My Family's No-Buy Experiment

This was an inspiration to me, flawed too, like "borrowing" the paper (how about bartering, I'll mow your lawn in exchange for your paper when you've finished with it). As for the Costco food, he paid for a membership where they give out free food, and does a person who does not have password protected internet access mind if others use it, maybe, I know of several local businesses who allow people to park in the evening to use the internet. I don't NEED anything, I think I'll leave my $ at home

Not everyone has to be poor or struggling to learn lessons about saving money. This article really inspired me. We make a very comfortable living, but my husband and I feel our kids have way too much "stuff" so we are doing a major decluttering and finding ways to save money. There is no excuse to waste money, whether you make $10,000 a year or $100,000 a year.

I also agree with those who feel this "experiment" was in poor taste.

from the comments. i gather that most people who will be reading this. are the people who have never been homeless, nor hungry? in which i have been both, and at the same time. imagine that! in the end unless you are wealthy enough; you can't much with you!!!sure you can take the fancy,expensive jewelery you have on. and the clothes they cut n tuck to make you look dressed. and whatever a family member tosses in your coffen. but know this you don't even have a pair of shoes to cover your feet...

This article (My Family's No Buy Experiment) is offensive. If Hochman REALLY wanted to experience no buy, he wouldn't read his neighbor's paper and return it to his driveway before he got up. His no buy is at the expense of his neighbor. His trips to Costco to eat all the "free" food are really offensive. That food is not free. It means all the rest of us who shop at Costco are helping to pay for Mr. Hochman's no buy experience. If you really mean it, then don't take advantage of the rest of us

Great article! I'd also like to add that www.StretchThatDollar.com is featuring REcycling state groups as well :) Individual State Recycle, Yard Sale & Grocery deals! *You will definately wanna sign up for your local state board!* Here is where you go to find great Yard Sales that offer FREEbies as well as cool local shopping deals + things you want to give away or are looking for...for free! Here's the direct link: http://stockpilesrus.servertalk.in/stockpilesrus-ftopic475.html (((HUGS)))

I agree with everyone who called the author a thief and a mooch. Since when is borrowing without returning not stealing. Taking food from the needy is entirely unethical (the free meal at the Hare Krishna Temple). I find it incredible that this author found stealing from his neighbors to be an acceptable way to not spend his own money.

I was delighted to see this story listed and disappointed by its content. There is a tremendous ecological and ethical, if not economic, difference between choosing to consume less (sustainable self-sufficiency) and continuing to consume goods and services, such as junk-food samples and a neighbor's unsecured wi-fi bandwidth, for which someone else is footing the bill (laziness and theft). I will pass, thank you, on following Hochman's example.

I'm ashamed that Reader's Digest would print an article that made light of stealing from others; internet from his neighbors, eating at Costco's with no intention of buying. This portrays values that are not ones in a communities' best interest. Now, Mr. Hochman, try the experiment with values that we can all use.

I am stunned that Mr. Hochman considers "living lean" is stealing internet service from your neighbors and mooching food from local groceries to entertain a 4 year old. Why not teach the values of entertaining yourself by reading or being creative, or in some way improving the lives of others? OOPS, I think I'll donate a can of food to a food bank and make it all better! Shame on you, RD, for printing this nonsense!!! So NOT funny!