Plano Profile March 2010 : Page 79
IN REVIEW In CheapWe Trust: The Story of a Misunderstood American Virtue by Lauren Weber (Little, Brown 2009) I N THIS TIMELY BOOK, the author exam- ines the phenomenon known as thrift, frugality or cheapness during our coun- try’s history. Sometimes praised, but often ridiculed, its popularity has been cyclical. It has been endorsed, or not, based on the needs of the country’s economy at a given time. During economic downturns or wars, our leaders suggest we should be frugal, but when we are urged to spend money to be patriotic (to create more jobs for veterans returning from World War II, for example), most of us can be readily convinced to do so. Lauren Weber also looks at how pressures to spend or save affect each of us as individuals. Ideas we learn from our parents, peer pressure, ready credit, and relentless advertising are just a few of the factors that come into play. It’s no wonder we are confused! The author grew up with a father who was extremely frugal. He kept their home thermostat at 50 degrees in winter when she was growing up; he used his brakes and turn signals sparingly on his car so as not to wear them out; and he got 10 to 12 cups of tea out of every tea bag. However, he never said “no” to a beggar, and he willingly paid for a first-class col- lege education for each of his children. The author herself admitted to some- times walking up to 30 blocks rather than pay $2 to ride the subway in New York. She learned some of her father’s lessons, in spite of herself. So the subject of spending and saving is complicated. I really enjoyed the twists and turns and the many points of view considered here, including comments on our current economy and concerns raised by the “Green” initiative. I’m rather frugal myself, and proud of it! ■ Carole C. Deily is a librarian and avid reader. Her reviews appear monthly in Plano Profile. ut ien This Year: Maintain Your Weight! Jhon Whitaker has been helping people lose weight and keep it off for 19 utilizing hypnosis and non invasive cold laser therapy. Most patients begin iencing results after just one visit! Let us show you how! lost 38 pounds and didn’t even have to think about it. kn know I will not gain it back. – Beverly G. Plano, TX Call today for your free screening appointment. 972-934-7066 Look for us on Good Morning Texas Jhon H. Whitaker, CHt,DCH 1312 Village Creek Dr., Suite 800 (just north of G. Bush Parkway) www.drjhon.com 5 WEEK MUSCLE TONING BOOT CAMP - $20 This is the same famous MUSCLE TONING BOOT CAMP that we regularly sell for $99! Better than Curves! We have better equip- ment, you can raise the resistance, and it’s all done in PRIVATE, not even women are watching you work out! 5weeks$20, online or in-store. 972-398-2827 Preston & Park Blvd. PrivateWorkout.com MARCH 2010 PLANO PROFILE 79 SAVE $4on your next order. Offer valid on select products. Cannot be combined with any other offers.Offer code must be used when placing the order. Offer expires 3/31/10 CODE: PLPRO337 972-985-6400 3304 COIT ROAD PLANO, TX 75023 EdibleArrangements.com
In Review
Carole C. Deily
In This Timely Book, The author examines the phenomenon known as thrift, frugality or cheapness during our country’s history. Sometimes praised, but often ridiculed, its popularity has been cyclical.
It has been endorsed, or not, based on the needs of the country’s economy at a given time. During economic downturns or wars, our leaders suggest we should be frugal, but when we are urged to spend money to be patriotic (to create more jobs for veterans returning from World War II, for example), most of us can be readily convinced to do so.
Lauren Weber also looks at how pressures to spend or save affect each of us as individuals. Ideas we learn from our parents, peer pressure, ready credit, and relentless advertising are just a few of the factors that come into play. It’s no wonder we are confused!
The author grew up with a father who was extremely frugal. He kept their home thermostat at 50 degrees in winter when she was growing up; he used his brakes and turn signals sparingly on his car so as not to wear them out; and he got 10 to 12 cups of tea out of every tea bag.
However, he never said “no” to a beggar, and he willingly paid for a first-class college education for each of his children.
The author herself admitted to sometimes walking up to 30 blocks rather than pay $2 to ride the subway in New York.
She learned some of her father’s lessons, in spite of herself.
So the subject of spending and saving is complicated. I really enjoyed the twists and turns and the many points of view considered here, including comments on our current economy and concerns raised by the “Green” initiative.
I’m rather frugal myself, and proud of it!
