Propaganda: How shopping became patriotic

07/04/25 - Friday

July 04, 2025

Hey Friend!

Is it even America if you’re not buying something this week?

Somehow, shopping turned into a patriotic pastime—and yeah, we’ve got thoughts. In this episode, we’re breaking down how red, white, and blue got mixed up with buy, buy, buy.

💪 Propaganda Can’t Fool You—Here’s How to Stay in Control

Your money, your values. But propaganda tries to twist that—using emotion-packed messages to push you to spend.

Like when “supporting local” becomes code for “buy more stuff”. Our hot take: you can support your community without draining your bank account:

  • Show up at free local events

  • Share a small biz on social

  • Refer your friends to your favorite local small businesses and service professionals

👀 Watch out for common propaganda tactics:

  • Emotional appeals (patriotism, fear, FOMO)

  • Vague promises (“freedom,” “success”)

  • Peer pressure language (“everyone’s doing it”)

You don’t have to opt out of everything—just be the one in charge. You’ve got this.

This Week on Frugal Friends

Feeling overwhelmed with your finances? Listen in to our shame-free approach to moving forward with debt in: What To Do If You Have More Debt Than You Make In A Year.

And off course, watch our video about this very topic Propaganda: How Shopping Became Patriotic over on Youtube (and when you’re there hit the subscribe button 😉)

Weekend Checklist

✅ Do: Give your finances a makeover for the holiday! Our Spending Planner features an annual dashboard that organizes your money, a bill calendar to keep track of those pesky due dates, a debt snowball tracker for all your payoff needs, and instant access for a joyful summer full of intentional spending. The best part? Use code SUMMER50 for ½ off through July 31st!

✅ Listen: Summer Hits of the 2000s! Maybe we’re biased, but the 2000s had the best pop music.

✅ Watch: Jaws! It’s the perfect summer movie 🦈 (We love a classic) 

✅ Meal Prep: The best pot roast you’ll ever have. Head on over to our Youtube for six new recipes, including a fabulous Mississippi Pot Roast that’ll feed a family of four in no time. 🤤

Have a great day,
Kim

**Means this is a sponsored or affiliate section. We may earn a small fee or commission when you choose to try one of our sponsor or affiliate partners. But opinions are still 1000% our own.