Being Cheap or Frugal – 12 Signs You’ve Gone Too Far
Are You Frugal or Just Being Cheap?
It seems like the frugality fad has been sweeping parts of the nation over the last couple of years but I’m beginning to wonder if we’re all just becoming cheap.
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You have all of the DIY projects like making a headboard out of plywood, there are the extreme couponers, and there are even TV shows dedicated to people trading items in hopes of trading up to something “cool” (all without spending a dime).
After seeing all of this madness, I can’t help but think we’ve gone too far.
The reason I’m writing about this is because I had a silly thought after spending a couple of dollars on a breakfast a few weeks back.
I joined a friend for some food, caught up on things, and thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with him. However, all I thought about for 5 minutes after the meal was how that $12 could have bought me breakfast (cooked at home) for the whole week!
I know…I told you it was silly. I was just being cheap!
While reality for some families dictate that they must be cheap in order to make ends-meet, there are many of us that look to save money by being “frugal” while in reality, you’re just being cheap.
I’m an advocate for saving money, being responsible, and investing so that you can retire comfortably, however there is a fine line between being frugal and being cheap.
12 Signs That You’ve Gone Too Far
1. You look for the free iTunes song as soon as you enter Starbucks. Guilty.
2. You are an extreme couponer.
I’m sorry to all of my coupon fans out there, but unless you HAVE to do this, you’re just being cheap. There is absolutely NO REASON to stock up on 15 sticks of toothpaste and have enough toilet paper to wipe the entire army’s posterior.
3. You don’t have internet and/or texting on your cell phone. Guilty.
Now, I realize that internet plans through the MAJOR carriers are expensive, however there are other offers out there that make it affordable.
A company called Page Plus Cellular offers a plan with unlimited minutes, unlimited text, and 100 MB of data for $39.95 month! I freaking pay more for my talk/text plan at Sprint! However, I think I’m doing right in the name of frugality (because I’m saving money by not getting the internet) but in reality I’m just being cheap and lazy!
4. You avoid going out with friends.
Sure, some of your friends may spend far more money than you, make fun of you because you’re cheap (because you are), and they may not have a frugal bone in their body. However, do you always avoid going out with them? It’s not going to kill you to drop $5 on a Mocha Frappuccino and spend the morning chatting it up.
5. You forgot your thermostat was adjustable.
I know some people can’t afford the outrageous gas and electric bills, but are you constantly running fans, walking around the house without a shirt on, or sweating your buns off for the sake of saving a few dollars?
It’s terrible when I visit places and can’t sleep at night because I am too hot. Turn the freaking A/C on and stop being cheap! Of course I appreciate the hospitality and free stay though. 
6. Fast food is your idea of a good meal.
I know we all love the fatty, artery-clogging, salty meals on occasion, but do me a favor, stop being cheap and take your wife out to a place where the chef isn’t still in high school.
7. You pick up pennies on the ground. Guilty.
Hey man, it’s free money. What can I say?
8. You make purchasing decisions based on price. Used to be guilty.
Most people know that you get what you pay for, but that doesn’t stop the cheapstakes out there! After learning my lesson more than a few times, we’re finally fine with paying more for something that we know will last (if it fits in the budget of course). Being cheap isn’t always the best way to go.
9. You walk through the store and are shocked by the prices. Guilty.
When we were getting our house ready to sell, I saw a $30 wreath for your front door. $30?! What, does money grow on trees? I’ll take my $15 one, thank you very much!
10. You try to DIY regardless if you know what you’re doing.
Thankfully for me this isn’t a problem. I don’t know how to do anything and I’m more than glad to pay somebody to fix something for me. However, if you’re the self-proclaimed “jack of all trades” and the person that calls the repair man AFTER you messed it up more than it already was, just call him before you touch it and stop being cheap.
If you just can’t bear letting someone else touch your dishwasher first, check out a site like PartSelect.com. They have video tutorials to help walk you through how to fix items around you home, and they’ll get you a deal on the parts you’ll need before picking up that screwdriver.
11. You drive around to find the cheapest gas prices.
This one has always cracked me up. Is saving an extra $.01-.02/gallon going to change your world? Even on a 20-gallon truck that’s only $.40 in savings! Here’s a better idea, sell the truck or get rid of the car payment, that’s more along the lines of being frugal instead of simply being cheap! Let’s not mention that you also wasted your gas AND time for the sake of $.40 = definition of being cheap.
