Forever Frugal
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- Опубликовано: 14 дек 2009
- We catch up with the one and only "frugal zealot," Tightwad Gazette author Amy Dacyzyn. Her message is that frugality works, both in good times and bad. She shares both practical and philosophical advice on how to save money, reduce living expenses and stay happy practicing frugality.
The Tightwad Gazette was a lifesaver for me!
I have been following Amy for years and got the tightwad gazette delivered, well here we are 25 years later and own 3 properties, retired and debt free for years, thank you Amy
Dawn Morandin so cool! My folks are in your boat too! Kudos
A friend and I watched her on Phil Donahue and wanted to get her newsletters. We couldn’t afford it separately ( I think it was about $12 per year) because both of our families lived under the poverty line with NO assistance of any kind. So, we got 4 moms and shared it. I felt like I was living in the depression era except nearly everyone else had money. We devoured the newsletter from cover to cover. Amy’s newsletter gave me what I needed most. . . hope that we could work hard and get out of poverty. I wish I could say thank you to her and let her know that she helped change the course of not only our lives but our children’s and grandchildren’s lives as well.
Although she has a large family and includes many tips about children, as a lifelong single person, I found Amy's book very useful. So don't turn away from this book if you're on your own. Her emphasis on creativity and fun-- beating the society at its own game-- always appealed to me, and I continue to reread the books every few years. These books also survive as a document of a very different time, though the tips are still mostly totally useable. Amy said that her ideas restated many of the techniques she had learned from her mother and grandmother, who lived through the Great Depression. So her books are a compendium of historically proven ways to stay in your financial lane. Younger people will also enjoy seeing how we navigated daily life without cell phones back in the 90s. Thank you, Amy!
This is how i live.... My life may not be everyone's cup of tea.... But it works for me! I'm happy , blessed to be mortgage free. We thrift store buy and my husband works at a storage unit company. We get to take items before they throw it away. I think its good to keep things others discard if you can use it. So what i didn't buy it . i clean it up ... Paint it and keep it out of landfills. I'm proud of that❤
1:40. That comment about doing frugality in the good times says it all.
Exactly. Real woman right there. I do not wish to sound a sexist but this lady, who would appear a little odd to some, is in my mind far more grounded in reality than many today.
I love this stuff personally.
Dave Dawson .....She's NOT "odd," at all. She's Frugal and Smart. The "odd" one's, are the one's that are too Stupid to Know, that she's telling people like it Should be. The OTHER'S are trying to live up to an "image," of THEMSELVE'S, that they've Created, in they're own mind, or they're worried about "What" OTHER'S think. WHO Care's !!!
I love Amy and her way of thinking. She will never have to worry about what the economy is doing. I want that peace of mind...
midcoasttightwad .....You are NOT a "tight-wad." You are Frugal and Smart !!! ALL of our live's, there will be THING'S to Spend money on. You Can and Will, have the Same Type of Peace. It ALL lie's, in Your hand's. It truly does.
I read her books back in the '90's, when I was in my 20's. Being frugal, of course I didn't buy her books, I checked them out of the library. 😉
Lol, same here. Too broke to buy the books back then. I have the large book of collected publications.
Great resource.
Amy changed my life in the late 1990s. I had been a subscriber of her newsletters and then got her book compilations. I was a born-again frugal zealot. I got married and began saving money wherever I could. I had two kids and raised them on garage sale/thrift store clothes, toys, books, etc. We paid off our mortgage when my oldest was a high school sophomore. We continue to live debt free. Amy is wonderful.
I remember sharing a subscription to the Tightwad Gazette with an officemate. I don't recall how we found it to begin with, and as a single person living alone in a small one-bedroom apartment, there was a lot of advice that didn't work for me; but we both looked forward to it every month and enjoyed reading it and talking about it. If she's retired, maybe one of her kids should update her book.
True, much of the advice was only good for families with youngish children. If you were single, forget it.
Good idea miel.
She was my hero as a new mom. She still is. I still have my copies of her original newsletters all these years later.
I grew up with her book and was always frugal, then when I re-read it as an adult I started putting the finer points into practice, like washing baggies and hitting the loss-leader sales. It's so cool to see her beautiful home. This lady was the "reclaimed materials" DIY queen before it was cool!
Small stuff does add up, many of the younger girls I work with don't understand that one important concept and they are always broke.
Amy, you spoke the truth, and taught the old skills way before others- still love your books - thanks for being a pioneer
You go girl! Repurposing is a great attribute. I love to do it! I LOVE yard sales....it's actually a treasure hunt!
