Living on the Cheap
by Claudine ZapFeb 5, 2009
Who knew that a time would come when being called a 'cheapskate' would be a compliment. But living a recession-proof life doesn't have to be all bad. In fact, recessionistas have sent all things 'cheap' spiking over 300% in the last week alone. Many have become famous for their new, lean lifestyles. Here, a roundup of our fave super savers.
Cheap Thrills
They rent DVDs at the library, ride bikes for fun, and manage to make dinner on $6 a day. Oh, and did we mention this family has four kids, one wage earner, and they've been thrifty for 11 years? Meet the Heinz family, as featured on the 'Oprah Winfrey Show.' While their lifestyle might seem like a financial feat, teacher Brett says it's an alternative to living beyond their means. He makes it sound so easy!
Penny Pinchers — and Proud of It
Not to be outdone, ABC also showcased a family that bills itself as the 'cheapest family in America.' Their biggest tip: It's all about freezer space. We're guessing a microwave figures prominently in their daily lives. The Economides (yes, really their last name) put out a savings newsletter where they offer tips so you, too, can go to the grocery store with walkie-talkies, track down the good deals, and clip coupons.
Lifstyles of the Once Rich and Famous
Clipping coupons, we don't think so. Adjusting from the high life of being a banker's date to standing by your unemployed man has taken a toll on some New Yorkers, who formed Dating A Banker Anonymous. The bloggers bemoan their transition from hip restaurants and concert tickets to (gasp!) nights at home with their depressive mates. Some critics have questioned whether the blog is just a ruse to get a book deal — how's that for a money-making scheme, bankers?
A Man and his Blog
Of course, a blog is a great way to spend your days if you are an unemployed investment banker. The blog Laid-off Dad is a forum for one such unfortunate banker 'biding time between layoffs' through his blog. The ex-banker who once gave out investment advice now doles out parenting tips: 'It can't be a good idea to cover your body with a sofa cushion and let your hyperactive monkeyboys jump on you for half an hour straight.' We hope Laid-off Dad is saving something, since we wouldn't want him to lose his sanity.