12. You subscribe to multiple discount/coupon sites and email lists.
How do you have time for all of it? More often than not people use discounts and coupons to buy things they wouldn’t have otherwise! Although you’re being cheap you’re still wasting money!
Additions from the Readers
13. Tearing a stick of gum in half to save for later via My Money Design
This one was just too good to pass up! If you tear a stick of gum in half, chew one half WHILE putting the other one back in the wrapper for later, then you’re just being cheap! LOL.
14. Choosing a restaurant solely based on the “special” via Modest Money
There is nothing wrong with getting a Groupon or heading to your favorite dive because it’s ’2 for 1 burger night’, but if you’re taking out a date (a first date at that) and chose the restaurant solely based on saving some money, then you’re being cheap!
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If you were really being cheap, wouldn’t you just brew the coffee at home for pennies per cup and buy the $.99 iTunes song?
I don’t have internet on my phone because it is so expensive and I’m still locked into my contract. 2 months to go! Then I’ll be switching to Virgin Mobile like my wife did since it costs HALF as much as AT&T.
How about the people who are too cheap to buy an air conditioner? My brother is renting a room from a couple and they just leave all the windows open and the fans running 24/7 during the summer.
I am too cheap to buy an air conditioner Edward LOL , can not bring myself to spend $160 for initial cost then go and up my electric bill every month! Just does not make sense to me.
That is AMAZING that you don’t have A/C. I don’t think I could function without it, but good for you! If you don’t smell then I’m all for it. The problem I have is that I get hot REALLY easy. I love winter and I detest summer.
That’s a good point, Edward. Although, I’d say brewing coffee yourself is being frugal. Whereas, if you’re spending $5 on a drink and the first thing on your mind when you walk into the store is the free, $.99 song then you’re just being cheap.
A fair point. Of course, Spending $5 to get a free song brings to my mind a different adjective than cheap!
I don’t have internet on my phone. I just find it so hard to spend an additional $30 a month to have it.
I think you missed the point, Michelle, or didn’t read the whole thing carefully. People think they’re doing right by “saving” the $30 a month but ultimately the problem is that we’re lazy/ignorant/cheap because there are other carriers out that that will GIVE YOU INTERNET for LESS than what you’re currently paying. The plan I referenced would cost you $40/month TOTAL for unlimited voice/text and a decent amount of internet access.
Sorry I meant to say that I’m being cheap and lazy by not looking at other options. Right now we are definitely overpaying by paying around $130 a month for our cell phones. I’ll have to look into the company that you mentioned! I am hesitant on switching to a lesser known company because of potential coverage problems though.
One of the reasons I dislike Cdn telecommunication companies. I pay close to $100 a month. I can expense it for work, but still.
#3 if you wouldn’t use it if you have it it isn’t cheap it is smart. Also, if you have data you can get a free texting apparently and not pay for texts.
#7 I do that most of the time
#11 normally you spend more in gas getting to the other station than you save filling up unless gas is significantly cheaper or you have a massive gas tank.
Who wouldn’t use internet on a cell phone other than people that don’t know how to operate the internet? While it may be a waste of money I could also argue that those that aren’t getting acclimated to our new “culture” (i.e. everything tech) then those people will be left behind much like the older folks that don’t know how to type or operate a computer these days.
Even if I had internet on my phone, I would barely ever use it. At work, I’m not supposed to even have my phone on me (although I sneak SMS tweets during my bathroom breaks). At home, I have high-speed internet. When I’m not at one of those two places I’m probably driving or spending time with my wife. Ignoring my wife to go on the internet while we are out would probably be more dangerous to my health that browsing the web while driving!
Up here internet on your phone definitely costs a lot more than regular plans. So in my case I am definitely being cheap by not having it. If I wasn’t so tight with my money lately, it’s the kind of thing that I would totally want. As for picking up pennies, I’ve gotten too lazy and will only bend down to pick up silver coins. Nickels and above for this high roller lol. I know I am definitely on the border between cheap and frugal, but really I don’t mind. Tonight I’m going on a date and I actually suggested tonight instead of tomorrow because the pub has a cheap wings night. I hope I didn’t already make a bad impression lol.
