I found this fascinating article online about profiling the frugal consumer. I had never seen the difference laid out between being frugal and voluntary simplicity. I'm surprised to find I don't fit the profile of a frugal person. It doesn't mean that I'm not frugal. I just don't fit the profile.

Profiling the Frugal Consumer

What are your thoughts? Do you fit the profile? (If you don't want to read the whole article the short version of the profile is on page 5).

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I sort of fit into the frugal catagory. I WANT to do all of the things listed but don't. I have LOTS of debt. I can't seem to stop myself from useless spending. I want to plant a garden and grow veggies and stuff. I want to be a full-time homemaker. So I guess I'm a frugal wannabe! LOL

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That was boring, yet interesting at the same time. I didn't fit the idea of a frugal consumer either. I do consider myself frugal, but I am a work in progress. As a family, our worst habit is eating out. We do it alot on the weekend & we need to stop. I work hard to save money wherever I can, but I do tend to go overboard on a good sale. I'm trying to find the middle ground.

Is there a difference betweeb being frugal & being thrifty?

I don't think I fit that profile either.

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Meghan9.Samantha7,Cameron5

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no way! we love chocolate, soda and the internet!

-Lucky

I thought I fit for most of the things. Except for in the finance area, oh and I really do like to eat out too much. DH and I are really into DIY more because we couldn't afford to do our projects if we had hired it done.

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Kimberly Proud Mommy to Bethany Rose April 2006 &

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I fit some of those, but definitley not on others. I think they were way off base on some of their thoughts too, such as frugal consumers are very brand and store loyal. I know I'm not, and I think most of the frugal people I know just buy what's a good price and shop where the best prices are.

I didn't fit the profile either, it was interesting though how they classified the "frugal".

I didn't fit the profile either. I wonder about the study - it looks like it took place in New Zealand several years ago, so I don't know how it would apply to our culture today. I thought it was interesting to say that frugality is a personality trait. I've always thought it was a way of life that had to be learned.

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I agree that it is a tad outdated, Kim. I do believe that frugality is more a personality trait. Some people have frugality and savings inbred in them. Sure, they may have to learn how to do it, but I do think their is an inner voice just in me (and not in my brother, for example) that I just want to be frugal.