A good article frugal living from cheapest service.-Lou
10 Famous Penny Pinchers That Teach Frugality
On June 19, 2011, in cheapest,
Guest Post by Delores Thompson
The term penny pinchers left a bad taste in my mouth as a kid. I always heard it used in a negative way as one who was stingy to the extent he/she was a hoarder. There are extremes to every situation but I want to write about those who would give us an example of frugality. To be frugal is one of the wisest things one can say about a penny pincher’s reputation.
- You probably know some. I know a few. My Dad was one. We never went without the necessities of life but he for sure made every penny count. He was born before the depression in 1908, and lived through those horrible years of poverty and drought. He came out on this side of those years and lived to the ripe ole age of 102 and ½. In that time he managed to stay out of debt, and died leaving an inheritance to his six children. One of our favorite stories was how he paid for his 150 acre farm in about 3 years. He did not like the idea of owing anyone anything. Leaving that legacy his children are trying desperately to keep in today’s difficult economy.
- When I think of Jack Benny, an actor and comedian, a penny pincher is what comes to mind. Jack’s real name was Benjamin Kubelsky. On his radio and TV shows, he was presented as a penny pincher who was afraid to turn loose of a dollar. He always gave us a laugh when he questioned the cost of something simple. History tells us he was not that way in real life, however only those who knew him best, knew the difference in the actor vs. the man. And as believable as he was in his acting, I came to accept him as being a Penny Pincher more than just frugal. The world and my generation still miss Jack Benny.
- Many people are very well acquainted with Dave Ramsey. If one wasn’t a penny pincher before meeting him via his TV or radio program, we soon become one. His seminars give the bold statement of “if we live like no one else today, then we can live like no one else tomorrow”. Being frugal becomes the passion of those who sit through his seminars. We are made to realize how debt is defeating us and keeping us from having what we need or want. Learning how to live on a budget, and stick by that budget, pay off debt and stay out of debt is one of the most freeing things one can learn. I vote for Dave Ramsey as a Penny Pincher we appreciate. Where was he 30 years ago?
- Abraham Lincoln is one fascinating man. I say that in present tense for the simple reason, he continues to live because of the impact he had on future generations. I had not thought of him as being frugal, however history records that he urged Americans to do just that. Lincoln spoke of making compromises, which can help all in the long run. “Give up the convenience of owning a lawnmower and share one with several neighbors, for example. Use neighbors to your advantage to save money. You can trade services, share tools, etc. United we stand…you know the rest.” On another occasion he said, “Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser – in fees, and expenses and waste of time.”