Thanks for the great addition! I suggest that you don’t mention you chose last night solely because of the deal. You would definitely sound cheap!
hahaha! I’ve finally gotten to the point where I don’t pick up pennies, but nickels maybe. I’ve graduated to value decisions. No longer will I buy the cheapest version of an item, because I usually end up getting burned. I look for quality and value.
I completely agree, John. I used to make decisions based on price and I got burned as well.
I actually wish I did more of these – I’m thinking of disabling most of my phone things because it’s too expensive.
I’ve been surprised at how well I manage without internet on the phone but not having a smart phone has really set me back on keeping up with the new advances of technology. Once you fall behind it’s really hard to keep up as that industry constantly evolves.
I do wish I got my emails on my phone though…so that will be the ultimate reason I get internet eventually.
You buy cheap clothes that wear out quickly.
I prefer to buy a few good quality items like shoes, a watch and jeans and then fill in t-shirts with a less expensive brand. That way I can change my look, stay current and look great! Buying cheap clothes can be more expensive in the long run!
Chase
My job is very physically demanding. Expensive and “durable” clothes wear out almost as fast as cheap clothes. I buy no-name brands off the rack of the thrift store for $10 and get one season out of them. One of my coworkers buys Carhart brand work pants for $70 and gets two seasons out of them. I figure he’s spending almost 3 times more in the long-run than I am.
I think having cheap clothes for a job where you wear them all of the time is one thing, but buying cheap clothes for normal wear has proven to cost me more money than I’ve saved. They always tear up quickly…and I don’t care much about “being in style” so I’m fine sporting a pair of jeans for 3-5 years.
I’ve known people that drove around to find the cheapest gas station. It doesn’t make sense and trying to explain it to them is futile.
All in the name of frugality, when in reality they’re just cheap!
Oh, no! I think I’m guilty of almost every single one of these! Crap! My embarrassing one – tearing a stick of gum in half and only chewing the half while the other half goes back into the gum dispenser for later. What is wrong with me??
LOL. You’re an old, cheap man. It’s okay MMD! Thanks for the great addition; I added it to the list!
This post is cracking me up! I’m guilty of a lot of these, but the fast food one? GAG! I *never* eat fast food. I just read that McDonald’s “real beef patties” contain only 15% actual beef, and the other 85% is meat filler…cleansed with ammonia. Super gross. Eating at home is so much cheaper and better for you! When we eat out (we went out for little man’s birthday, and that’s it this year so far!), we spend more than we would at McDonald’s, but it’s always a place that has fresh, whole foods, or better yet–ingredients you pick yourself! I love this place here called HuHot, where you pick your ingredients and sauces, then watch them cook it for you. That way, I know exactly what I’m putting in my body!
Is that HuHot place like a Mongolian BBQ deal? I’m glad you enjoyed the post Michelle!
I think #8 and 9 are innate in me and I don’t have a problem with that haha. I think it’s fun!
#11 – I use GasBuddy to determine the lowest gas prices..I take a step further and calculate how much I’d get back with my 5% cashback credit card or if it would be cheaper to pay cash at ARCO lol.
#12 – Yes! I think it’s beneficial for me though but you just have to make sure you have self-control so you don’t get tricked into buying something you wouldn’t have.
I totally agree with your view on energy. I’m all for finding the cheapest energy supplier to save money but I don’t mind using the heating. I work hard all day and at least want to be comfortable when I get home! That’s what we earn money for isn’t it?
Great list!
I agree MB! There isn’t anything I dislike more when I walk into my house and it isn’t nice and cool!
Haha, this is awesome! I definitely do a few of these, and have graduated from others. I am a DIY’er for life. The price of labor just kills me, plus I can look up almost anything on the internet. I replaced the motor in my car, do most car maintenance, replaced my water heater, built a fence, and am builidng a patio and pergola. I haven’t really messed anything up yet, but I am also very thorough with my research
I don’t buy cheap stuff anymore, just save a bit longer and get something that will last (better long term ROI). I don’t care about gas prices, because really, in my 10 gallon tank, I’m maybe saving a buck, but driving out of my way for that. Not worth my time). Never eat fast food, don’t do extreme couponing (but do find good ones and use those), have money set aside for going out and use our heating/cooling in the house.
