Extreme Frugality | Recession Drives 'Cheapskates' to the Extreme

Blogs blossom from saving sprees

Turning down your AC to save money? Amateur!

The recession has driven up the savings rate and caused many people to be more cautious about their spending. Some people, though, are going to extreme measures to save money or cut  back spending. It’s almost like they view it as a challenge or a trend.

In fact, a few people have turned their exreme frugality into  a hobby, writing blogs about how to save money.

Exhibit A

Amy VanDeventer is a good example of extreme frugality.

“I was already cheap,” said VanDeventer, a 36-year-old mortgage loan underwriter from Broomfield, Colo. “Now I am neurotic about it.”

Though VanDeventer was already saving 25 percent of her income before the recession started; she now saves 50 percent. She does the usual things, like clip coupons and dress her daughters in hand-me-downs. But she also slices open lotion bottles to scrape out the last bits and salvaging bagel scraps her kids leave on their plates.

“I do it out of fear because I would rather put that money in the bank or purchase something we really need,” said VanDeventer. Socking away all that money is a good way to avoid needing payday loans.

Blogs on being cheap are free!

Lynnae McCoy runs a blog called beingfrugal.net. In January, the site got 110,000 hits. That’s 30 percent more than a year ago. McCoy’s blog gives people tips on how to save money by making their own detergent and other household goods, among other helpful advice. She recommends replacing liquid fabric softener with vinegar. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Extreme Frugality | Recession Drives 'Cheapskates' to the Extreme"