Comments on: Frugality and the Impression of Poverty http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:55:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: tentaculistic http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-981831 tentaculistic Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:56:31 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-981831 I definitely understand Trent's thought that neighbors would judge the use of clothesline, because in many US places (unlike Europe or apparently Australia) it really is true that people connect clotheslines with poverty. It's changing in some places, but not in others. If you otherwise look respectable, people will assume you're being "green" or just eccentric. I definitely understand Trent’s thought that neighbors would judge the use of clothesline, because in many US places (unlike Europe or apparently Australia) it really is true that people connect clotheslines with poverty. It’s changing in some places, but not in others. If you otherwise look respectable, people will assume you’re being “green” or just eccentric.

]]> By: JS http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-943822 JS Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:21:14 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-943822 I'm reading this almost 3 years after it is written, in which time there's been 3 years of recession and green/cheap living has become popular, so perhaps attitudes have changed :) I don't know how this would work in humid and/or cold climates, but one of the benefits to hanging clothes to dry inside where I live (the Sonoran Desert) is that it helps lower the temperature of the room. Also, I live in an apartment, and especially when it gets to be over 100 degrees, I'd much rather hang cool, wet laundry inside then walk to the laundry room and haul back hot clothes out of the dryer. I’m reading this almost 3 years after it is written, in which time there’s been 3 years of recession and green/cheap living has become popular, so perhaps attitudes have changed :)

I don’t know how this would work in humid and/or cold climates, but one of the benefits to hanging clothes to dry inside where I live (the Sonoran Desert) is that it helps lower the temperature of the room. Also, I live in an apartment, and especially when it gets to be over 100 degrees, I’d much rather hang cool, wet laundry inside then walk to the laundry room and haul back hot clothes out of the dryer.

]]> By: Siti Kamariah http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-923207 Siti Kamariah Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:35:50 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-923207 Im from Malaysia and there are clothes line everywhere including the more affluent neighbourhoods :-) Most people do not use a dryer and in fact if you have one, people might think that you are just showing off or cant find a better way of spending your money. On top of that, when ever I use my credit cards I sometimes get this look that says "I dont have money to spend hence I need to borrow". So much negative connotations is attached to frivolous spending. In overall generally most people that I know here are quite frugal. :-) Im from Malaysia and there are clothes line everywhere including the more affluent neighbourhoods :-)

Most people do not use a dryer and in fact if you have one, people might think that you are just showing off or cant find a better way of spending your money.

On top of that, when ever I use my credit cards I sometimes get this look that says “I dont have money to spend hence I need to borrow”. So much negative connotations is attached to frivolous spending.

In overall generally most people that I know here are quite frugal. :-)

]]> By: Terri T. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-916732 Terri T. Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:58:22 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-916732 Those who would begrudge you a clothesline have never had the pleasure of sleeping on linens dried in the fresh air! Those who would begrudge you a clothesline have never had the pleasure of sleeping on linens dried in the fresh air!

]]> By: Jo http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-916338 Jo Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:49:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-916338 I just find this article hilarious! In Australia, EVERYONE has a clothesline. The idea that you would be seen as povo, or that it would bring down property values...just seems bizarre to me. There you go! I just find this article hilarious! In Australia, EVERYONE has a clothesline. The idea that you would be seen as povo, or that it would bring down property values…just seems bizarre to me. There you go!

]]> By: Joseph Librero http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-915230 Joseph Librero Sun, 20 Jun 2010 17:32:46 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-915230 Really? Wow I never thought of clothesline as sign of poverty.:) But that's interesting.:) Taking a sip, Joseph Really? Wow I never thought of clothesline as sign of poverty.:) But that’s interesting.:)

Taking a sip,
Joseph

]]> By: Carla http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-913800 Carla Sat, 05 Jun 2010 04:53:50 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-913800 I find this really interesting reading, as in Australia whether a house, unit or villa, everyone has one. I do not know of anyone that does NOT have a clothesline, no matter what their financial position. I find this really interesting reading, as in Australia whether a house, unit or villa, everyone has one.

I do not know of anyone that does NOT have a clothesline, no matter what their financial position.