Amy I love you!!! I have your books and when my kids were small and money was extra tight I read those books cover to cover almost every day, it helped ease my anxiety over money and help me feel more in control of my lifestyle.
I so wish you would take up social media and get back into encouraging us to keep up the frugal life. 😃😃😃
She seems so down to earth, sensible, and fun!
I subscribed years ago to the gazette and learned lessons that I live by to this day. Amy is one of my modern day heroes.
I read all her books, and used quite a few of her suggestions. It helped me a lot when my kids were little. The only issue is that there are just some things you can't be frugal about, and that can really hurt you financially. I developed health problems that have never gotten better, and my husband and I have spent thousands and thousands of dollars over the years on doctors, hospitals, medicine, and health insurance premiums. Amy's suggestions certainly have helped my family to an extent, but medical care just can't be "frugal."
I wish she would publish an updated Tightwad Gazet book!
Or a blog or RUclips channel!
The Tightwad Gazette books were a huge help for me back in the day. Our goals weren't the same (mine is no kids and plenty of traveling) but many of her methods were still applicable to my life and I still use them to this day. Thank you, Amy!
Love yard sales, love flea markets...LOVE her stuff!
I love the drawing Amy's daughter gave her for Christmas. What a wonderful gift in so many ways. She taught her well...by example.
That's a great idea: she spends where the money is needed, but knows how to be economical.
I read her book in the nineties, when I was in my twenties. So many RUclipsrs today have capitalized on her ideas, and sometimes they give her a mention, but she deserves more credit! Very sensible. I use many of her ideas. (I only resisted reusing coffee grounds.) It is so nice to see her beautiful home and pleasant demeanor.
I subscribed to her newsletter, before the books came out. I so wish she would start a blog posting one item at a time from those wonderful newsletters!
Kim Gasaway is this so you can save money not buying the book? Realize that the book pays for itself (at retail price - $18) when you practice just one money saving method on it.
I used to think like this and learned that sometimes it's the smartest to pay for the book, information, legal & tax help, CDL practice testing. "Its all free on the internet with enough searching!" What's your time worth? Buy the book and spend those hours to read it, learn new knowledge and filling in holes of your knowledge. Even if you think you super knowledgeable in the subject you learn things you've overlooked & glean a few pointers that are worth the $18 retail price of Tightwad Gazette.
I thought the same way, why should I buy the Tightwad Gazette when I've know so much about extreme frugality? I bought the book (used for less than $10) and learned how to make great tasting lemonade using Store Bought lemon juice. Being a huge soda drinker this saves money as for every 4 gallons of lemonade I would buy 2L of soda. I drink lemonade instead of soda during meals and save money displacing soda. Odds of me finding this tip on an internet article? Slim to none. "You didn't search the Internet hard enough" I didn't know you can buy lemon juice in food stores and use it to make lemonade, and before buying this book I knew it would help me in ways I would only know by buying the book, worst case scenario I'm out $10 & have to give the book away.
She can't do so because the material is under copyright to the book publisher. She can create new content, but would have to be very careful not to repeat too much information.
It's her work though, wouldn't she own the copyright?
@@oevilone That may depend on her contract/arrangement with the publisher. And SMCS, I think Amy D. would disagree with you! She'd probably tell you that you can still probably find it at the local library; or if you have to have your own copy, get it at a yard sale for fifty cents!
We weren't home schooled, nor were we isolated. Don't worry. :) We turned out OK. (Jamie)
Here is what I spend my money on.1. If I can eat it.2. If I can wear it.2. If it keeps a roof over my head.4. Keeps my utilities paid.5. Gets me transportation.
2018. Just bought the book. Trying to do this in good times. Been through bad times and didn’t follow frugality. Working on changing
sweetsavvywally I hope it’s been a great year for you. Another excellent book is “Your Money or Your Life” by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin. You can also get the workbook (which can substitute for the book) for free at financial integrity.org. Totally changed my life.
I LOVE your Kenmore sewing machine! Well done on such a well-made machine. I am a repair technician and frequently suggest similar older Kenmore sewing machines.
I have one of her books.....We live much the same way she does, its amazing how well you can live, living this way :)
Oh my word. I have all 3 volumes of The Tightwad Gazette. I am so glad that you posted this. When will the next book be out.
"Antique" is just a fancy word meaning "old used stuff". ;)
Saving money on small things does add up! I cut our enregy costs by over half per month just by shutting lights off immediately after I leave, hanging up laundry instead of using the dryer.
I love getting creative in how to save cash.
