frugalista

These are the brand addicts every company dreams about -- engaged, highly loyal consumers. But one has to wonder if there are just too many istas these days. Frugalistas, recessionistas, Palinistas, urbanistas and more -- it's enough to make a buzzwordista burst.

The term "frugalista" may be trademarked, but frugality is so hip the practice deserves a new, rights-free term. Let's call ourselves the "frugalite," as in, "frugal" and "elite." Or call it "thrift store chic." We may be doing this because of the recession, but baby? Frugal is the new...

Some people would argue that if money's tight, people shouldn't be eating out at all but the fact is that many Americans, including myself, still indulge. In fact, there are plenty of ways to pay McDonald's prices but get a sit-down meal. Many restaurants have been running specials since people...

Now that I've self-identified with the "frugalista," it's already time to buckle down and start budgeting for the rest of the holiday season. Frugalistas are known for spending little on typical consumer goods (think expensive decorations, electronics and clothing) but maybe a little more on good...

A few weeks ago, one of WalletPop's lead bloggers and chief word geeks, Tom Barlow, sent around an email bringing our attention to the word "frugalista." I declared it should be the first entry to our "financyossary" (fashionable finance glossary) and made a mental note to write an ode to...