This question (Am I cheap? or am I frugal?) has remained with me for most of my adult life. I learned early on how hard you have to work for money and therefore learned to “respect” the fact that I needed a budget and a gameplan to keep those hard earned dollars and use them sparingly. After getting married, having kids and realizing how fast money could be spent if you were not careful (or even if you were being careful) I tried to shop as discount stores and watch for store sales. Several years into our marriage – I had stopped working to stay home and take care of our growing family – and my husband was working hard to support us. At about this time, we found out we were going to take a huge paycut monthly – I started freaking out!
With the help of prayer and friends and family – (I talk about it like was a blessing because it was) – we were introduced to the world of coupons. (of course I had heard of them and used them occasionally, but had no idea what I was really doing). We had to cut about $300-$400 off our food/household bill alone – and with our family of 5 that wasn’t going to be easy – at least that is what I thought – Once I started couponing and seeing how much money we were saving – I was delirious. I couldn’t believe how much we were spending before, and not even getting as good of quality of items. I loved it so much, I decided to start this site to help others who wanted to make a change in their lives.
That is a little bit of my history – not fast forward a few years and here we are – but over that time I have been called everything from cheapskate to pinny pincher. I am OK with that because I am just happy to be saving money and getting good deals. I get the same quality of items as the lady in the checkout lane in front of me, but I pay 50-70% less than her! I am OK with you calling me cheap, because it means that I am just a smarter shopper.
This week I decided I was in serious need of a new makeup bag. As you can see from the picture below, my bag just was not cutting it anymore. So I looked for a new bag here and (was a little surprised by the prices). I knew I didn’t want to pay more than $5-$8 and even then I was a little hesitant. (its ok to laugh, that is just my mindset).
So we went shopping at a local thrift store to get my daughter some new shirts and I started rummaging around in the bag area. I was so thrilled when I can up with this beautiful (NEW) makeup bag for only $2! WAHOO! Check it out:
It holds three times as much as my old one and is so much better. It also felt better because I knew that I had saved my family money by getting it there.
I always look at the books when I am there! I love to read and while I get a lot on my kindle, there are several books I can get 3/$1 and you just can’t beat that! I was looking at the Children’s books and found these Handy Manny books (complete with the trick or treat bags) for only $0.75 each!!! We grabbed everyone and will be using them for my sons 4th birthday party in October!
I was also able to find this serving set and a salad spinner for $6 total! I was so excited by the deals I found that day. Everything was new or in like-new condition and we paid a fraction of the cost we would have paid for any of it at any other store.
I hate paying more than I REALLY have to on anything! I’d rather spend my money on other things/more things, then pay extra money. I consider myself Frugal and not cheap. 🙂 Love thrift store finds!
You are being Frugal and there is nothing wrong with that. You are helping out your family by saving money.
i think thrift stores are fabulous. it is great to reuse and recycle things that other people bought but no longer have use for. it cuts down on waste that we in america do way too much of. i think it is also great to pledge to donate some of your old things after shopping at a thrift store; it keeps the cycle going.
Maybe a little of both. I try to be frugal and use our money wisely. But, we also splurge on the things that we enjoy. So that involves being cheap in certain areas to be able to pay more for those things mose important to us.
I am fugal, not cheap. Big difference to me.
Way to go on snagging those Handy Manny books I love it when that kind of thing happens.
I’m frugal, I always look for the best deal on whatever I need.
That makes you frugal – and smart. It is foolish to pay full price when you can get something for cheap or free.
i try to be as frugal as i can
I totally think you are frugal. I think that it is fantastic that you figured out how to use coupons and deals to your advantage and then share it with others. Thanks for your great insight!
Frugal but all my family is jealous when I tell them how much I save.
I am furgal when it comes to buying stuff. gotta be cheap
I would say I’m a little of both
I don’t think cheap should be a pejorative until it effects something important, like your health.
I don’t think you’re frugal or cheap, I think you’re just plain smart. My three young grandkids live with me and I do almost all their clothes shopping at thrift stores. They grow so fast that I hate paying the price for new clothes that they may only wear for a month or two. I also use coupons, I like to save money so that we have a little extra to do fun things, of course I hunt for coupons for that stuff too. I work too hard for my money to not try to get the biggest bang for my buck.
I think I am cheap 😉
I don’t care how you see it. I got bills to pay and children to feed. With very little disposable income, frugal or cheap neither hurt my feelings. I get things at half the price so I have a few nice things
I think that in today’s world it is wise to be a little of both. My husband and I were having this discussion earlier. It is wise to save money and benefit your family.
I wished we had a thrift store around here! No matter what you call it saving money is saving money!
Frugal, Im really cheap because if its on sale I’m buying..And I love my coupons
frugal i am very concious on what i need and what i spend but i am not cheap
I am definitely frugal – this allows me to do more for my family and with my family!! It’s great!
cheap or frugal….what does it matter…you saved money and that rocks!
I think I’m a little of both. If I think something is a little expensive I will find a way to get it a bit cheaper, maybe wait for a sale.