I hate being cheap, but definitely do end up making decisions because I don’t want to spend more. Frugal is fun, cheap is stressful.
Great thought, Jacob! Being cheap is really stressful but the people that do it are hardcore. I’m not sure I would be willing to spend all of that time on DIY’s. I guess it comes down to what you value most, time or money.
Haha, great list! We actually do almost none of these so I guess we’re mostly frugal, not cheap.
I am guilty of:
not having internet on my phone – I do have a plan to get a supercheap data plan on an Android device, but it’s still in beta so I haven’t been able to sign up yet. It will be less than what I’m paying now.
not paying for texting – Actually, Kyle uses Google Voice on his cell so he has texting but doesn’t have to pay for it.
not going out with friends – We almost always accept one-time invitations, but our church friends go out nearly every week after the Sunday service and we rarely go with them, partially because of cost.
Wow, count me “cheap” I guess because I think several of your ‘dirty dozen’ are marks of healthy frugality, not cheapness!
I agree, you shouldn’t beat yourself up about a fairly inexpensive breakfast with a friend. (If you’re doing this 5 times a week, then that would be different!) Avoiding going out with friends isn’t good, but how about cultivating some friends who don’t equate fun with spending money!
Ah, I think there are ways to be frugal but not break the “dirty dozen.” These obviously aren’t hard-set rules, they’re just things I notice when people get a little too consumed with saving money and being cheap.
I’m definitely guilty of number 12, though it’s a bit crazy now, I’ve been slowly unsubscribing from a few because my email just gets bombared every morning with new deals. It’s just too much!
I agree! I get enough emails every day from the blog and my business, I couldn’t handle any more!
I loved this! Okay I am really guilty of picking up money off the ground–pennies or not. And I try to hit the same gas station usually so I haven’t actually ever looked at gas prices–it just so happens that it is usually the cheapest in town. Even if it is on the other side of town from me! I don’t think I’ll ever be a couponer. Too much work for me–I alway forget the coupons or buy somehthing I do not need.
I’m glad you liked this! I don’t mind picking up change; we have a change bucket and it’s fun to see it grow over time. I also visit the same gas station and really don’t pay attention to the prices. When they sky rocket it does catch my attention and I’m a little more aware when driving by other places throughout the day, but it really doesn’t stop me from getting gas at my same spot.
Dude, you are truly an 85 year old man in a young man’s body. You’re already practicing saying “Get off my lawn!” the second you get your new house, aren’t you? Great post. Funny stuff.
Thanks, Joe! And you hit the nail on the head; it’s quite interesting that the majority of my wife and I’s friends are older than us. We relate the best with them and it’s hard for us to really hang around younger adults. I wouldn’t say I’m 85 though…maybe just 50.
I’m guilty of several of these but they seem frugal to me rather than cheap. Number 9 gets worse as I get older. My reference price for most things is the price I paid the first time I ever bought the item. Since I’ve been on my own for over 20 years, lots of things seem overpriced now.
Andy, I think there is a different cheap and frugal line for each family/person. Some families have to be cheap/frugal to make ends-meet and in that scenario I’d count these as frugal things. However, for people that don’t have to count every penny (literally) then they’re just being cheap if they do some of these things.
I’m with you on the outrageous prices. It’s one of the reasons we don’t buy things…ever.
Awesome list. I can’t think of any more, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading these!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed them!
I don’t think your thoughts about that $12 buying your breakfast for a week are signs of being too frugal. I think that’s just a natural realization of the value of money and alternative uses for it. It’s a smart way to think of spending because it gets you to question whether you really need to spend that money or not.
Now, if you declined your friends invitation on the grounds that your money would go farther on breakfast at home (#4), then you’ve gone too far!
I’m guilty of not having a smart phone, but that’s because it’s not worth it to me. Unlike your occasional meal with a friend, smart phones with data plans add up to a monthly payment I don’t want.
I am guilty of the DIY thing… and being shocked at prices when I walk through store though.
Yeah, I think that $12 thing could be a frugal/wise thought but I know myself and I know I was just being CHEAP! lol.
I’m with you on the smart phone too. I don’t want that extra payment but I’m also being cheap/lazy by just not trying a new carrier with a LESS expensive plan than I already has (which includes data).
