Meet a Reader | Ginger from Texas
I sent Ginger the Meet a Reader information a while ago, but as she says, life happened, so she had a bit of a delay in (e)mailing in her answers.
But I never mind a delay! If you've got the questions from me and you've been sitting on them a while, it's totally ok to send them in. 🙂
Here's Ginger!
1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm a 53-year-old mother of 2 (grown) and grandmother of 4. I've been divorced (unmarried) for 15 years. Wow, time flies. My ex-husband and I have an amicable relationship.
My daughter lives in California and we talk regularly. My son and his family live in Montana. We have not spoken in over 8 years; that's a long story and mostly my fault. I pray for them all regularly and wish them blessings and love.
Two dogs call me Mom: one Bluenose Pitbull (Krude Male/neutered) and one Rhodesian Ridgeback mix (Jewel female/ spayed).
My dad passed away in 2022 and my mom lives in Oregon.
I had two older siblings, but my sister passed away in a car accident in 2000 and my brother passed away from MS in 2020 so now I'm an only child.
I'm currently between houses, and I live in Amarillo, TX. (That's part of the "life" issues.)
2. How long reading the FG?
I'm not sure exactly, but it's been a few years. Searching for information on food waste led me here.
3. How did you get interested in saving money?
That's easy, my mom and growing up in the PNW. Oregon is strong into recycling, reducing, and protecting the land. When I was a child, they started the bottle refund program.
I remember a shirt that I loved wearing with a caption about saving energy by turning off lights.
4. What is the "why" for saving?
The main reason is being responsible for my part in protecting the planet's resources. I don't put the planet over people but it's in part of the balance. Another reason is necessity, so I can afford to do the things I love to do.
5. What's your best frugal win?
??
6. What's an embarrassing money mistake you've made?
So many, how to choose? I have put money into learning various ways to make money. Nothing wrong with that but I didn't follow through with the application part.
So, the money was wasted, maybe. But I did learn some things that I find I use today. This is a good example of how, even when I feel I made a mistake, I try to learn from it.
7. What do you splurge on?
I know some people are going to not understand but going out to eat.
Being between houses and living in hotels mostly, it's hard to cook. I'm not much of a cook even when I have a house. I save money where I can to keep it frugal, like by using apps, coupons, value menus, etc.
8. What's one thing you're not remotely interested in splurging on?
The latest technology.
I don't need to spend money on something I'm going to damage right after I get it. I have 2 laptops that have broken screens. The models I have are touch screen, so that could be a problem. They work, at least they did the last time I used them.
My current phone has a broken screen protector. Which happened less than 24 hours after I got it.
I don't have a TV or anything that goes with it.
Another thing I don't spend much on is make-up. I have a couple of friends who sell some. So, I support them occasionally. I do like my purple mascara though I don't wear it much.
9. What would you do if $1000 was dropped in your lap?
Right now set it aside for a deposit on a rental.
10. What is the easiest/hardest thing about being frugal?
The hardest is not developing a poverty mindset. I want to be frugal with a plan. For example: I'm not going to get A because I want to do B. If I buy A, it will take longer.
The easiest is saying no to the newest tech.
11. Is there anything unique about being frugal in your area?
There are many second-hand stores near me. Which can be a good thing or not. There is not much convenient recycling. So, I don't recycle like I did in Oregon and Washington State.
12. Are there any frugal habits you've tried and abandoned?
Clipping coupons. I would collect coupons but I would forget I had them. I never made much savings for the time I spent doing it.
13. What do you wish more people knew?
That it is okay to have a different opinion about something. The people who want you to be just like them aren't real friends. Real friends want you to be the best you can be even if it doesn't line up with them.
14. What is your favorite type of FG post and why?
Five Frugal Things (FFT) with Thankful Thursday a close second. (I think FFT should be FFF-- Five Frugal Finds. Because not every item that is frugal is a "thing.") I'm always on the lookout for other ways to be frugal. I also like that some things I do automatically are frugal. I have learned a lot from this group.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to share a bit of my life and perspective. Thank you, Kristen.
