Frugal, or just cheap? Do you think there is a difference?
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (37475)
September 3, 2023 2:11am CST
I pride myself on being frugal.
And in my world, there is a difference. Frugal is finding the best price you can, without wasting your money. Often it is buying the best you can afford for the price you can pay, not necessarily the lowest price, but the best buy for that price. Frugal is about being careful with money, supplies, goods, services, and such. The old ''Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without'' that my grandmothers instilled in me comes to mind as frugal. They strived for no waste, and I do the same.
Of course, then there is what is termed as cheap. Basically, cheap is getting something as cheap as possible. To the cheap person, any thoughts of quality are basically nonexistent. They don't seem to care if the item(s) last at all, or taste good, or the clothing really fits, or anything similar. They just want cheap. Don't get me wrong, there are times when many of us have to go this route, because our funds are so tight--I get that.
We've all heard the ''cheap'' put-downs and snarky remarks, I'm sure. Things like:
He's so cheap, he squeaks.
What a cheapskate.
Cheap things are not good, good things are not cheap.
Talk is cheap.
He took a cheap shot.
It seems the world in general basically mocks the cheap thing. I guess so. I never thought about this much until recently. I mean, hey...no one says things like he's too frugal, talk is frugal, and so forth. Now another thing comes to mind.
Cheap is also used to describe a woman when someone views that woman as looking, well--sleezy. Someone will say, she looks cheap in that dress, her make-up make her look cheap, and it goes past even the looks, as we've all heard the ''she is acting so cheap.''
After thinking about it, being classed as cheap can take on more than one meaning. For now, I think I will try to stick to frugal, instead.
What do you think? Are you frugal and look for buys, and try to find quality items for less, or do you just buy the cheapest of whatever it is, even if you know the item will fall apart in no time?
16 people like this
18 responses
@AmbiePam (92714)
• United States
3 Sep 23
When I think frugal, I think of my cousin Melinda, and her husband. Their clothes are probably ten years old, and of course, not trendy. But since they are still in perfect shape, they continue to wear them. They were inexpensive, but of good quality. They don’t have cable, go to the movies, but Melinda goes to the library every weekend. They put a little in their savings each month, and then they give the rest away.
When my dad first started his current church 26 years ago, they only had 8 people, and of course since it had just been founded, there was no building. Obviously, the church was years away from being self-supporting. So, for six years, every month they’d send a check to the church for $1,500. All because they cared more about being frugal enough to be able to help other people than having things. They are currently raising the baby her niece had because she is constantly in rehab, but they still give away their money to people who are in need every month. I am not that noble myself, but I admire people who are. Being frugal is a way of life I someday hope to get right.
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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3 Sep 23
That is a LOT to give. People who help others without being asked are tops in my book. I know some people like that, they have money and they try to share it by providing needed things for those that don't. I am not in a position to do that, unfortunately. I will cook and take a meal to someone if I possibly can and they need that, but that's almost all I can do at the present moment.
1 person likes this
@much2say (55606)
• Los Angeles, California
3 Sep 23
There is a difference between practicing frugality vs being cheap. "Frugal" saves money, but still retains quality as much as possible . . . it's a good enough compromise or substitution. "Cheap" intends to flat out spend the least amount of money - never mind value, as long as the price tag fits. I do try to think of myself as being "frugal".
Your post reminded me of an ol' co-worker who did not believe in using coupons. I always used coupons whenever possible - to be frugal. But he said coupons were for penny pinchers and he felt using them made him look cheap 
. I've never head anyone ever say that except him!
. I've never head anyone ever say that except him!2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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3 Sep 23
I've used many a coupon in my day. I always considered it frugal rather than cheap. Coupons often allowed me to get a higher quality item for a lower price, so I am with you on that!
For some reason, over the years I have found that men rarely, if ever, use coupons. It's usually women that do. I guess there are some men out there that consider coupons not very manly. Weird, huh?
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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4 Sep 23
@TheHorse
Well, I certainly do not see as many as I used to see. Newspapers are on a huge decline in the entire world, flyers and such that I get in the mail are just mostly for fast food, which I don't eat. Once in a while if there is something I see online that I can grab the coupon on my phone, I just do that, but paper coupons? Haven't seen them, or used them, for a long, long time.
1 person likes this
@crossbones27 (49451)
• Mojave, California
3 Sep 23
People say there is a difference. In all honesty just have to see how one does it I guess. Nothing wrong with being either but if being a jerk, yeah you cheap.. Price deals are how they make it now and no one should feel bad about that, they have this game rigged, so if gonna feel bad, feel bad about that.
2 people like this
@crossbones27 (49451)
• Mojave, California
3 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle So true, its not working how they say it should work and makes me mad because I know they know but then try to make people feel bad on top of it. You can say be smart and will not be a problem all you want but truth is we all get caught up in a ugly system..
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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3 Sep 23
Prices are what they are, and unfortunately, we cannot control them. Supply and demand, wants vs. needs, and availability, all come in to play as well.
