Comments on: What a Frugality Expert Is – And Why I’m Not One

By: Will is GALVANIZD

Will is GALVANIZD — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:28:34 +0000

After reading the posts by Lola, I interpreted as her stating her opinion on you living up to the image created by herself as you being an “expert” or “authority” in all things frugality and personal finance.

It’s kind of an interesting situation when bloggers who did this solely to track their own progress who gain a following (38,798 for your case at the time I’m writing this) and turn “pro” then humbly shying away from “expert” or “authority status”.

You affect TENS OF THOUSANDS of people in helping steer their financial situation towards financial freedom through the progress and knowledge that you’ve made and attained (and continually make) as well as your insights on how to attain financial freedom.

The fact of the matter is, you ARE viewed as an authority/expert because people will perceive you as one through all the knowledge and experienced you’ve attained through the years of writing on The Simple Dollar blog.

I’m curious to find out what your thoughts are on your the authority that your loyal readership has given to you.

From my understanding there is no concrete way of becoming an “frugality expert” and everyone’s view what is and what’s not varies widely. But when people perceive you as one, do you shrug it off and give a whole new definition to what one is?

- Will

By: Savvy Frugality

Savvy Frugality — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 03:30:18 +0000

Eh. There is no law that says you have to dumpster dive for your clothing and eat stuff you bought from the dented-can sale to be considered frugal. So you spend more on food than some people, but I’ll bet you spend less than others. Personally, I spend about $500 a month on food for a family of three, and some people may think that is a lot.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you have to tell people you are an expert or that you are famous, you’re probably not. If someone else says it, it’s probably so.

By: Sally

Sally — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:22:39 +0000

At what point do you become an expert? And how would you classify yourself if you are not an expert. It seems like you would know more on the subject than a lot of people.

By: Kris

Kris — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:36:14 +0000

I do have to agree with others that I don’t think Lola’s comment was meant to be as harsh as it came across. I also don’t think that Trent’s response was meant to be as defensive as it came across.

One of the problems with posting to the web is that an innocuous statement can easily be misconstrued. Without body language to cue us in on the real intentions of the speaker (or writer), it’s easy to take offense where none was intended.

I love the idea of debating the term “frugality expert.” It obviously means different things to different people. It’s certainly an interesting discussion.

By: Beatriz

Beatriz — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:54:52 +0000

I think we’re all about to become “frugality experts” soon in this economy! Whether we like it or not!

I think Lola’s explanation of her comment was very gracious.

By: Nienke

Nienke — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 07:27:35 +0000

I can’t say I would feel as offended if I were you, Trent. Off course, using the term “frugality expert” is not the nicest way of making your point, but what follows seems to me like someone who just has another point of view on the subject (she even underlines it by saying ‘My point is’). Nobody has the right definition of frugality (or on things like good parenting), so it is only natural certain people will feel different about it (or maybe even stress over it).
Shake it off, and continue with this great blog!

By: Rob in Madrid

Rob in Madrid — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 06:55:39 +0000

It’s comments like that, that make the blog interesting.

By: Jess

Jess — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 06:00:11 +0000

Very well said Trent. Thank you for reminding me that we’re all human. It makes me feel less bad for the spurges that I do, not because they’re frugal but because they make me happy. Tracking every penny drives me nuts so I don’t do it. Budgetting makes me feel in control of MY money so I do it.

As JD says: Do what works for you!

By: Karen M

Karen M — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:32:46 +0000

I re-read the post in question, and all the comments, and I think there was no reason to single out Lola. Many people had the same comment.
Also, many people noted the difference between “cheap” and “frugal,” although there was no reference to them for support. This does seem a little bit defensive.

I don’t believe that Lola’s comment was meant to stun, but to merely throw her opinion in the ring. I didn’t realize the comment section was meant only for people who agree with the post. (But maybe all the comments are not even read, as indicated by the Bible quoting contest a couple of comment sections ago.)

By: BigMike

BigMike — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 01:38:43 +0000

Maybe there food bill is high, because they eat more! I find, when I am home over the weekends, I tend to cook and eat more. During the work week, I am limited by my time and accessibility to food.

