influences dress
·
Personal grooming products
·
Consideration of what defines appropriate
behavior
·
Parenting and does a person spend enough money
to do it effectively?
Considering the status
of our present economy, would you share your knowledge of Thrift with a friend?
I happen to think that many of the readers of “Dollar
Stretcher,” believe that Thrift and frugality are a fine way to live. They
don’t seem to be embarrassed or ashamed using coupons or looking for quality in
less expensive products. They question whether their child needs every new toy
or gadget that comes down the line. Their goal in life is not to have
everything, but to have everything needed for a contented life.
Let me offer you a challenge.
·
Select a friend or family member.
·
Tell that person that you live a Thrift centered
life.
·
Encourage your audience to visit locations known
for quality products at a lower price.
·
Ask him/her to tell you the outcome.
Note: if the person follows your suggestion you win. If that
friend or family member does not follow through, you fail.
Now you know how difficult it can be to encourage a person
to try the principles of Thrift and frugality.
Behavior is a very difficult thing to change. I guess a
person has to want to spend less. Our telling them about it really doesn’t work
as well.
Is it up to us to
encourage people to use Thrift?
I’m not certain I can answer that question. Over the last
two years I have tried to introduce a number of people to the topic, the life,
the advantages, the rewards.
Sometimes it works and other times it doesn’t.
I started a Thrift Club, the only one known to meet in the
USA. People did attend. They shared their ideas and suggestions with others,
they made friends, they showed examples of things they had made and photos of
what they had done.
Those who came to the Thrift Club were those who appreciated
Thrift and frugality. They already knew the benefits. Those who appeared to need
it may still be in the dark.
Sometimes we win
Don’t give up. Be proud of your accomplishments, of your
shopping expertise, of your ability to repair those things that break, of your
splendid cooking, of your interior decorating, of the garden you prize.
You are very special people. You have common sense,
discipline, and the ability to carve out a very special life. I am proud of
you.
Lori Blatzheim is a
wife, mother, grandmother, writer, thrift advocate, and retired nurse. She
knows that use of Thrift can help people because she has experienced the
benefits.
Are you a Senior? Do you have a friend or relative who is considering
retirement or has already retired? Check out this web site: Retire and Renew:
http://retireandrenew.com
