During the last recession, people went to surprising lengths to make ends meet. Hypermiling. Navy showers. Dumpster-diving for food (aka “freeganism”).

Some practiced extreme frugality to keep from sinking further into the red; others did it to survive. (Some still do.)

Hailed at the time as examples of savvy consumerism, these sorts of activities don’t get a whole lot of press today. Some would say that’s a good thing, i.e., fewer people are living on the edge.

I’m not so sure.

While I’m glad the recession is technically* over, I remain sad that we seem to have learned nothing from the tough times of previous decades. There’s more things than ever to buy, especially as regards electronics – and quite a few us want these things at all costs.

In fact, a new survey from CreditCards.com suggest that 61 percent of people with credit card balances are willing to add more debt for the holidays.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m really glad I no longer have to wash all my clothes by hand, or live on the most basic of foodstuffs. But I think we could all do with a little bit more strategic frugality.

Some people think “frugal” means “impoverished,” and certainly it’s true that some people live frugally because they have no choice. It’s a way of life that can be terrifying. (Anyone else here ever raided the baby’s piggy bank** for bus fare to get to work on payday?)

In those days, and again during my lengthy divorce and return to college, I was frugal because I had to be. But even when times got better, I was still frugal – because I happen to think it’s a great way to live. To me, it means a life in which every decision is intentional. Every step I take (or don’t take) means something.

Frugality is the reason I’m out of debt and saving for retirement after some tough times. It’s also why I want to start a new occasional series of articles on the subject of extreme frugality.

Defining “extreme frugality”

No doubt some of the articles I plan to write will be considered tame by the super-penny-pinchers. For example, I know of one frugal blogger who doesn’t buy toilet paper: Her household uses “family cloths,” which are washed and re-used. #nopenopenope

I’ve read about people getting live-in nanny jobs to avoid paying rent, making their own cooking fat (free chicken skins from the butcher FTW!), never spending a dime on entertainment outside the home, growing a beard to save on razors, taking the same super-basic lunch to work every. single. day.

Then there’s the folks who think you’re extreme if you mash your own potatoes.*** Thus finding the balance between “no thanks, that’s just ridiculous” and “you call that frugal?!?” will be interesting.

But that’s okay. I don’t mind (much) being second-guessed. That’s why I have a comments section. And speaking of asking for feedback…

Got any topics to suggest?

I’ve already come up with a handful of extreme frugality topics. Since it’s already November (!), an obvious one is “celebrating the holidays without breaking the bank.” The piece will contain tactics that are actionable but that won’t embarrass you.

“Staying warm/keeping utility bills manageable” is another natural idea for this time of year. Also on the list: furnishing/decorating a home, staying healthy, finding affordable entertainment and, of course, stretching grocery dollars.

Who’s got ideas to share? Please leave them in the comments. I can’t promise I’ll do them all, but I’d like to hear what’s on your mind.

Finally: The point of this exercise isn’t to make people feel judged. You won’t get kicked out of the movement if you don’t use homemade dish soap to wash out your Ziploc bags for re-use. No one will force you to make your own soup stock or tsk-tsk if you decide that cable TV or subscription boxes really are right for you.

No, it’s all about my longtime frugal mantra: I save where I can so I can spend where I want. Small changes can help with some pretty big goals – stuff like debt pay-down, homeownership, retirement planning**** or a child’s education.

Who’s in?

*I say “technically” because I believe that for some people it never really ended. Some are still lip-deep and sinking; others merely treading water.

**Yes, I paid it back. Every time.

***While I’ll admit that there are some pretty tasty instant varieties out there, I’m simply not willing to pay so much more for a so-called “value added” product.

****You have until Nov. 14 to enter to win a copy of “The Only Retirement Course You’ll Ever Need.”