]]> By: Christine http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-912541 Christine Wed, 26 May 2010 03:06:51 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-912541 Having my own laundry facilities was one of the reasons I purchased a house and moved out of my apartment 9 years ago. Nothing bothered me more than to go to the communal laundry room and someone had taken my stuff out of the washer/dryer and put it on top of the machine or ran off with something. Being in a small town and living in a 1950's era house means a clothesline is the norm. When I had to survive on disability after a health problem, I pretty much use the clothesline exclusively. Everything smells nice, the items last a lot longer and my gas bill is alot lower. Having my own laundry facilities was one of the reasons I purchased a house and moved out of my apartment 9 years ago. Nothing bothered me more than to go to the communal laundry room and someone had taken my stuff out of the washer/dryer and put it on top of the machine or ran off with something.

Being in a small town and living in a 1950′s era house means a clothesline is the norm. When I had to survive on disability after a health problem, I pretty much use the clothesline exclusively.

Everything smells nice, the items last a lot longer and my gas bill is alot lower.

]]> By: Beth http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-912191 Beth Sun, 23 May 2010 17:27:10 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-912191 Holy Cow! Who knew clotheslines could spike such a long conversation! I grew up on the dryer in a middleclass home, but when I moved to Miami I really learned how to do laundry. You put the clean clothes in the dryer for the 7 minutes it takes to sort and start the next load. The heat, with or without a softener sheet, relaxes the fibers. I reach in for a couple items at a time, and wrinkles shake out, towels are fluffy. I hang on lines in my basement because they were there when I bought the house and I enjoy my little backyard without garroting myself. In summer I open front and rear doors to let air through, but in winter I add heat and moisture to my home with hot laundry strung under the first floor. I watch my neighbors add humidifiers and pump steam out their dryer vents. My electric bill runs between $60 summer and $125 at Christmas with all the lights on all month. Its a 1928 brick and stone townhome with shared side walls and southern exposure, wood floors, and radiator heat. Recent article in Dwell details a designer's 3 story dreamhome with these same features for only $300K, but we sell them here in Baltimore for about a third of that. Its a pirate's life, and its good. Holy Cow! Who knew clotheslines could spike such a long conversation!

I grew up on the dryer in a middleclass home, but when I moved to Miami I really learned how to do laundry. You put the clean clothes in the dryer for the 7 minutes it takes to sort and start the next load. The heat, with or without a softener sheet, relaxes the fibers. I reach in for a couple items at a time, and wrinkles shake out, towels are fluffy. I hang on lines in my basement because they were there when I bought the house and I enjoy my little backyard without garroting myself. In summer I open front and rear doors to let air through, but in winter I add heat and moisture to my home with hot laundry strung under the first floor. I watch my neighbors add humidifiers and pump steam out their dryer vents. My electric bill runs between $60 summer and $125 at Christmas with all the lights on all month. Its a 1928 brick and stone townhome with shared side walls and southern exposure, wood floors, and radiator heat. Recent article in Dwell details a designer’s 3 story dreamhome with these same features for only $300K, but we sell them here in Baltimore for about a third of that. Its a pirate’s life, and its good.

]]> By: Blizzard http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-912179 Blizzard Sun, 23 May 2010 16:15:21 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-912179 "Clothes lines give the impression of poverty"? Uhhh... maybe if their all broken down and drapped from rusty poles, but brand new ones? And how can people see them from the front? Don't you have a fence? As for what the neighbors think? Fuck 'em! If they got a problem then they can just piss off... it isn't like your cooking meth or some shit! Personally I prefer my dryer, but if you lived next to me I wouldn't have a problem. And this whole BS about driving property values down? Utter fiction! Dude! Seriously, just put the clothesline up, to hell with the neighbors! Just tell them it's either that, or a huge HAM radio antenna! LOL! “Clothes lines give the impression of poverty”? Uhhh… maybe if their all broken down and drapped from rusty poles, but brand new ones? And how can people see them from the front? Don’t you have a fence? As for what the neighbors think? Fuck ‘em! If they got a problem then they can just piss off… it isn’t like your cooking meth or some shit! Personally I prefer my dryer, but if you lived next to me I wouldn’t have a problem. And this whole BS about driving property values down? Utter fiction!

Dude! Seriously, just put the clothesline up, to hell with the neighbors! Just tell them it’s either that, or a huge HAM radio antenna! LOL!