I'm open to any and all questions but I don't always get to email promptly.
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Ginger, thank you for sharing with us, especially in the midst of some life upheaval!
I'm sorry to read of all the family losses you've experienced; it sounds like life has been tough in a lot of ways for you over the years.
I want you to know that I smiled when you used the phrase "unmarried" because I've used that a few times too...like I say that I am in the process of getting unmarried.
That's an interesting thought about Five Frugal Things; I guess I think of "thing" in a rather general way. Like, it could be a physical thing that I obtained (like something from my Buy Nothing group), or it could be a thing that I have done (like replacing the headlight bulbs on my van).
Are you planning to stay in Texas? And how do you like Texas compared to living in the PNW? I've visited Dallas and Austin, but I've never been to the PNW.
Hi Ginger!
How hard is it to find a place to stay with dogs? Do they charge a fee for the pets?
I think we all have our own ways to be frugal, even if it's not what others do. For example, I buy individually bagged crackers and snacks for my kids' lunch, because it saves me time and energy and reduces food waste. (And if I buy big bags meaning to separate them into small portions for lunches, that rarely happens- they get eaten too quickly!) So if eating out makes sense for you, that's great!
I hope life gets smoother for you in the days ahead!
@mbmom11, yes, it is hard to find housing with dogs especially when one is a pit. Many places do not allow pits and other breeds as well. Some allow only small ones. Some allow dogs but their yards are not set up for bigger ones. Yes, there are usually fees. The fees vary from place to place.
I've done the same thing with the snacks and crackers. I buy the big bag of chips thinking I'm going to separate them and I don't.
Hi Ginger! Waving over the NM/TX line, and wishing you luck with your housing situation.
@kristin @ going country, thank you.
Ginger, I'm glad you finally had time to submit your "interview". Thank you for sharing.
I too try to be kind to the planet. I lived in IA for many years and a bottle/can deposit helped keep litter down.
I have a cracked screen on both my phone and my tablet. It never fails that my phone screen cracks but I just keep using them.
I hope the difficulties in your life are soon behind you.
@K D, thank you.
Your comment about not developing a poverty mindset struck a chord in me. Very much an issue with a lot of us frugalistas, IMO.
@Fru-gal Lisa, yes, as long as we keep aware, we can monitor it and keep things in balance.
Ginger, I understand about eating out. It's my biggest splurge as well. I pray that you are able to get into your own place soon!
@Brooke, thank you. I'm glad I'm not the only one that splurges on out to eat.
Hello, Ginger! Thank you for sharing. I think your point about the poverty mindset is so important. I have tried very hard not to raise my children to be worried about money/have the poverty mindset. Time will tell, I guess, but I do feel sorry that I can't help my son who is in college more. It is hard to see him struggle, but, on the other hand, I am hoping it just makes him stronger. (Note to all: He eats just fine. But no car, etc.)
@Jody S., I was in the same position in college. Paid for everything myself, my parents gave me no help. It was hard but I was very happy most of the time.
Hi Ginger, nice to meet you. I love your statement that real friends just want you to be the best you can be.
@Beverly, I like that comment of Ginger's, too. And, Ginger, I send best wishes for easier times ahead in 2024.
@Beverly, thank you.
@A. Marie, thank you.
Hi Ginger! Is that your name or a nickname? You look like a redhead! So am I and my daughter but no one's ever called us "Ginger."
Sorry about your son. We have family estrangements in ours too, and it's painful. Your dogs are super cute, though!
@Rose, it's my real name. I have a lot of people ask me that. I have red in my hair but when I was a child I was blonde. My nieces and nephews are red headed. They were born with red hair.
Nice to meet you. I wish you good luck in the future. I hope things get easier for you. Sorry about all your losses. I have no original family members. But i have 2 great kids and a fabulous hubby. I am with you on tech. I have an ancient apple phone but it works and it was on sale for $150. Love your photos. I like to splurge on pocketbooks and hair. I get my hair done every three months and I only have one pocketbook.
