Living Frugal – Duggar-Style
I’ve been battling some crudge lately – a likely byproduct of a sick boss, some pre-wedding stress, travels to see my family (little boys are germ mongers) and frankly – it’s just that time of year. So last night after dinner, Future Husband retreated to the basement to play some video games (and escape his sick Future Wife) and the Evil Cat and I curled up in our favorite chair and turned on that time-sucking pleasure known as television.
I try not to watch an abundance of television, but I’ll make an exception for Monday nights on TLC. If any of you have seen those ubiquitous commercials where some lady sultrily sings “it’s a beautiful life …” while gorgeous families cavort in green fields, you will know that Monday nights are family night on TLC and that means “Little People, Big World,” “Jon and Kate + Eight,” and my latest guilty pleasure – “17 Kids and Counting” featuring the Duggar family from Arkansas.
As the title suggests, Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar have 17 kids and they have number 18 on the way. And last night’s episode was interesting, because they finally showed how this family of 19, soon to be 20, manages to make ends meet on Jim Bob’s single income and without credit cards.
To successfully watch the Duggar family, I’ve had to leave some of my cynicism at the door. Prior to last night’s episode, I figured there was some sort of trick to their success. A hefty inheritance in years past, sponsorship deals like “Jon and Kate” are striking to finance trips to Hawaii and Disney Land or – quite honestly – credit cards. Feeding, clothing and nurturing 17 kids and two adults? That can’t be cheap.
Last night’s episode was an eye opener and I took from their family a lot of things that I can adopt when it comes time to have my own. From making their own laundry soap to shopping at the thrift shop and at Aldi’s, their cost-saving measures can be adapted for any family in America.
Now that I’ve espoused the Duggar Family’s frugality, it’s time for a recap of yesterday’s “latte factor.”
$6.63 – lunch in my building’s cafeteria. (I had lunch packed from Sunday night’s chili, but forgot it on the counter. Not my smartest moment.)
.75 – Diet Coke
.90 – Animal Crackers from vending machine. (The beef stir fry from the cafeteria didn’t cut it.)
Total: $8.28
Stay tuned – did this writer learn her lesson on Monday and manage to brown bag it on Tuesday or will she go out for lunch? (Hint: Uh … yeah.)
Posted: December 2nd, 2008 under Everyday Living, Where My Money Goes.
Comments: 9
Comments
Comment from Laila
Time: December 2, 2008, 7:32 am
I’m a big fan of Aldi’s for certain staples. However, I will not buy meat or produce there.
And I’m sure the Duggars receive money from their television specials so I don’t think they are strapped for cash but I do admire their thrifty lifestyle.
Comment from Melanie
Time: December 2, 2008, 9:48 am
I love the shows you have mentioned, in fact I went and bought all the ingredient to make the laundry soap (which also double as dishwashing detergent) and plan on making my own laundry soap as soon as the stuff I have runs out. I let you know how it turns out!
Comment from M E 2
Time: December 2, 2008, 10:08 am
I have no problem with the Duggars’ frugality, it is the rest of their, ummmmm, *lifestyle* that I have major issues with. As one of my sisters put it to the other when I asked her to explain the Duggars : “They are just weird” :-X
Comment from Michelle
Time: December 2, 2008, 1:18 pm
Laila - Thanks for the note. And I’m sure you’re right - I don’t know too many people who would let camera crews into their homes for free. 
I’m also a fan of Aldi’s, although I really need to get there more often than I do.
Melanie - YES! Let me know how it works. We’re Era people in our household, but if it works - I’m willing to give it a try.
ME 2 - MSN just had an article about the Duggars today and I don’t know - I know what you’re saying. I don’t have issues with their lifestyle, but they definitely stand out in a secular world. I’m just trying to figure out if I’ll be able to adopt Michelle’s way of dealing when her kids act up - she lowers her voice. I don’t know if I can do that.
Comment from Emily C
Time: December 2, 2008, 1:44 pm
Don’t have direct tv/cable - could you please explain about some of the other things they do to be frugal. I have heard about the “soap” thing - but I am down to 4 in the family and an ERA lasts about 5 months - a small drop for each load of laundry - we older - not stomping through mud puddles anymore. But I am interested in other frugal life tips from them. Also - lots of hand-me-down clothes and what does the Mr. do for a living? Is the house paid for? Insurance? How many of the kids drive? Public schools? How many are in college? That sort of thing. Thanks - always!
Comment from Gea
Time: December 2, 2008, 5:45 pm
The duggars have some serious issues they need to deal with but yeah, they do seem pretty frugal. I love little people big world but I loathe John and Kate, she is such a b***h
Comment from Deb
Time: December 2, 2008, 7:35 pm
I don’t think many men can watch Jon and Kate. My husband too, leaves the room when I watch. I just love her organization and the kids are so entertaining. I don’t think it’s fair to call the Duggars ‘weird’…I would not choose to live the way they do, but they seem to be doing a lot better than some smaller families I know. They seem to be very close and really love each other…what’s all bad about that?
I’ll take a look at the laundry soap too - I don’t use much…about half what the bottles tell me to…a little goes a long way.
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