Cheapskate Jeff Yeager has a new book out. You might recall that he spoke at Morenci’s library last year. A friend of mine was interviewed for the book, but I don’t know if she was included.
Yeager is saying that cheapskates tend to be happier people:
Not only do Yeager’s cheapskates donate more money to charity than the general population, they also have lower divorce rates and higher education levels. Although their politics and religious views span the spectrum — from Christian conservative to hippie freegan — they’re united in their rejection of consumer culture, excessive borrowing and waste. They also believe the cheap life is the happiest.
Sara Eckel introduces her interview with Yeager this way:
Before the economy imploded, cheapskates were considered a pitiful bunch — frumpy coupon moms racing across town to save 19 cents on baby wipes, joyless penny-pinchers subsisting on ramen noodles. Meanwhile, the cool kids were starting wine collections and equipping their homes with plasma TVs and stainless-steel kitchen appliances.
Then, in the drop of a Dow Jones average, frugality suddenly became fashionable, and all those still-unpaid-for off-road vehicles and granite countertops became symbols of foolishness and excess, rather than success.
You go, Sara!!