I have seen people owning houses in Malton who would not go in for buying a dryer (to be used with washing machine) saying that it costs a lot of money or running it costs a lot of money. They would dry clothes inside during winter. Once I went to see a basement for rent about a year ago and the basement was full of clothes drying on clothes line on wall. They have the money to go in for a $250,000 house but not for a $600 or so dryer or $10-$20 extra hydro bill. They could add it to rent if they want!
They would deal only in cash since they would have to pay tax otherwise.

Also people travel distances to save extra 10-20 cents on an item in grocery. He is selling pack of papad for 65 cents, if I go to abc shop, I will get 2 for $1. Is it really worth saving money like this? It may be same if you put in a value for extra time spent or for gas!

For me personally I have big expenses coming every now and then (may be bad luck) that extra $10-$20 saved like this would not even show up.

Is it really worth saving money like this?

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It's all in the way of thinking..

Having seen similar attitude..I had once remarked a bit bluntly to a friend of mine, \" You are pennywise but pound foolish\". The answer I got was \"Take care of pennies and pound will take care of themselves\". Since then I am still wondering why people behave like that, it's not only here people have that attitude everywhere, In Gulf you will see people keeping families in India, live in small houses in gulf, to save money, yet they buy/build houses worth lacs of rupees.

I guess they think one day I will retire and enjoy all the sacrifies I made.. but that day may not come ...

Hi raj,
I know how you are feeling :-) ..... Everytime I come across someone with this attitude, which is pretty often, I am thrown into this temporary phase of depression....
Spending wisely and saving is very important but at the cost of one's standard of living... I am not too sure.... In fact, I think some desis get too overboard with the saving thing and actually manage to drop their standard of living after shifting to one of the western countries instead of improving it( how ironic!!!!) ..... And mind it... it has nothing to do with one's earnings... I have seen very well paid software engineers eating food which would put a lowly paid daily wage labourer to shame....

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Cheers,
JSethi

Puttings up a clothes line in the basement? Wow! that's the first I've heard that. I would assume that the clothes are obviously going to be dripping or if not dripping, then atleast damp... Which would stink up the entire basement or cause other problems that will force you to dish out dollars for repairs. Who does this!? I still cannot believe it...!

Yes, I have seen people pinching pennies, I guess they don't realize that a penny saved is just that... ONE penny saved... not a penny \"earned\".

But turning ur basement into a clothesline? Well that is a first I've heard that! Might I add, hilarious too!