Consumerism Commentary - Latest Comments in Extreme Savers Greg and Tara: We Have Some Things in Common

Re: Extreme Savers Greg and Tara: We Have Some Things in Common

Terry Piatt — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 20:30:19 -0000

What the hey? Extreme savers? I earn minimum wage. I buy my clothes at Goodwill and Wal*Mart. I get my soda (pop) at the c-store where I work because employees get fountain drinks free. How do I get on one of these shows?

Re: Extreme Savers Greg and Tara: We Have Some Things in Common

Dus10 — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 07:28:42 -0000

Mrs. L,

Maybe you should buy 2-liter bottles instead, and make sure you still limit yourself to about the same amount of soda a day. You will probably be able to double your savings, again.

Re: Extreme Savers Greg and Tara: We Have Some Things in Common

Mrs L — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 15:18:54 -0000

We all have a 'tragic flaw'. I can't seem to give up my 1-2 cans of soda a day. But I mitigate it by buying it from the store instead of the machine at work.

Re: Extreme Savers Greg and Tara: We Have Some Things in Common

mapgirl — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 13:48:00 -0000

Fascinating. They have no kids and it looks like they have no plans to have any.

I'm surprised that Tara doesn't work. Marketing studies? Sounds like she fills out surveys all day. Even a morning shift as a barista would add a lot to their annual income.

Buying a new car is just fine. Honestly, after all my car expenses this year, I'd be happier just selling the thing and getting a new one that's headache free.

Re: Extreme Savers Greg and Tara: We Have Some Things in Common

S/100/30 — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 12:41:58 -0000

"It works out better in terms of money because she's here working the numbers and managing the money and we donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have to spend on other things like another car and gas," Greg said.

That's a pretty absurd claim, unless they don't actually live in Charlottesville.

Re: Extreme Savers Greg and Tara: We Have Some Things in Common

Jon — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 03:01:35 -0000

It is good that they have saved so much money, but they are not extreme savers. I don't buy clothes new, I almost always buy used. They bought a new Corolla, when most PF advice says to buy used. Why isn't she working? They could possibly double their income and it doesn't even say they have kids. Tracking finances is not a full time job. I do it in my spare time.

Re: Extreme Savers Greg and Tara: We Have Some Things in Common

finance girl — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 22:35:30 -0000

Yay, good for them! They sound like they are really grounded and have their priorities straight. I especially like the fact that she is a stay at home wife and sees managing the money and home as an actual job, that's very cool!

Good for CNNMoney focusing more on examples of how people live more frugally. That's way more inspiring than the millionaire in the making series they had.

Re: Extreme Savers Greg and Tara: We Have Some Things in Common

moneysmartlife — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 20:52:31 -0000

It's great the media is giving these frugal people some coverage. I have an idea for a TV Show called "The Biggest Saver", I won't go into it here but you can read about it:
http://www.moneysmartlife.c...

Re: Extreme Savers Greg and Tara: We Have Some Things in Common

samerwriter — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 17:15:01 -0000

I have to say -- I prefer this series to the Millionaires series. I really dislike the term "millionaire" because it's loaded, arbitrary, and breeds class envy.

But saving is something nearly everyone can do.