Being 'tight' or being creative

thriftlady_2

kittiwoz wrote:

I want to be defined by what I create not what I consume. I also think materialism is part of a very selfish culture and encourages an "I'm alright Jack" attitude that I deplore. I really hate that people should feel they have to aspire to ownership of certain things to be counted a success and that other people who have those things should feel able to look down on others. I actually thing the idea of a lifestyle built around money and possesions is quite sad. Of course rampant consumerism is really not good for the environment either because of all the energy and materials used in making the new things which are then thrown away and create landfill because consumerist society tells us we need new shiny things to feel complete so we don't repair or reuse the old ones. To a large extent I feel I'm opting out.

Very well put, I couldn't agree more :T

I like they way Rachel021967 sums it up too
I suppose the difference between OS and being damn right tight is OS is using your time, money and resources creatively to get the best out of life but not at somebody elses expense. :T

blessings3

Rachel021967 wrote:

I think looking at fireworks at a distance is far better than up close. I just end up with a sore neck and covered in bits from the fireworks and fire. Don't get me wrong I love firework night but I prefer to watch them from a distance than at the barrier of a public firework display.
I suppose the difference between OS and being damn right tight is OS is using your time, money and resources creatively to get the best out of life but not at somebody elses expense.

Summs it up for me

Spending money on what is important not where large companies /convention saty I should ! That varies from person to person but making the choice over where to spend is now a moral as well as lifestyle choice

flufff

My local golf club display here used to cost £6.50 each to get in.As I have 4 kids its expensive.BUt 2 pubs one across town and another 5 minutes away put on free displays.So guess where we go.We then drive up into hills and look down on town its truly breathtaking seeing all displays go off.
Woolworths and aldi reduce firework boxes down day after november 5th.We often buy a small box and sparklers half price to stash away or use that weekend.
I dont view it as being tight but being economical with our money making it go as far as possible.My kids accept that but also know they get the things they need.Whenever we go out I have bogof vouchers or special rates lol but it saves us a fortune over year means we get to do alot more.I always take our own food and drink on days out as well,unless its a birthday treat.

flufff

Life shouldnt be agreed about consumerism.Nothing wrong with having a nice home though.At end of dayt whats left when you die?
Surely the memories you leave are better and not burdening loved ones with debt.

shell2001

DH had an interview yesterday and me and the kids went along for the drive and to keep him company (it was 2 hours away). He did not get out until gone 5pm so on the way home we stopped for something to eat at Pizza Hut. DH and I had feast for 2 (wedges, garlic bread, med pizza and 2 desserts) DDs had kids spag bol with a drink and ice-cream. That cost £27 and all I could think was what a complete rip-off and how much it cost me to make that meal at home. Does this mean I am tight??

liz.._4

shell2001 wrote:

DH had an interview yesterday and me and the kids went along for the drive and to keep him company (it was 2 hours away). He did not get out until gone 5pm so on the way home we stopped for something to eat at Pizza Hut. DH and I had feast for 2 (wedges, garlic bread, med pizza and 2 desserts) DDs had kids spag bol with a drink and ice-cream. That cost £27 and all I could think was what a complete rip-off and how much it cost me to make that meal at home. Does this mean I am tight??

No, you're not being tight, I feel exactly the same way.

I pick up my kids from their various activities and sit quite happily with a flask of coffee and my knitting. I find that if I plan for snacks while out it saves me a fortune, I hate being caught on the hop out with no food or drinks. The stuff you buy is never usually as good as what you make yourself anyway, its just good financial sense to DIY on the food front.

Same with school dinners, why on earth would I pay for some sloppy muck when I can give my kids home made bread and decent fruit etc for a fraction of the price?

Sarahsaver

shell2001 wrote:

DH had an interview yesterday and me and the kids went along for the drive and to keep him company (it was 2 hours away). He did not get out until gone 5pm so on the way home we stopped for something to eat at Pizza Hut. DH and I had feast for 2 (wedges, garlic bread, med pizza and 2 desserts) DDs had kids spag bol with a drink and ice-cream. That cost £27 and all I could think was what a complete rip-off and how much it cost me to make that meal at home. Does this mean I am tight??

No, not at all!

Completely knackered, on saturday I contemplated ordereing a chinese. But I resisted. Made rice noodles 65p only used 1/3 0f a pack, one leek, half a bag of sainsburys economy prawns 1.49 a bag and a bag of spinach as a side dish. And with the money I saved I can pay a little extra off the debts;)
My kids loved it, they said I'm the best cook in the world, and you would't get that from a takeaway!

shell2001

Thanks ladies.

I agree with the comment about HM tasting better, Elise was not impressed with her meal "Its not yummy like mummys". We had lunch at home before we set off and I had snacks and drinks for the girls otherwise I dread to think how much more we would have spent.

thriftlady_2

I honestly think that eating out can be the biggest waste of money ever. Don't get me wrong I like a special 'treat' meal out every now and then. OH always has a day off for his and my birthdays (and wedding anniversary) and we go to our local gastropub for lunch. It is always excellent. But, for things like pizzas, Chinese you can always do it better at home, do it cheaper and know exactly what went in it

Isn't it great when the kids say you're the best cook in the world:D Mine always tell my mum that her cooking isn't as good as mine:j bless...;)

liz.._4

I feel so good reading all your comments y'know, a lot of people I know think I'm a bit quirky/tight/weird/obsessed so its refreshing to hear someone else's experience. Thats why I like this forum so much it makes me feel 'normal'!;)