Comments on: Does Success in Frugality Depend on Geography?

By: JNUrbanski

JNUrbanski — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:08:48 +0000

I don't think geography factors into frugality at all. I'm a British ex-pat living in New York and I bought my frugal ways with me. I wouldn't have survived in NY without them. The pressure to spend in America is unbelievable; it's really a consumer culture. People get credit cards forced on them in college and then it's all downhill from age 18 onwards. In England, you have to really qualify for a credit card before you get one. I didn't get a credit card until I was 30 years old and spending only the cash I had in the bank until age 30 taught me lessons about money that I will never forget.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:50:20 +0000

Uh oh. Now I can't even say that I'm the only American blogging about frugality from the French Alps! You're intruding upon my niche!

By: oilandgarlic

oilandgarlic — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:40:17 +0000

I think geography certainly helps. I live in a high cost of living area and sometimes it's hard to be frugal when you see others acquiring nice homes, designer clothes and luxury cars. Having said that, I never really craved those things and my friends accept me as I am! Even in Los Angeles, you can find like-minded down-to-earth people. .-= oilandgarlic´s last blog ..The High-Low Cost Of Travel =-.

By: simple in france

simple in france — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:23:31 +0000

Hah! I didn't realize you were in Grenoble. I'm in Gap now–not so far away.

I think that being in France does help be frugal in some ways–as you state, the norm seems to be to have less stuff, smaller cars etc. Then again, the fact that people don't just get rid of brand new stuff every couple of years means that finding used items say on Craigslist is a bit harder!

At any rate, when you decide to go beyond the cultural 'norm' for frugality, whether it is in the US or in France, you will face a little cultural pressure. As we become increasingly frugal and careful, DH and I find we are perhaps even becoming frugal for French tastes . . .people mostly get it as they link it to being kind to the environment, but we still get a little pressure at times, like when we tried not to use our heater earlier this year.
.-= simple in france´s last blog ..Six months, no job. =-.

By: Monroe on a Budget

Monroe on a Budget — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:07:50 +0000

Geography absolutely plays a role in what frugal options are practical or even possible for a family! There are lots of examples in the comment section already; but here's something else to consider … when you decide what neighborhood or community to live in, are you looking for atmosphere? Or are you considering what money-saving tricks that will work out for you?

My husband and I deliberately bought a home that had a small yard so it didn't require a lot of time to upkeep. We also looked for location that was as convenient as possible to things we really wanted such as quick access to the freeway, five or ten minutes drive time away from the stores we shopped at, and within the city bus district.
.-= Monroe on a Budget´s last blog ..Lent food on a budget for 2010 =-.

By: Betsy Talbot

Betsy Talbot — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:14:49 +0000

I live in Seattle, and I agree that it is easier to be frugal here. Yes, I pay more for my townhouse than I did for my big suburban house in Massachusetts. But I don't have lawn care costs, commuting costs, a second car, or having to leave my town to entertain myself (which always adds up).

By walking almost everywhere or taking public transportation, having my grocery store, movie rentals, restaurants, hair salon, dentist, farmer's market, post office, etc., within walking distance of my door, it is a much more frugal lifestyle. Not to mention the bike/walking trails, mountains for hiking and nearby lakes and ocean for free healthy outdoor entertainment. The bonus of living near so many other people means the things you need are at your fingertips and the competition from other stores means prices are reasonable.

The mindset here is also a very environmentally conscious one, and I find that goes hand in hand with a frugal lifestyle. We save over half our income living here. Plus it is gorgeous!
.-= Betsy Talbot´s last blog ..Reverse kleptomania =-.

By: Kayla K at Kayla K's Thrifty Ways

Kayla K at Kayla K's Thrifty Ways — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:01:04 +0000

There are certainly frugal advantages depending on location. Living in a college town gives me access to a great public library, public transportation, and a variety of grocery stores to compare prices. However, I live in a small apartment with no room to hang laundry or garden. My parents, who live on a farm, can do more gardening and such, but they have more expenses in fuel and food costs.
I think it all evens out. There are pros and cons to all locations so in the end you spend the same. The important thing is to choose the lifestyle you most enjoy, and keep frugal goals in mind.
.-= Kayla K at Kayla K’s Thrifty Ways´s last blog ..The No-Impact Man: A Film Review =-.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:47:27 +0000

There are a few consignment shops and lots of people sell stuff on eBay. I think that generally, too, people tend to buy fewer clothes, but better quality ones. And France is going through a real baby boom at the moment (highest or second highest birthrate in Europe, I believe) so most people do know somebody to whom they can pass stuff down!

By: Abigail

Abigail — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:10:39 +0000

I think certainly it is easier to be frugal in some areas than others. There's only so much you can do to cut costs in NYC, for example.

But I think most areas simply have trade-offs. Here in Arizona, rent is cheaper and stores tend to double coupons. On the other hand, a car is necessary — a lot more necessary than it was in Seattle. And everything is stretched out.

I wonder if the smaller number of thrift stores is, in fact, tied to the lower pressure of consumerism. If you're not constantly buying things you don't necessarily need, you'll probably get rid of less. Just a thought…
.-= Abigail´s last blog ..What's your 500-word story? =-.

By: Sharon H. in IL

Sharon H. in IL — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:50:48 +0000

So what do people in France do with outgrown, but still very good baby clothes? Surely not everyone has a niece or nephew of the right size waiting for hand me downs?

curiously,
Sharon H. in IL