I just read that McDonalds had a big third quarter (2008) that’s being attributed to the economic downturn. Apparently, consumers are jumping on the frugal food bandwagon and think they’re being frugal by eating at McDonalds. Well, they very well may be. It really depends why they choose to go to McDonalds. True frugalites, frugalists and frugalistas know that frugality is much more wholistic than just saving a few bucks on a single meal.