Coping with peoples scorn

agiaga

There is no need to explain to anybody your choices.
Everyone has different amount of money in their budget, different preferences and priorities, value staff differently...
If your friends say negative comments - they are not real friends. Other people's opinion is not worth to worry about

floss2

I would just say something along the lines of "oh, thats how I was brought up, to get the most out of my money for my benefit, rather than borrowing or using credit". And if they persist, ask them how much their mortgage is, or how much they owe on credit cards and why they buy things on HP...if they object, your final comment could be "Sorry, do you not like being asked personal questions? No, neither do I".

freyasmum

Water off a duck's back.

Seriously, I couldn't give a monkey's what anyone thinks about me and if they want to waste their money then that is up to them. I prefer to know what I'm eating/using to clean, etc.

Hardup_Hester

Those that matter don't mind, those that mind don't matter.
Hester

paddy's_mum

In reply to spiteful comments like that, I'd simply smile sweetly and say "yup, you're right ... and I'm laughing all the way to the bank".

savingforoz

carefullycautious wrote: »

why should I have to explain myself.

As others have said, you don't, and if you do the problem can then spiral - if you launch into explanations on this topic, those who question you will feel able to question you about anything and everything else. Whereas, if you calmly refuse to take the bait and switch the subject to something else, they should get the message and you retain control of the situation and your response to it.

carefullycautious

Noooooo Im not a tightwad the opposite in fact. The tight comment came from someone who admits that she is going to spend every penny she has on having a good time in life and anyone who does not live like she does appears to be tight with money (and that money is going to run out very soon if she doesnt address this)


I just wondered if anyone else had comments about their chosen way of life and how you all deal with this.

comments mainly come from fellow workers so havent got much chance of escaping this at present.

being frugal isnt about being tight with money its about living within our means.

BitterAndTwisted

It surprises me that anyone these days is actually questioned or even criticised for their OS ways. Even the Islington yummy mummys are getting their heads round making-do-and-mend, it's actually getting pretty trendy, even the Guardian is doing articles about it. That's the main reason the charity shops are getting pricier round here. I suspect it may take a little time to permeate all over the country and imagine what trendsetters you'll all be seen as then! You're all the vanguard and I'm following keenly behind you.

tiff

At times I can be extreme in what I do, but nothing that affects other people and I'm not tight. I get scorned for using vouchers, going on Sun holidays, living to a tight food budget, not having things done to my house (house perfectly fine but hallway needs decorating), having an old car, buying second hand furniture, getting certain things for free from Freecycle etc etc etc.

I am OS mainly because we are paying off debt and food wise because its best for everyone. Once debt is paid off we will be saving money and overpaying our mortgage to protect our future. I dont usually let comments bother me but it does get to you at times. I would never change what I do though, to suit anyone else.

Amy Dacyzyn said in interview (on youtube) that if you always live well below your means then when times are hard you wont be affected. Thats certainly inspired me, (she has a beautiful home. ) I just wish so much that the way we live was the norm but sadly its not.

[Deleted User]

I must admit I couldn't give a fig for those who are too ignorant or rude and critisise the way I live my life I can sleep at night knowing that I can afford the food on my table and the roof over my head and I spend my cash on what makes me happy, mainly my family. I am neither tight or mean and will happily give to the charity of my choice,in my case breast cancer (for obvious reasons).To people who don't like my way of living then hard cheddar I do things my way and won't change for anyone and why should I. Ignore them they are the losers not you.