Hi, Ginger,
Obviously pets are in your "Worth it" category for spending, as they are in mine. Especially when living alone, a pet can actually keep you healthier as well as provide companionship.
On a side note, not many dogs - if any - have a coat as glossy and pretty as a blue or blue and white pit bull. It's as though they are wrapped in satin made out of smoke.
I hope you find a great place to live, soon!
You have some good insights in your post. Thank you so much for sharing!
@JD, what a poetic way to describe the glossy coat - makes me want to find a blue pit bull to admire!
@Suz,
Gosh, thanks, that's so sweet of you! My mother quietly wrote poetry all of her adult life, 99% of which she never shared, outside of a poem tucked in a grandchild's birthday card now and then. We found a huge stash of her poems after my parents passed away. I think any slight poetic tendencies I might display are her influence on me.
Hi Ginger,
You strike me as strong and brave. "Between houses" is a phrase and a situation that puts me in a fetal position under the dining table with my thumb in my mouth. I hope that resolves for you very soon. I also hope that your relationship with your son can be rebuilt.
About not spending on technology: I thought you were going to say that you didn't want to spend on something that is so quickly out of date. When I read that you damage new things immediately, I almost laughed aloud. I recently dropped the external backup hard drive for my laptop and now it blink, chirps, and cannot be recognized by the laptop. It might be broken but now I have to figure out how to truly break it so I can toss it without fear.
"Things" in FFT means things including happenings, events, situations, thoughts—things in our life rather than specific items.
My mom also lives in Oregon. She's in a graduated care kind of place. Such a fabulous state!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, sometimes I feel like curling up in the fetal position, but my dining table is in pieces in the storage unit.
Thank you for your kind words.
Hi Ginger - I would prioritize being able to eat out in that kind of situation too - I find it stressful to have to plan food in terms of eating it up, what to move to a new location, how to store it, whether it makes sense to buy the cheaper large amounts, etc. And I'm also with you on the favorite posts - FFT and Thankful Thursdays are my favorites too!
Your dogs look so sweet. (I'm glad Kristen shared the note about blocking out your friend in the picture though; when I first glanced at it I thought Wow - is that a realistic arm dog toy??)
@Suz, you explained some of what I have to think about in terms of food/food prep very well. It's easier to just get something through a drive through. But I have to think about the cost because I'm saving money for the new place. One of those catch-22's.
Hi Ginger! Thank you for sharing with us - both the good and the hard.
I think it's neat how you grew up learning to care about the planet's resources because that's not something I had as part of my upbringing. It's something I had to learn as an adult and am hoping to pass on to my kids. What a gift that you've had that from the beginning and have been able to share that with others.
I wish you all the best in 2024!
@Ruth T, I continue to learn about what I learned as a child and to appreciate it. Thank you for your kind words.
Hi Ginger, thank you for including a photo of yourself. As an older person reading all the lovely comments here, I struggle with remembering who is who. A photo makes it so much easier for me and makes comments so much more personal. I too am saddened by your recent losses and hope and pray that the future holds many new joys for you.
@Elaine N, thank you.
Hi Ginger, nice to meet you!
Your dogs are lovely. I hope they make you feel at home wherever you are.
I am happy to hear your divorce was amicable. It makes all the difference for the new start you had to make, I think.
@JNL, it does make it easier when you are not fighting over every single thing. I have heard some horror stories. I'm blessed and say a prayer for those who have/had it harder. Amicable doesn't mean no pain but it is not exasperated (I'm not sure that is the correct word, but I think you get what I mean.).
Ginger, I love your answer to #13. What do you wish more people knew?
That it is okay to have a different opinion about something. The people who want you to be just like them aren’t real friends. Real friends want you to be the best you can be even if it doesn’t line up with them.
