I’m so glad I grew up in a frugal time, with parents who were very careful with their finances. We didn’t buy anything we didn’t need, but we did cave and get a black and white television. Afterwards we could watch some Air Force jets take off as the channels got ready to shut down for the night. We did get very small allowances each week and that was how we were able to have a little bubble gum or some candy. As a rare surprise we got to go see a movie at the picture show on the Square, but in the afternoon when the price was cheaper. We never saw a steak on our table, nor any seafood except the occasional catfish we caught at Jackson Lake. My dad’s mother was a seamstress and made me a pretty dress for Easter every year.

We always grew our own vegetables, plus kept chickens too. I still have a can of English peas every Thanksgiving to remind me of the days when we were glad to eat something out of a can just once a year. My Mom was happy to find an A&P when we moved to Jackson from Washington, Ga. but they didn’t have ordering or delivery. Today Walmart, Publix and Kroger now have delivery, or you can pick up your order at the store. But what I really like are the sales, and of course the Buy One, Get One Free, you know … BOGOs.

Even better than that is when something is … FREE! The last time I went in Dollar General, they were giving away single bottles of water. So, I grabbed one of those and then finished my shopping. I came home, and put away all of my Food Depot, Publix and Dollar General goods after scanning them. It’s convenient that I don’t have to enter the prices on Publix and Walgreens anymore. That helps me be frugal with my time too.

I did get another freebie this week … two tickets to a Jon Pardi show at Stockbridge’s new amphitheater! I kept hearing the ad on WJGA and the DJs mentioned they would be giving away tickets to the first callers. I loved hearing the announcement Friday morning, and grabbed the phone. Thank goodness I won! I didn’t want to drive to Jackson so I got my grandson Tyler to pick them up for me. I had already enjoyed listening to Jon Pardi on some of his recordings via the internet. He has a warm country sound to his voice and I really enjoyed hearing him! There were also some other performers with him that night.

Now, I like being frugal, it’s just in my blood. But, I wish Biden and some of our other elected officials could be more frugal. I can’t believe how much money they are blowing, and they just keep upping the numbers. I have no idea what our numbers in the red equal for the USA, but I bet the deficit is growing on a daily basis as they keep overspending! I know I’ve talked about writing to George Bush and telling him to put that card down and preserve our future America’s funds. I never heard back from him though, but now we have the option of emailing our elected officials. I’m not going to converse with Biden though, and never did with Trump either. I do keep up with my state officials, but so far they all seem to be doing their jobs well and NOT blowing funds as much as those in the White House. I’m proud of Henry County and McDonough city officials for being careful with our future. At least some of our leaders are frugal!

Beverly Wittler has four children, eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She lives in McDonough.