I am going to have to agree with you on the couponing part. I am not an extreme couponer but I do have a stock pile of things like 20 bottles of shampoo or body wash. Why? Because they have such long expiration dates and I was able to get them for free after sales and coupons. Couponing is being frugal not cheap in my opinion. Now instead of spending $3.00 for each bottle of shampoo I am able to use that cash for something else.
Sorry I means disagree with you. It’s 104 degrees here and I think it’s affecting me
Okay, apparently I’ve gotten a bit cheap.
I think my worst one is #9, my husband absolutely HATES going to any store with me. I think I embarrass him, but I’m the one who handles the money—he doesn’t even look at prices when he buys something.
My problem with eating out isn’t necessarily that it costs too much; it is simply that my wife and I cook so well that it seems like a travesty to spend ten times more to get food that is not worth it. Eating out was a lot more fun before I learned how to cook. Now, not having to do the dishes is a reward in itself. Perhaps I should calculate how much cost benefit there is to eating out in terms of time saved in cleanup?
I am guilty of 8,9, and 10. I always go for the lower price even though I know I am getting lower quality. And I try to do everything possible DIY to save a buck.
I’ve been guilty of doing what MMD did. You are right about extreme frugality. It can impact your thoughts negatively by not allowing you to think big and dream big. Everything is good in moderation.
Great post. Some of these definitely made me laugh. I like to be frugal but not cheap. We spend on the things that matter and save on the things we don’t. This philosophy seems to work quite well. I don’t think we have gone too far though. Most of these things on the list we are not guilty of.
I have no doubts that I have made many decisions using the “it’s cheaper” deciding factor. As I get older, I’ve started to look more at the bigger picture and realized the most important thing involved in decisions should value. To me being frugal is about finding the best value, even if that means you are selecting a more expensive option. You have to consider the long-term ramifications of decisions (costs) for each decisions before you can make the choice that provides the most value.
I also don’t have internet on my phone. Can’t say that I miss having it either, I already spend way too much time on the internet as it is. We don’t have internet on our phones for the same reason we don’t have cable. If we had them both I would spend way too much time plastered to my phone or to the TV screen to ever get anything done. I figure I have access to the internet 85-90% of my waking hours, so why do I need to pay the same amount I for the last 10-15% as I did for the 85-90%. It’s all personal choice, but it is important for me and my family to disconnect and remove distractions so we can focus on what is important.
I am guilty of some of those, but not that many. My barometer is my family. When they tell me I am cheap, I listen because, for me, it usually means I am not being gracious in some way toward others. When saving a few dollars is of higher importance than treating people well (which does not include spending money), it means I have my priorities mixed up.
Some of these are pretty funny, and so true.
The handyman (DIY) is so true, and I certainty don’t mind paying someone to do a good job. Sometimes though it’s hard to find someone who does a good job, everyone claims it, but very few are quality.
Good lost, I do get shocked by price all the time and I do pick up occasional pennies if I find them. still I don’t consider myself cheap. I am just frugal. I request you to pick up pennies if you find them, you’ll actually help environment.
Haha oohhhh my gosh, I am guilty of SO MANY of these. I’m a totally penny picker upper who loves to DIY and is always avoiding going out (but that one is because I hate going out haha – I’m so lame). But, I do know that I’m cheap but I do try to be generous by always tipping 20% etc. so that’s how I try to balance it out!
Best,
Cat
aka
BudgetBlonde
LOL. After writing this up I had to admit to myself that I’m cheap. …I’d like to think that I’m wise with money and not solely cheap, but certainly cheap by today’s culture and our society.
These are all really great and I think while in many cases I am an extreme frugalist out of neccessity, I would like many other be guilty of being cheap at times.
I do not have an air conditioner and I have NEVER had a cell phone ( yeah I know this will leave me behind my times but hey it is just a bill I do not want!)
I pick up pennies, returnable cans and ANY THING metal ( hey it can be turned in to a recycling center for money!)
I think being CHEAP though, are ones that will go out to eat at a restraunt and then swipe all the condiments for home use! I don’t think they have a clue that this just passes the prices on to other paying customers in the form of highter food prices!
