Are women fickle frugals? | The Frugalista

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.

✭ Lou Elliott Jones on September 30, 2008 at 9:26 am.

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!

✭ Kiauna on September 30, 2008 at 9:45 am.

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).

✭ savvy on September 30, 2008 at 11:11 am.

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

✭ Product Junkie Diva on September 30, 2008 at 11:20 am.

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.)

✭ Coco on September 30, 2008 at 1:15 pm.

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.

✭ Audrey on September 30, 2008 at 1:23 pm.

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!!!!

✭ GLM on October 1, 2008 at 9:25 am.

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

✭ Lou Elliott Jones on October 1, 2008 at 8:44 pm.

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.

✭ Hannah on October 3, 2008 at 3:48 pm.

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.

✭ Mrs. Frugal Folkes on October 6, 2008 at 5:22 am.

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