'Tis the season to fight for frugality

As I have watched TV during the last couple of weeks, I have been overwhelmed by ads encouraging me to spend, spend, spend to get that special gift for my child/wife/mom/boss/neighbor for Christmas.

I know the ads are there every year, but with our current economic woes, they annoy me more than usual.

Which got me thinking, once again, about frugality and readers' responses to recent columns I've written on the topic.

A reader who identified himself as "liberal Larry" wrote in an online post that he thinks Americans have lost all sense of reality when it comes to spending.

"One of the biggest culprits is borrowing," Larry wrote. "If you look at how much the average person spends on interest, servicing debt, it's just ridiculous. ... I think it would be wise to spend some time in the high schools teaching kids about basic financial practices, such as budgeting, etc."

I agree, Larry, and I know many Utah schools are doing just that. However, I also believe that the best financial education comes at home, so parents need to get their own economic houses in order. It may not be easy, but it will pay off in the future — for you and for your kids!

Another reader, identified online as "Mr. Frugal," said he has learned that lesson.

"I decided long ago that the rat race wasn't for me, so I quit my high-stress job and have rarely made more than $10/hour since, even with a bachelor's degree," Mr. Frugal wrote. "We have lived very frugally. We don't have cable TV, rarely eat out and the latest is I've started riding my bike to work, which has had enormous benefits — I've lost 30 pounds, look and feel great, don't worry about my car passing emissions and I don't care when the price of gas goes up.

"We have gotten out of debt and live on cash, put our savings in the bank. ... and at 59, I can take time off whenever I want. Life is pleasant!"

That sounds great, Mr. Frugal. I don't think I would enjoy making the sacrifices you have made, but I'm glad they work for you.

Another reader, identified online as "cgb," also wanted to give "two cheers" for frugality but is concerned when it is taken "to extremes."