"Frugality Not a Fad." Says Wall Street Journal

I recently came across a news story from The Wall Street Journal about frugality.  If you are reading FrugalFortWayne.com, I am guessing this is a topic that also interests you.  Let me summarize and highlight the article for you.

The WSJ did a series of surveys and found the following very interesting statistics:

• 75% of consumers shop with lists, compared to 45% in 2008
• 20% of grocery sales are private (store brand)
• 44% of Americans are shopping at bulk stores
• 72% of Americans say the economy still has a way to go to reach bottom

Another interesting tidbit the surveyors found was that diapers sales were down 1% from this time last year.  It was discovered that American kids are staying in their diapers longer than kids in other countries.  Not surprisingly, diaper rash ointment sales have been on the rise.  Very interesting, huh?

The commentators also discussed how luxury item sales have not been dampened by the economic downturn.  This is evidence that America is developing a, "huge wealth inequality gap."  Essentially, the middle class, as it was known, is shrinking. 

This got me thinking about my motivation for maintaining a frugal lifestyle.  Essentially, Kate and I were raised with this mentality, so it is mostly second nature for us.  However, I think that many of our generation were not taught a lot of these skills, simply because our parent's generation lived in an entirely different economy than ours. 

FrugalFortWayne.com wants to help, so if you have questions, please don't be afraid to send us an email at frugalfortwayne@gmail.com.  We are not experts on everything, but if we don't know an answer, we will try to find out for you. 

Good Luck on your frugal journey, don't get overwhelmed, and remember, "a penny saved is a penny earned."