By: Ryan McLean

Ryan McLean — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:55:12 +0000

I like what you said. I like the fact that you don’t have to be ‘cheap’ to be frugal

By: Bryan Ogilvie

Bryan Ogilvie — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:52:50 +0000

TRUTH IN PRINCIPLE
Peace Family,

Someone above mentioned that this was the best post you’ve written so far. While I wouldn’t know that for sure, I definitely feel the power that comes through what you’ve put down.

I feel the same way about my own spiritual work at my website. One of the psychological blocks is “I’m not an expert” – but deep down, I know it’s all love because who says you have to be to produce something valuable and share it with the world.

I’m working on my first book, and plan on putting a disclaimer somewhere saying the same truth in principle.

Rather than try to become experts, the world should learn to share it’s passions honestly, without the masks.

PEACE!!!

By: Faculties

Faculties — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:58:07 +0000

Trent, I’m a loyal follower of this blog, and appreciate your posts on a variety of topics. But the one thing that I think could be a bit different is that you tend to get defensive when you see a comment as criticism. I don’t think you give your best advice at those times. And of course, part of learning to handle money well is being willing to examine where you might improve things.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:13:28 +0000

I think money is such an emotional topic. I pride myself on being frugal, but don’t mind spending money on my adult children sometimes. I also know that a Corona is cheap when bought at a grocery store, but sometimes is nicer when shared at a restaurant with friends and some good shrimp. Its all about living well and not putting ourselves into miserable debt.
Trent, I love your honest posts. You make us feel like we can do it without being miserable misers.

By: Anthrodiva

Anthrodiva — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:07:24 +0000

Hmmm, he’s mentioned wine. When I used to drink (and smoke, gasp) even cheap, ‘er, ‘value priced’ wines, I could easily add anywhere from $75-150 more a month averaging just a bottle every other day.

By: guinness416

guinness416 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:38:55 +0000

Yeah, mjukr, earlyretirementextreme is a rock star.

By: hippykidz

hippykidz — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:19:42 +0000

Whoa! Your’re not an expert….? Whew that’s good I never really thought about it before but I tend to shy away from the “experts” offering finacial and or frugal advice. The cynic in me is just invisioning the book title, “How get Rich quick” inside reads… write a book on how to get rich quick. A large part of the reason I stick around The Simple Dollar is your approach of relaying experiences. Often times it is in the way I can see it paralled with my life that the connection really hits home.
“the experts on frugality are the people that practice it as often as they can” That feels a little better rolling off the tongue but I still think I’d rather have what you offer here everyday, Good Practical Advice from someone who “survived” it. Thanks Trent. You’re no “expert” please stay that way.

By: Misty

Misty — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:06:14 +0000

I love your blog and since I start working, it has brightened up my last hour of the workday. Honestly, how many people live everyday as cheap as possible? Oftentimes, you lose out on things that bring you joy and you only live life once. For example, I cut coupons and challenge myself to find the best deal possible- but I like going out to eat with my family because we get uninterrupted time together (my husband works a shift schedule and we have a 10 month old- so dinners are often eaten in shifts at home!) I also like your description of “analysis paralysis” as I find myself frequently doing this- then I ask myself- Is it worth it? Most of the time the answer is no…and I move on. :)

By: Sally

Sally — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:40:51 +0000

Again, cheap vs. frugal. Some people are just unwilling to get it. Being frugal is making informed choices – not just buying anything/anywhere. It is usually about waste not/want not. I might purchase the store name pasta and then also purchase the high end vodka. Informed choices. The pasta is usually covered with a yummy homemade sauce. The vodka – it can stand alone. I buy my vehicles used, but my lipgloss is from Sephora or a department store.

By: mjukr

mjukr — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:37:58 +0000

If you want a Frugality Expert, have I got the blogger for you:

http://www.earlyretirementextreme.com

This guy has a $75/month food budget. He and his DW just moved into an RV together to halve their already ridiculously low monthly budget.

If frugal inspiration is what you’re after, that’s where you’ll find it.

Full Disclosure: I have nothing to do with the above site other than being a devoted fan of the author’s writing.