So true, you articulated it well Ginger. Thankfully most of my friends, family and acquaintances don't mind that we have opposing views on some things, though a few do, and I have to tread lightly so as not to cause relational problems.
@Linda Phillips, thank you. I also have situations where I need to "tread lightly."
Thank you for sharing your life with us. I love that you have found a way to keep two dogs, even when times are hard. I hope this coming year is a better one for you.
@Lindsey, thank you.
Oh Ginger, I’m sorry for your loss of sister, brother and dad.
I hope life settles down soon for you.
Wishing you new friends and fun adventures ahead. I’m glad you have your dogs. I’m sure they’re great companions. Thanks for sharing some of your experiences.
@Martha O., thank you for your kind words.
Hi Ginger, It is a joy to meet you and your lovely pups. I appreciate your good insights and honesty about not having a perfect life just now. Sending good wishes for things to look up very soon. An amicable divorce is a great plus and a pretty rare thing, well done!
@Erika JS, thank you.
Thank you for sharing Ginger. I also like 'unmarried.'
(although now I can say he died... Well,,, he did.)
'I’m glad Kristen shared the note about blocking out your friend in the picture' though; when I first saw it I thought, how did she do that?
Praying for all the best in 2024!
Nice to meet you, Ginger! I love your "green" mindset!
Hi Ginger - Thank you for sharing your thoughts and words with us. I too am an open book and smile when I encounter like mined people. Take Care, Maureen
Hi, Ginger!
Thank you for sharing your life with us. I find what you said about not developing a poverty mindset very thought-provoking....I think that's what happened to me as a kid (my parents made plenty of money, but were not smart about saving, etc....long story there). I realize I missed out on a lot of things when I was first out on my own, because I was afraid to spend money.
Anyway, your dogs are beautiful. I am sorry for all of the losses you have endured, and I hope the new year brings you peace and a comfortable home.
@Liz B., thank you.
Ginger, thanks for giving us a glimpse into your life! I'm sorry to read of your losses and current housing situation. I hope you can get settled soon. You shared some insightful and important nuggets; I especially liked "The main reason is being responsible for my part in protecting the planet’s resources" as I like to be a good steward, too. Here's to a bright new year!
@MB in MN, thank you.
Ginger, I enjoyed reading your Meet the Reader commentary - thank you for making the effort to complete that. I too found your comments about poverty mindset thought provoking. Frugality by necessity is a much more difficult endeavor than frugality by choice.
Sort of related, I do find that after years of being careful with money and focusing on saving that ingrained behavior makes it hard to spend money - it feels uncomfortable.
I have known people who have more than enough money but can’t use it to be generous to others, including themselves. It makes me feel sad for them.
@Jean C, yes, I too feel sad for people who can't be generous with themselves or others.
As for spending money, I have to think about it long term. I know I won't take it with me but I want to have enough to support me for how ever long this life will be for me.
Hi Ginger, thanks for sharing. I admire your honesty in the way you describe your relationship with your son. That takes courage! I hope you may be reconciled with him one day. Also, you look great for 53- wow!
@SK in Norway, thank you. My mom looks young for her age as well. It's mostly genetics.
I never comment but wanted to say how much I appreciated Gingers honesty in her Meet A Reader! Thanks for being real Ginger. It can be hard to admit fault in family relationships but it is a very mature thing to do.
@Kat, thank you for your kind words. I do work at admitting my part in conflicts. I can change me but I can't change someone else.
Hi Ginger! Thanks for sharing your story. Lots of it resonates, especially the idea of not developing a poverty mindset. I hope you resolve your housing situation soon! Housing woes are so stressful.
@Jem, yes, housing woes are stressful. It's been going on for a while but I'm focusing on what I can do. Thank you.
I live in Oregon (currently Bend, but I've also lived in Portland, Beaverton, Lostine, La Grande, etc) , I've lived in California for a whopping 3 weeks, and Arizona for a whopping 3 months !! and I have friends in Texas. I am jealous of their winter weather but would HATE their hot weather.