Great Posts~
I spent my 3rd year of university washing all of my clothes in by bathtub because I refused to pay for laundry. This resulted in my occasionally buying new clothes because I didn’t have time to either washer or dry them. I definitely cost myself more than I saved in the long run.
I’m guilty of a number of these, but the real kick in the pants came when I found myself saying no to meeting up with friends in order to save money. Now, I generally avoid dinners out, and instead offer to cook dinner at my house or order the cheapest beer or dessert on the menu, but I never say no to spending time with friends just due to money.
Good for you, Mary! It’s awesome when friends understand and are willing to hang out with you without breaking the bank. It takes friends that live a similar lifestyle though…
How about “Wondering if the cat will fit in the crock pot”. I think about this sometimes when he scratches the carpet or furniture instead of his scratch pad.
LOL. I’d just throw it in a fire pit and not even think about the crock pot. Eating it would be rather gross.
Most of these can be avoided with the simple use of free apps e.g. driving around for the cheapest gas, tons of coupon email, no internet on phone… All of the above took me a few seconds of using Google wondering if such an app existed.
I think as long as it’s not a compulsion that you absolutely can’t stop then you should just do what pleases you and your family. One of the big problems with our society is that people care too much what other people think of them. If you like saving money so you can stop working early and have like to cut as many corners as possible, good for you!
The only problem I have is when people think they are saving money when they are actually not being frugal. Like a friend of mine who burns candles instead of turning on the light without realising it’s about 10 times more expensive!
Lol, it seems like I am guilty of almost everything on your list except driving around for gas.
A few that I am guilty of that were not on the list:
1. Avoiding vehicle maintenance. I would rather purchase a 4 dollar bottle of oil and top off, than spend 20 on an oil change. (I’m getting better at this one though.)
2. Keeping the crumbs from cereal and chips to make a coating for fried foods.
3. Hoarding things that I may “need” later. I have baby food jars from when my 7 yr old was a baby. I know. It is a serious problem.
4. Buying anything at the Just a Dollar Store. I cant help myself, I love the place.
Sheesh, I guess my wife was right. I am cheap.
1. You look for the free iTunes song as soon as you enter Starbucks.
Better (or worse). No Starbucks for me (or other take-out coffee. NesCafe at home in the morning and that’s it.
2. You are an extreme couponer.
Guilty.
3. You don’t have internet and/or texting on your cell phone.
Guilty. I do not have a paid cell plan at all actually. I use it to make free call via Internet only.
4. You avoid going out with friends.
I move often enough for this not to be a major issue. When you are in a different state every year it’s hard to have friends to go out with in the first place. However, when I’m invited somewhere I go and respect all the social conveninebces (bring baked goods, hostess gift, etc).
5. You forgot your thermostat was adjustable.
Not applicable. I rent, and everything is included.
6. Fast food is your idea of a good meal.
Better (or worse). No eating out, period (fast food classifies as eating out in my book). I cook at home and if I forgot my lunch going to work one day, I skip lunch altogether.
7. You pick up pennies on the ground.
Guilty.
8. You make purchasing decisions based on price.
Guilty. I haven’t bought new clothes at all the last year.
9. You walk through the store and are shocked by the prices.
Guilty. Although, rather than being shocked, if the price is not the one I want to pay, I just pass. Why wasting time being shocked?
10. You try to DIY regardless if you know what you’re doing.
Nope. Not because I wouldn’t love to (Internet can show you how to fix almost everything) but because I rent so I am not allowed to.
11. You drive around to find the cheapest gas prices.
Better (or worse). I do not have a car. The nearest store is about 2 km away. Sometimes I can get a drive from someone going shopping. Other times I walk. If neither is possible (snow storm for example), I go without (I keep my pantry well stocked when there are clearance sales).
12. You subscribe to multiple discount/coupon sites and email lists.
Absolutely. Not to the point of stocking up, but I *do* subscribe to multiple sites so that I am covered in the coupons area. They come in my mail (the paper carries them very, VERY rarely). And I can select online only those coupons I know I will use.
Additions from the Readers
13. Tearing a stick of gum in half to save for later via My Money Design
No chewing gum, no problem:)
14. Choosing a restaurant solely based on the “special” via Modest Money
No eating out for me. Yes, choosing it based on the “special” if I take someone else out.