Thanks! I just ordered your book. It was on sale, and by ordering a second book (different book) I got free shipping, which saved me the price of the second book. So I got the other book for free! I love books, and I almost always get my books from second hand shops, or as discards from the library.
Amy was a life line for me. Good to see her again 😊
Hello again Miss Amy! It's good to reconnect you and the Dacyzyn tribe. I once took your newsletter. I plan to keep in touch.
Amy, the original Frugalista. I still have her book, and I re-read it from time to time.
Miss Amy, you're an inspiration!
I used to get her newsletters. Loved them.
i think she is very nice n smart n creative!!! her place is clean and she seems very well put together!
Hi Amy, so glad to see you on you tube. Years go I subscribed to your gazette and loved it. I have never had money and found your way so helpful. I still follow your advise . Best to you and yours.
I wish she would have published a Tightwad Gazette Cookbook *hint hint*
Living on a dime website has gotten permission from Amy to publish some of her recipes
I used to subscribe and own her book. LOVED this book! Have recommended it so many times!
A lot of people lived like this and still do she was just one of the first to go public about doing it
Wow, you live in mansion compared to our house.
Amy is one smart woman. Good for her.
Used items are always sterlized before using them. Wipe used earrings down with isopropyl alcohol. Wash clothes in bleach or pinesol before wearing. People are so strange about having used stuff. There is so much used stuff in the US it is crazy to buy new.
dishesdealer417 ......I know, people are Weird about Used. Not ALL "Thrift" is used.They don't think that Retail is used, when other people try it on ? It's the Frugal people that are the Smart one's !!! Let them spend their money. ☺
I use to b a subscriber to the Tightwad Gazette ! :) it had ALot of Good n Fun Info
I now wish I still had them. I lended them out to others in late 90's n never seen again :(
Thanks for the update - I used to be one of her newsletter subscribers. Yeah for yardsales!!
It’s very environmentally-friendly too!
I am good with money , but still bought her book years ago. She did what many should do. You can still buy her book on Amazon....of course I bought a good used one :)
Excellent! Amy your my hero! :)
Amy has been my light. Now I reach the point of my my life where I have to empty things out. I wonder if Amy has any advice.
Awwww Amy ,your book is worth it just for the recipes!
Over 30 years ago, I got one of her books at a rummage sale. At the time, I was the only frugal person I knew. Tina, Al's wife
I love her.
How much stuff do you really need? I save more by going without.
Me too.
I subscribed to her newsletter back in the nineties. Loved it. But I’m a minimalist and don’t have or want to collect all the stuff she has picked up at yard sales, etc.
We are making tomato sauce from garden fresh tomatoes today, and I keep hearing my laptop go "ding" with my new e-mails. :) I have an 18 mo who is a little small for his age, and of course most 1 yo don't wear shoes out. At thrift shops I have found like new (or NEW!) shoes for my son for between $0.50 and $3.50: reebok, keds, nike, k-swiss. I couldn't find any sandals, so I had to buy those new at Target for $7. Those sandals cost more than all his other current pairs of shoes combined!
Thank you for posting this, I've always wondered what became of the Dacyczyn family, :)
I only eat out once a month (no more than five dollars). I've found all of the furniture in my house (except my bed). I do tons of things to save money.
I love he book 😀
She had a huge house. I don’t know her story of why she needed or wanted a big house when she was SO frugal!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AMY I WISH U WOULD WRITE AN UPDATE ON YOUR BOOK. I gave 3 of all your books 1 to a library 3 books 3 books to a friend 3 to ka shool hoping itll hive some students a good start.
good tips:) i also try to learn this to the ppl here in Holland. And were even frugal here already:p
Do you mean teach?
I got that book at a Library sale. I never pay full price for stuff. LOL
She has wood burning stove for that. And plenty of blankets and warm clothes. Exactly those sort of things were spoken of in the book.
I have a pair of Eastland leather shoes that are the most comfortable shoes I own and I wear them just about every day. They were $5 at Goodwill. I checked their website, and these retail for $60. Booyah!
@DorPurseFreak I got a used copy (Amy would be proud...lol) of the Complete Tightwad Gazette off of amazon.com...total cost just over $6 and that was with shipping fee! Might wanna see what you can find there if you want them again. So worth it!
Her book is wonderful. I bought it years ago through a book club.One of those "Any 6 books for $.99 deals". For cheap music,go to the library & take out CD's & copy. I have about 50 & cost about $.50 cents or less to make.Buy blank CD's @ Big Lots or Family Dollar, etc.
She is still the best! I learned so much from her newsletters. I will always be grateful for her advice.
