Your Two Cents: Do You Have Frugal Fatigue?

May 7, 2009

We've officially been in a recession for five months, but it feels like that's all we've been talking about forever. We can't do anything about the news variety presented to us, but it seems some consumers are displaying their frugal fatigue by spending discretionary income on non-essential items.

According to his research with stores around the country, Marshal Cohen of market research firm NPD Group Inc. said, "If you have kept your job and your income, you are tired of being so frugal." Still, some experts say that frugal habits are here to stay and the job situation has a long way to go before consumer confidence gets a big boost.

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15 Comments

LittleMzFit 3 years 51 weeks

I voted No, which is generally the truth. Only sometimes do I feel like I'm getting tired of it. For the most part, I am a happy person & not materialistic. :)

esmerb 4 years 1 week

The fatigue hits me the most when I really, REALLY want to buy something like a purse or clothes!

Ladytron7000 4 years 1 week

What's funny is that only people who have money lost any, and frankly, boo-hoo, so you'll have to rent and retire on social security just like all your employees. Otherwise, either you have a job, or you don't. We are all just learning that we are not entitled to money, so we better live within our means. It's odd to call that frugality. I have always said no to mcmansions and suvs and consumer gluttony.

Chouette4u 4 years 1 week

*Knock on wood*, but my husband are I are doing the best financially right now than we ever have. It's somewhat annoying to keep hearing bout being frugal when I want to hear about what we should do if we have some money to spend/invest. Then when I want to go spend money, I feel guilty and spend less, which doesn't help the economy any.

green socks 4 years 1 week

I've had to live frugally since college (recession or not), and have another 2 years ahead of me while in grad school. I sometimes wonder what I'll do when I am actually making enough money so I can't actually hear the IRS laughing at my tax return...

Spectra 4 years 1 week

I'm like TidalWave, too...I've kind of always been frugal, so the whole recession thing hasn't really changed my spending habits much. I do kind of get sick of being SO frugal sometimes, so I'll allow myself a little splurge, like a yummy scented candle or a new lip gloss or something. Nothing too over the top.

lickety split 4 years 1 week

we cut way, way back about a year and a half ago ($850 a month). then the recession hit and since my husband is self employed it was pretty scary to think about what could happen. we don't have frugal fatigue, i suspect, because of the fear of what would happen if we over spent. my dad asked me how being self employed is more scary than the fear of being laid off, and honestly, i don't know but for some reason it is.

7showgirl7 4 years 1 week

I agree with TidalWave, I've never had a lot of money to spend so when I find bargains I'm thrilled.

TidalWave 4 years 1 week

Maybe i'm just too poor to be affected by all this. My life hasn't changed at all since this "recession" and I've been practicing these frugal habits for years now.

OHmeetsBK 4 years 1 week

There are definitely moments when I wish I didn't have to worry anymore and could just buy what I wanted. However, I've definitely learned a lot and am proud of how we've handled our finances lately.

carhornsinapril 4 years 1 week

i do get tired of being frugal sometimes, but i'm proud of myself for learning how to be more effective at it. it's been a really empowering experience to learn how to save more and spend less. i just try to treat myself to something small occasionally, so it doesn't feel like a total chore.

margokhal 4 years 1 week

I never get tired of being conservative with money - I'm just tired of not having MORE money! :D

smaine07 4 years 1 week

I have been being a lot more frugal for even longer since I have been working out getting out of debt.. so YES I get tired of being frugal.. but I do allow myself to splurge sometimes..and you know what? I am still getting stuff paid off, so its ok!

MrsRachel 4 years 1 week

I've been getting a kick out of finding where I can spend less. I love coming home from the grocery store and showing my husband the bags and bags of stuff I got for 5 or 10 bucks after coupons! :-)

ilanac13 4 years 1 week

i have to admit that i'm a little tired of really saying no to myself about doing things. it's fine - cause i'm learning what i can live without ,but sometimes it's nice to just be able to go out with friends. for example, this friday one of my friends is having a b-day party and when it was set for one location i could go cause it's not that expensive but they moved it and i just can't justify the cost.

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