Friday, May 15, 2009

Frugal or Cheap?

So, to say I am cheap is putting it mildly. I am constantly looking for ways to save. I overpay my bills. I don't spend money on weekends away...or go to Saratoga to gamble at the casino or racetrack.

I'm a cheapstake...through and through. And to be honest, it is something I am really proud of. Sure, I could have a bunch of toys. I could have the swankiest of all iPods. I could own the newest and nicest cell phone. I could spend oodles of money on shopping trips...getting the nicest, newest clothes out there. I could buy a nice, new car instead of driving around my gas guzzler that is paid off.

I don't make a lot of money, but I make enough. I could afford some of the above mentioned things. But, if I did...I probably would have some level of credit card debt. I have none. If I did...I probably would be 20 years away from paying off my school loans instead of less than a year away. If I did...I probably wouldn't have a nice little chunk of change sitting around waiting to be a down payment on a house.

Yes, I am cheap. I live that of a miser. I have often said and it is true...if you go on a first date with me and use a coupon. I can GUARANTEE you...you will get a second date. That's hot, folks.

So, why am I giving you a run down of my cheapness and my pride in it. Well, because there is an
article
talking about the movies and snacks. I love movies. I love snacks. It is basically asking if bringing in your own snacks to a movie is frugal or cheap??

The article sums it up saying you should NOT do it because it is how the theater makes money and it is illegal. I think we know my response to this. I bring my own food and drink EVERY SINGLE TIME I go to the movies. I've been doing it since I was about 15 years old.

First off. Who in their right mind can afford to go to the movies anymore? I have a nice Netflix subscription and I use it well. And if I do buck all my cheapness and go to the movies, I am not going to spend another $15 bucks on a soda, box of candy and butter drenched popcorn. Sure, I love the popcorn and the million calories that it contains, but I am just not going to do it. I go to Target or CVS and buy a box of candy and a bottle of Diet Coke. I am set for the movie...for a little more than $2.

If that's wrong....I don't wanna be right. Candy sneakers UNITE!