Are women fickle frugals?
This Associated Press article says that women are more likely to buy cheapie cough syrup or generic eggs than purchase bargain cosmetics or cut-rate food for their pets. Uh, yes. I’m one for frugality, but more like the "shop in moderation" variety. I still wear MAC make up, I just recycle old tubes so I can get some of the lipstick for free. I don’t buy generic deodorant, but you will find store-brand eggs in my house. If I had a dog, I know I would try to find a way to feed it the best food. Who knew that it’s genetic? heheh
According to the article:
…shoppers are opting
for cheaper brands across many product categories, including
over-the-counter medications, eggs and milk.
But they’re more reluctant to switch to less-expensive pet food as well as cosmetics, personal-care items and toilet paper.
”People are trying to save money, but they are being selective about
it,” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart.
I think the editor-in-chief of ShopSmart has been reading The Frugalista Files! LOL
Does frugality have its limits? Are you a selective frugalist? Does your pet eat high-end food? Where do you splurge? Where do you spend?
10 Responses to Are women fickle frugals?
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I refuse to give up my Clinique. I just buy when I get freebies. If the cats will hunt mice and squirrels, then they will eat most cat foods. We buy brand name, but not expensive pet store stuff. Generics: If the store has a good rep, like Publix, then I buy their house brand. I figure they want to protect their rep while providing value to their customers.
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I never noticed it before, but it’s true. When shopping, I almost always go for the store brand in regard to eggs, milk, etc. But when I get to say the cleaning supplies, or health and beauty isle(excluding make-up) I always go brand name! Wow!
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I think I’m pretty frugal in general, trying to find the best deal on almost everything. I don’t deprive myself of anything but why pay more if I don’t have to? I consider it wasteful and I don’t like wasting anything, especially money.
I have no problem using Suave or Target brand shower gel but you won’t catch me at the HoJo or Motel 6. I buy a variety of store brand products (pasta, yogurt, frozen veggies) but I think generic or store brand cereal is digusting and I’m willing to pay the premium for Kellogg’s (or whoever).
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I splurge on products and I do believe that frugality has its limits. On a side note by cat enjoys Boars Head honey glazed turkey from time to time and she refuses to eat an off brand…some nerve! lol
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So true. I buy name brand stuff when I feel it makes a difference. Aleve and ‘Wal-Aleve’ both contain the same amount of the active ingredient. I can’t tell the difference. MAC vs anything on that $.99 display – BIG difference.
Soap or shower gel-cheap stuff. Toilet paper -Cottonelle (ok, I’m drawn those cute little puppies on the package. Marketing works.)
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I don’t think shopping smartly is fickle. I will definitely save money in some areas, usually where taste doesn’t matter just so that I can spend more in other areas. That’s where the budget comes in. Brand names in the shower and bathroom don’t matter, just what’s on sale. I know how long it takes me to use up my favorite skincare line, so I budget for that expense every couple of months. I’m not picky about most dairy products at all and even enjoy some store brand cereals (Safeway Select)but can only eat ice cream sandwiches made with Eggo brand waffles and Breyer’s Vanilla ice cream. It’s all about shopping carefully.
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You know, sometimes generic IS just the same as the name brand. I mean, Giant Foods had the best cold medicine, till they discontinued it. And I use Cetophil for my moisturiser, as opposed to Shisedo.
And if I could find an eyeliner that stays on as well as MAC that was cheaper, I’d buy it. But guess what? There ISN’T ANY!!!!
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Oh Product Junkie Diva I love you. Our cats love Boar’s Head Tavern Ham. I thought I was the only one who shared that. LOL
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I’m all about store brand cereal, paper products, deli meat and bread. But no cheapo Wet n Wild makeup for me! It just doesn’t work as well.
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Nah….You always have to have one person who goes against the grain, and I guess that would have to be me. I’m kind of old-fashioned in my mindset, and I’m a SAHM, so that makes it easy for me to view as “splurges,” what many other women view as necessities. I skip manicures, make-up, name-brand clothing (for myself,)…you name it, I can come up with a cheaper alternative, AND more than one good reason to choose it! My blog only shows the tip of the iceburg. I make my own laundry detergent, look for the cheapest deals on all purchases, clip coupons, substitute cloth or re-usables whenever possible. (We even use cloth diapers, and potty train early around here, even though you’ll see I have a TON of free disposables, LOL!) However, I must agree with whomever said she won’t do Motel 6…and I try to use the most effective deoderants and toothpaste. Around here, we value education and experiences more than most “things,” so the splurges are more likely to be on travel, a good meal out, a family membership to Sesame Place, and I’ll splurge on anything that helps me raise smarter kids. How’s it workin’ for me? Frankly, I like how I live, and I’m proud of the choices I’ve made. Even if my husband’s income eventually reaches what we used to make when we were DINKS (double income, no kids,) I don’t think I’ll ever go back to being a spend-thrift.
Lou Elliott Jones