]]> By: Rachel @ Musings of An Inappropriate Woman http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-912102 Rachel @ Musings of An Inappropriate Woman Sun, 23 May 2010 00:17:34 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-912102 Fascinating. Where I grew up (middle class Australia), <i>everyone</i> had a clothes line - they might not be associated with being uber wealthy, but they definitely were not associated with being poor. I live in an apartment now, and you're not supposed to hang out clothes on the balcony, but every house I've lived in as an adult has had a clothes line too. Maybe this is an American thing? Fascinating. Where I grew up (middle class Australia), everyone had a clothes line – they might not be associated with being uber wealthy, but they definitely were not associated with being poor. I live in an apartment now, and you’re not supposed to hang out clothes on the balcony, but every house I’ve lived in as an adult has had a clothes line too.

Maybe this is an American thing?

]]> By: Sue http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-912082 Sue Sat, 22 May 2010 18:37:32 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-912082 I haven't waded through ALL the comments here, but I didn't see anyone mention the fact that your clothes last longer when they aren't subjected to being put through the dryer on a regular basis. Our compromise: shirts, pants, towels and sheets go up on the line. Shirts are hung wet on hangers (they hang better, generally), so the effort of pinning them up is not an issue. Underwear and socks are put in the dryer, or hung on an rack. Incidentally, I have a tension rod that is the length of our shower area, so in the winter, I hang pants and shirts up indoors as well when the shower's not in use. Less ironing, longer lasting clothes, less power usage - where's the downside? I haven’t waded through ALL the comments here, but I didn’t see anyone mention the fact that your clothes last longer when they aren’t subjected to being put through the dryer on a regular basis.

Our compromise: shirts, pants, towels and sheets go up on the line. Shirts are hung wet on hangers (they hang better, generally), so the effort of pinning them up is not an issue.

Underwear and socks are put in the dryer, or hung on an rack.

Incidentally, I have a tension rod that is the length of our shower area, so in the winter, I hang pants and shirts up indoors as well when the shower’s not in use.

Less ironing, longer lasting clothes, less power usage – where’s the downside?

]]> By: Robert http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-912069 Robert Sat, 22 May 2010 14:58:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-912069 I do what ever to save money. I don't care what others think. I am not going to spend more to make others think more highly of me. http://rjcleaningservice.com/ I do what ever to save money. I don’t care what others think. I am not going to spend more to make others think more highly of me.

http://rjcleaningservice.com/

]]> By: Heidi http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-910499 Heidi Mon, 10 May 2010 20:00:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-910499 Good discussion starter. We live in a small city in MN just over the Iowa border--about 80% of the houses have a clothesline--and they are used. Our neighborhood does not. We are the newest members and are growing our "lawn" (its mostly weeds) to 3 inches, tilled up a large garden, compost behind the shed, and have a clothesline. But,hey, we're raising two kids, using cloth dipes on 1 (and there's no way those are going in the dryer all summer)and trying to make sure we don't get foreclosed on. Long story short, we can be friendly with our neighbors, but there is a property line and we need this property to help us pay for things. Our reality is such that we cannot afford to pay to be considerate to the neighbors. Good discussion starter. We live in a small city in MN just over the Iowa border–about 80% of the houses have a clothesline–and they are used. Our neighborhood does not. We are the newest members and are growing our “lawn” (its mostly weeds) to 3 inches, tilled up a large garden, compost behind the shed, and have a clothesline.

But,hey, we’re raising two kids, using cloth dipes on 1 (and there’s no way those are going in the dryer all summer)and trying to make sure we don’t get foreclosed on.

Long story short, we can be friendly with our neighbors, but there is a property line and we need this property to help us pay for things. Our reality is such that we cannot afford to pay to be considerate to the neighbors.

]]> By: Soeren http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-876511 Soeren Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:22:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-876511 Frugal is the new black. As a bonus, your clothesline is eco-friendly and green. Go for it. If your neighbors complain, use that as an opportunity to educate them about both personal finance and the enviroment. All else being equal, clothes lines are SMART, clothes dryers are DUMB, and in this Great Recession, using the free resources Mother Nature offers(as opposed to paying high energy prices for dwindling fossil fuels to run your dryer) is the way to go. Frugal is the new black. As a bonus, your clothesline is eco-friendly and green. Go for it.
If your neighbors complain, use that as an opportunity to educate them about both personal finance and the enviroment. All else being equal, clothes lines are SMART, clothes dryers are DUMB, and in this Great Recession, using the free resources Mother Nature offers(as opposed to paying high energy prices for dwindling fossil fuels to run your dryer) is the way to go.