I got a brand new pair of Skechers tennis shoes (leather with tags) for $4 at the local thift shop. Somebody bought them, decided they were uncomfortable (the style is cute but a bit odd) and gave them to charity. They were a bit uncomfortable so I did a little work with some scizzors and you can't even tell, and now they are very comfy. I was going to go to a shop and pay $60 - $80 for new tennies anyway, but now I don't have to. You never know what you will find
Curious as to what is Her purpose for keeping a basket of old watches
She probably waits till the one she has on dies, tosses it, and gets another from the basket.
Doin it the good times. Being thrifty is on. Hello to Family.
Does anyone know what or where I can find the recipe for Amy's versatile fridge dough?
I shop at the thrift stores mainly outerwear clothing and I never told my friends. I am happy what I am doing but if I tell my friends some of them will never come to my house. Ironically my friends love my sweaters and when they ask me where I bought them, I simply say I bought some store in downtown.
"I simply say"....do you think they are idiots?
Spring Time ......Read your Comment.I have shopped THRIFT STORE'S for Year's and year's.That's what SMART people do !! Will do it forever, by Choice. Happy Shopping !!!☺
Spring Time ......I'm the one that just wrote. Some people that I know, act too good, turn their nose up, or are afraid of germ's, or think that everything is used. So what? They're forgetting...In retail store's, thing's are tried-on too. Guess some people think that they're a__ is royal, and have an attitude. I tell them exactly "where" I get thing's, and I'm not ashamed. I'm proud, because I usually look better than the one's that are alway's complimenting, and I, SAVED a bunch of money. It's their dumb LOSS. Hold your head up High Alway's in life, and Never let Anyone, make you FEEL, less than, about Anything.
What snobby friends! Amy Dacyczn would point out that they spend affluently but probably don't have anything left over each month and can't put money towards savings. That's a high price to pay for a name on a label.
Spring Time, "Friends"? Not so much, my friends think it's totally awesome whenever one of us scores some great clothes at a thrift shop. Find some real friends.
just requested the book from my library :)
How about a dollar for chapstick? No, seriously.... I have every newsletter she wrote. She's inspiring in such a spendy culture.
2020
2021 hehe.....We made it😃
Amy often talked about her husband, Jim, in her newsletters. I'm concerned that she didn't mention him in this video. Does anyone know how/what he's doing?
There is an Amy Dacyczyn Fan Club page on Facebook. Fun!
@SmokingCub--The name was changed to Tightwad Gazette Fan Club. If you look for that, you should be able to find it.
I love Amy she's frugal like me Amy been yard saveing over twenty five years or more I am soo much like u don't have news letter but I stretch my dollars like bubble gum am prou d of it I only shop yard sales
She is ahead of her time. The ultimate recycler.
Hi Amy!
I make my own earrings!
Trash picking is a way of life for many.
I need to learn to be thrifty ...I really do
Beth g You can get her book used on Amazon for under $10. It's funny, fascinating, and eye-opening, and will definitely pay for itself!
I use to get her newsletter since I had five children, but I figure that the DD who did the drawing is the one who told a reporter when she was about 12 "I've never even had as much as a NEW pair of shoes from JCPenny's." I do know that Amy had money saved so each of them could go to college. Mine have gone to college as well.
Jibbie49 ......Read your Comment. Hope that you are doing well now. I never could See, Parent's "paying" for College, for their kid's.They can get a Job and pay for it themselve's The Parent's Need to be Saving for their Retirement. By the time the kid's are through with College, the Parent's have to Work part-time then, because their Social Security isn't enough.
Clearance racks only discount grocery store PA like using triple coupons u have no coupon sd meats I shop after holidays eighty ninety percent off for the next Xmas or any holiday use coupons senior discount on top half price tags it so worth it love your way living I have taught my kids grand kids how yards ale use coupons so much more
I bet this lady is a multi millionaire in cash
my mom has the same machine
I remember when Phil Donahue had her on and the NY audience made fun of her.
I'm sure they're not laughing now!
@mynameisdarthtater we use to have free refills at the mcdonalds in canada but there was so many people keeping there cup they took out the free refills.
The key is being frugal in other areas so that you can afford to own and heat your dream house.
Yep...a DVD player.
lol
I love Amy. Just wondering if it is a good idea to wear earrings that have been worn by someone else.
Granmom can not shop how years ago now she survives off $65.00 and we live with her mom has some goverment help but we are leaving in 2 years from her. I never want to help clean yet granmom says one day she will be gone and I need pay attention her teaching on home cleaning and how spend money sparingly.