Are Indians in Western countries Thrifty and Smart or just Cheap and Misers?

Hi Decentguy Read ur article and liked it friend ..some of us can be pennywise and pound foolish.....of extra careful with money to the irritation of their own children, still it cannot be summed in few lines .
Depends the family past background, fear of going bankrupt.or something like that . It is as if we waste money..the money gives a good bye,...we Indians have ALWAYS BEING MONEY WISE ..we invest better bring up our children to be a little careful etc....but for those whose earnings are limited ..i feel it is better to be selective in spending.

 

-Buying summer clothes in winter and winter clothes in summer (on sale)

- Recycling kids birthday gifts/gift cards/goody bags to others

- $10 off on $50 purchase coupons- pooling up with others to reach the $50 mark and divide the discount

- Divide the costco products

 

Oh I saw some examples of miserliness that was frankly baffling. Never saw such misers in India as I have seen here in US. I have seen Indians in my univ go from dept to dept in search of free food and soda, people go and camp in other people's apt for weeks and not even help out or contribute towards expenses, seen 4,5,6 people live in one bedroom apt illegally (working ppl and students), working people live with practically not even basic furniture etc etc. the best part is so many of them come from well to do families.

I am sure I will be pounced on by many so disclaimer- these are my experiences based on what I saw.

 

OMG- just too much

 

I find this thread very interesting DG......Yes even I have come across so many people who come here for short term trying to save money by not allowing themselves the slightest entertainment.........I think wasting money is not good but spending money wisely to have all the comforts and luxuries of life is required..........Im a kind of person who likes to splurge in luxury........I personally believe in Living life king size by ofcourse saving enough for the future............

 

Some people really don't have the time or the inclination to watch the cable channels. Also, many of the local channels are available in high definition if you have one of those "rabbit ear" antennas. Further, most every thing is available on Hulu or the internet, so your argument for not subscribing to cable despite having a fancy television is unfounded.

Plus, a large screen television does not automatically mean one only watches cable shows. Most people I know (where both couples work full time) seem to use their televisions primarily for watching movies or games, during the weekends when they have time.