]]> By: steve http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-774072 steve Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:10:46 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-774072 A car up on blocks does not leak fluids unless it leaks fluids. The blocks have nothing to do with it. Putting a car on blocks prevents the tires from flat spotting and the suspension from getting stuck in one position. That's why it's done. But it's only done by those who work with their hands. And in some neighborhoods, that's a "no no". I definitely understand the "poverty" implication of clotheslines. In my family it was clear to me it seemed that anything that could be paid for (drying with a gas dryier) was not going to be done the less-expensive, old way (using a clothesline). It was kind of a mantra for much of the adult generation that came of age in the 50s and 60s. A car up on blocks does not leak fluids unless it leaks fluids. The blocks have nothing to do with it.

Putting a car on blocks prevents the tires from flat spotting and the suspension from getting stuck in one position. That’s why it’s done. But it’s only done by those who work with their hands. And in some neighborhoods, that’s a “no no”.

I definitely understand the “poverty” implication of clotheslines. In my family it was clear to me it seemed that anything that could be paid for (drying with a gas dryier) was not going to be done the less-expensive, old way (using a clothesline). It was kind of a mantra for much of the adult generation that came of age in the 50s and 60s.

]]> By: Rosa Rugosa http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-771156 Rosa Rugosa Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:53:21 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-771156 I actually never would have thought of the clothesline=poverty equation. When I see clothes hanging out to dry, I just think that someone is more energetic, passionate about that fresh-air smell, or whatever, than I am. I enjoy the ease and convenience of the dryer, but dry many items on a line or rack in the basement because the dryer is harsh on some things, and clothes are expensive. Probably the main reason I don't have a clothesline is that I'm a passionate gardener, and a clothesline just doesn't fit nicely into the landscape design on our small suburban lot. It would clash with the gazebo:) Hey, it's our only little piece of paradise, and we have to use it as we best see fit. I actually never would have thought of the clothesline=poverty equation. When I see clothes hanging out to dry, I just think that someone is more energetic, passionate about that fresh-air smell, or whatever, than I am.
I enjoy the ease and convenience of the dryer, but dry many items on a line or rack in the basement because the dryer is harsh on some things, and clothes are expensive. Probably the main reason I don’t have a clothesline is that I’m a passionate gardener, and a clothesline just doesn’t fit nicely into the landscape design on our small suburban lot. It would clash with the gazebo:) Hey, it’s our only little piece of paradise, and we have to use it as we best see fit.

]]> By: Alexander http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-757767 Alexander Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:55:35 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-757767 If I was the richest person in the world I would have a clothesline, as it is the best way of drying clothes. Grow up - get a clothesline. If I was the richest person in the world I would have a clothesline, as it is the best way of drying clothes. Grow up – get a clothesline.

]]> By: karen http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-753956 karen Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:28:14 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-753956 I happen to live in Alaska where nine months of the year your clothes would just freeze on the line. Yes, I do hang my clothes outside in the summer but it really is harder on your clothes to freeze them dry then to use the dryer. I'm pretty amazed at the snootiness of the "green" posters though. Not everyone has the time,room (for inside drying)or climate and if that's what you want to spend your money on that's fine! I happen to live in Alaska where nine months of the year your clothes would just freeze on the line. Yes, I do hang my clothes outside in the summer but it really is harder on your clothes to freeze them dry then to use the dryer. I’m pretty amazed at the snootiness of the “green” posters though. Not everyone has the time,room (for inside drying)or climate and if that’s what you want to spend your money on that’s fine!

]]> By: Timothy Smith http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/comment-page-9/#comment-726654 Timothy Smith Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:59:32 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/17/frugality-and-the-impression-of-poverty/#comment-726654 Trent, obviously, 400+ comments.. this is a good conversation piece. Regardless of which side you take, I think it's cool that you analyzed from both sides, recognized the pros and the cons, and MADE A DECISION with the thought of others(your neighbors)involved. Right or wrong, your an unselfish, rational thinking kind of guy. Unselfishness, and thinking of others are very noble qualities, any way you slice it T.A Smith, Creator, Smile-Therapy.com Trent, obviously, 400+ comments.. this is a good conversation piece.

Regardless of which side you take, I think it’s cool that you analyzed from both sides, recognized the pros and the cons, and MADE A DECISION with the thought of others(your neighbors)involved. Right or wrong, your an unselfish, rational thinking kind of guy.

Unselfishness, and thinking of others are very noble qualities, any way you slice it

T.A Smith, Creator, Smile-Therapy.com

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