Frugality

Jon Has Some Comments on Frugality:

     When Aunt Sylvia was growing up and (her body) felt the need for vitamin C, she would go out and find and eat what she called 'sour grass.' She and her siblings survived the depression in some part by eating a lot of cooked hot cereal which they called: 'mush.'

     Those habits persisted in various ways among the siblings throughout their lives, e.g. 'Johnnie' not marrying until he had a house built, which was debt-free (which also cost him a 'trial marriage' on the part of his 'new' wife, my mother).

     Those who have read the book (or seen the movie) Cold Mountain, can appreciate the concept of 'subsistence' farming (or living).) Moving from the Civil War days, forward to the depression era, the books Living the Good Life, and Continuing the Good Life, by Scott & Helen Nearing, document how they achieved financial independence, basically, through their chosen life-style.

     At the reunion this summer I was VERY impressed with the number of young people at their particular stages of life (& family).

     For those who don't know it, but might want to take a closer look, the best way to 'finance' a purchase (home, car, etc.), is to pay a minimum amount down, and for as long a period as is offered (providing that pre-payments can be made against 'principal'). Then, about the time the ink dries on the agreement, put in a 'chunk' of money against the principal, (or an increased amount on the monthly payment - or both).

     Obviously, there are other ways to save money, such as comparison shopping at the grocery store, or buying clothes at the thrift shop (which I do sometimes), but the biggest single thing, I've described above.

jell (Jonnie's son)