rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

And I also. My mother always said, "Think of the poor starving Chinese". I'm not sure how they would benefit from my eating all my food - but at least I remembered the admonition!

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

I too got that admonition, and I always thought (I would never ever say it aloud,) "so send this to them....."

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

Yup[/quote]

My situation is similar to yours, and to several other posts here. I was born in January, 1928, so I guess you could say I'm a child of the depression. We didn't have much, but got by. We couldn't afford fresh milk, so used canned milk, which I never have liked. We didn't have any fancy food, but my mother was a good cook, and made things work - leftovers never went to waste. Most of my clothes were not new - and having patches and darned socks was not new, either. For a while, my father worked for the SRA (I think it was - anyhow, the State Relief Agency, in California) so there was a slight advantage there.

I always have been frugal, and inclined, perhaps, to save too much, as one father who was mentioned here. It certainly has paid off in clothing, though. When I moved to the Philippines, six years ago, I brought shirts (mostly T-shirts from my basketball coaching, Nike and Russell, given to me by the schools) and have not bought any in the six years here. One of the shirts I like enough that I've worn it more than half the days here, at least. I had a pair of Florsheim wing-tip shoes that I wore for 50 years, and had half-soled 6 times (still looked almost new), but didn't bring with me. They were the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn (and were too expensive, but turned out to have been a great value). Here, I mostly wear my basketball shoes and shorts, and almost never have bought anything.

We don't go out to eat, here, so don't need "doggy bags". We can't afford fancy food, but are careful to get good quality and avoid waste. My wife has developed into a very good cook (very intelligent, capable and practical).

We don't buy things we don't need, which is maybe the best way of not wasting! Being frugal - but not obsessive - is an excellent way of life, no matter how affluent you may be!!!

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I applaud your frugality. My wife and I are both retired. Raising three children, we found that most of our money went to raising them and getting them through college. We had a little money in investments, but not much to speak of. Fortunately, our parents on both sides were investors and had done well in the 90's, so we inherited from both sides. That got us out of credit card debt!! The rest is still invested and we hope to leave it for our kids. We live on our retirement income. Throughout my working life I've purchased the following for myself: a stereo system, some nice camera equipment, and a 65" tv. That's it. I did splurge the last time we bought a car, in 2007, on a Lexus GS350. It now has 165,000 miles on it, and runs like a champ. Paying the extra for a quality car was worth it in the long run. Instead of having to trade in and continue to have payments once it was paid off we've put that payment into savings. We bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2005. Still have that. Not quite as reliable as the Lexus, but it's good for around town. With no encumbrances, we sold our old house and built a new one close to my daughter with quite a bit more room. The other one was small but near a lake and the land had really gone up in value. We paid for most of the new house, nearly 3 x the size, with what we got for the old house.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Sounds Good!

DickC Loc: NE Washington state

LOL. me too!!

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I remember just once I told my mom that those “starving”children could eat my leftovers. Mom said if I wanted to watch TV, I could. I thought I was in heaven. When my father came home, mom and dad had a little chat. I was called into the kitchen where my butt was beat. I never had a smart mouth to my parents.

DickC Loc: NE Washington state

I felt the same way in Viet Nam...poor liitle peckerheads would come up to you and beg for food and then blow your ass apart!!

steveo52 Loc: Rhode Island and Ocala Florida

Ditto

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

Then I would be prepared by bringing my own carry home bag or box. I figure that if I have paid for the meal, then it is mine to either leave or take with me.

MTDesigns Loc: Corryton,Tenn.

My third beer.