I have always found it strange the way society in general always wants to label people, and it happens all the time, of course. Skinny, fat, lazy, wild, beautiful, ugly, mean...you know. I guess cheap and frugal are just part of the labels that society in general uses. Kind of sad, in a way.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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3 Sep 23
To me, it only makes good sense to do that, Anna. You described it very well.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471500)
• Switzerland
4 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle I know that also wise rich people try to pay less, it's a form of respect of the money you earn.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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4 Sep 23
@LadyDuck
In some cases, I think the reason certain people are rich is because they were always careful with money. My (ex) in-laws are wealthy. They have never flaunted their wealth, because they didn't always have a lot of money. They spend wisely, and don't waste.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (218841)
• Walnut Creek, California
3 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle It is. Mr. Ed was one of my heroes as a child. He was laconic.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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3 Sep 23
@TheHorse
Mr. ED!! I forgot about him, I loved watching that as a kid. 
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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3 Sep 23
I think that would qualify as frugal, myself. It's all in the interpretation in a way.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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3 Sep 23
I buy the best I can afford. Often you can find a barely used item of excellent quality for a low price, and it will last a lot longer than a new, cheap item of poor quality.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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4 Sep 23
Good for you, Marie. The frugal way pays off in the end, in my opinion.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (106271)
• Marion, Ohio
3 Sep 23
It depends on how and why you do it
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@wolfgirl569 (106271)
• Marion, Ohio
3 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle I was raised not to waste either. But others were given everything they want
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@MarieCoyle (37475)
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3 Sep 23
In my case, I'm frugal because it helps so much, and I was taught not to be wasteful. It's just what I do. We all have a little splurge once in a while, I get that. Lately, I haven't really had splurges, ,though. Life happened instead!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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4 Sep 23
@wolfgirl569
I have seen that, as well. I've gotten to the point that I just don't look anymore.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (218841)
• Walnut Creek, California
3 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle I have my fancy (expensive) guitars, and some fancy (expensive) stereo gear. But beyond that, I don't need fancy stuff. So I live frugally. But I'm not "cheap." I pay my share or more when I go out to dinner with friends, and like helping people out for free. I see frugal and cheap as quite different.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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3 Sep 23
They really are, however, some people seem to think they are one and the same thing.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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6 Sep 23
Well, if the word frugal didn't exist and their wasn't a marked difference between cheap and frugal, I guess they would refer to all frugality as just cheap. If it saved money and resources, I could life with that.
@paigea (36317)
• Canada
4 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle Hubby needs to get a haircut. I am not able to help him make sure it's even. It's not good
And we don't need him to cut his own hair. But there are more important things.
My hair probably should be cut every 6 weeks but I stretch that out. It is pricey and I feel obligated to tip. But it is one thing I splurge on and I can because I'm so frugal in other ways.
And we don't need him to cut his own hair. But there are more important things.
My hair probably should be cut every 6 weeks but I stretch that out. It is pricey and I feel obligated to tip. But it is one thing I splurge on and I can because I'm so frugal in other ways.1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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4 Sep 23
@paigea
I understand and it's good that you can do that. Men's haircuts are often very hard to get even, and hard to do at home.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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4 Sep 23
Honestly, the cost of barbers/hair stylists etc. has shot up so high. At least it is here. And every single one of them expects a tip. My own hair is long, so I do not require constant haircuts, etc. I am fortunate that I have a very close friend who was a beautician. She trims the ends once in a while, that's all I require.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178568)
• United States
3 Sep 23
I am extremely frugal. What I hate are rich people that are cheap. I understand being rich and frugal; but not rich and cheap. For certain items, I go for quality all the way and will spend extra because I know they will last for years and years. Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178568)
• United States
4 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle You have a good day too, Marie!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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3 Sep 23
I want the highest quality for the best price I can find at the time. There are so many really cheap things that fall apart or whatever, so quickly, and then you have nothing.
Have a good day, Linda.
1 person likes this
@freelancermariagrace (27970)
• Philippines
3 Sep 23
I think I am a frugal person. I buy quality items for a lesser price.
1 person likes this
@freelancermariagrace (27970)
• Philippines
4 Sep 23
@MarieCoyle Thank you, Marie 
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@MarieCoyle (37475)
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3 Sep 23
You are frugal to do that, good for you in being smart about it.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160665)
• United States
4 Sep 23
I am frugal. I will buy close dated food and use it or preserve it. I will shop thrift shops and actually get better quality clothes than I can afford otherwise. I do not have to have name brand toilet paper and paper products, but a good brand of ink pen is worth ten cheap ones. So I do try to get my money's worth.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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4 Sep 23
I pretty much do the same things you do. And I have some very nice, expensive clothes I purchased secondhand that I could not have afforded if I just tried to buy them new.
@averygirl72 (37845)
• Philippines
4 Sep 23
I'm willing to spend more as long as it has good quality. I don't like cheap items because they don't last long and the quality is not good
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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4 Sep 23
A bargain isn’t a bargain if it falls apart in a short time. I want all the quality I can afford.
@cacay1 (83480)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
3 Sep 23
There are cheap things but of good quality. Those with pockets full of money prefer expensive things. Those cheap things are easy to ruin fragile whereas the expensive ones last for years the same to a cheap type of persons easy to get and the opposite hard to get
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@MarieCoyle (37475)
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3 Sep 23
I prefer things that will last. There is no sense buying the same thing over and over again.
@MarieCoyle (37475)
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4 Sep 23
Oh, no! That's just wrong, and gross as well. No way would I do that, yuck!
1 person likes this
