Frugal vs. Cheap

[miclason]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I'd say the difference is that when you are cheap, you only look at the price tag, whereas when you are frugal, you consider the value of the item vs the price tag...

[Razzy]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I don't know bout that.. I was always taught to look at prices no matter what.


Razzy

[miclason]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

That could get you into trouble...like the time I bought a different kind of powdered milk because it was "cheaper" (lower price for same amount of powdered milk...) and it turned out you needed to use 4 spoonfuls to make a glass of milk, whereas my usual brand it was 3 spoonfuls per glass of milk...so, eventhough the price was lower, value in the end was not the same...
I feel it is the value that you get for your money that determines whether something is frugal or not...like the example of the shower curtain mentioned above....a more expensive shower curtain turned out to be "cheaper" in the long run, because it had more value by not having to be replaced as often...

[Razzy]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I have done the same thing you have done. I know when we go grocery shopping I tend to look for price per ounce and how much of the item I need (like powered milk) to make it good.

Razzy

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I think there's a fine line between being frugal and cheap. I think frugal is spending your money wisely and not being frivolous.... being cheap is buying something because it's cheaper, but it's value is also less as well. There are a lot of times when you can pay less for something just because of the brand name, but it's basically the same. But there are times when I buy something cheaper, but it really is "cheap". I'm trying to be careful of that.

For example, when I was pregnant with my first child I purchased the cheapest maternity clothes I could find. I didn't take into consideration that I would probably have more children. I think with each of my pregnancies I ended up buying more clothes because the ones I had worn the time before were shot. I would have saved money buy purchasing quality clothes in the beginning.

[Razzy]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I guess at times you could say I'm frugal and at times I'm cheap it depends on what the item is, if I really need it and well I get it at a good price.

Razzy

[acezz4e_tish]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

i have been frugal all my life. my dad would give me 100 dollars since i was 8 and say buy stuff for school and impress me. i never let him down either. we were not poor, both my parents worked and made a descent living. i went to school tho with peeps that were superficial and materialistic. if it didnt say addidas or zcaverichi you were nobody. i loved levis! second skin baby! i didnt care what they thought either. i know what i thought of them! what i thought of myself was all that mattered, my parents made that known and i thank them for such a good job they did. they want to call me cheap so be it. Gods views in the end are all that matter. i do my part in being a good person and trying to save money and doing so is also good for the environment. so who cares what they think! know your worth every effort you make hun, thats all that matters. huggellzz,tish.

[Ima saver]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I have been frugal all my life too. My dad died before I turned 10 and his retirement pay stopped (30 years army). I had to go to work at 12 and buy my own clothes and school things. I never bought brand name clothes.
I know people that make a lot more money than we do and they are up to the eyebrows in debt!

[acezz4e_tish]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

sorry to hear about your dad. they say the more you have the more in debt you are. lol i love that commercial where that guy is smiling and saying, you like my car its new, blah blah, how do i do it? im in debt up to my eyeballs! somebody help me, all with a smile.lol

[Ima saver]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I love that commercial too! I have been mortgage free since I was 32 and I am proud of that. I have saved a lot in interest payments!

[acezz4e_tish]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

i agree, if your bill is 80, pay 100. more on the principal before interest is added again.

[Ima saver]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I just paid off my husband's van and I take the van payments and put it in a special account to pay off my car early. Then I will take that payment and save it for our next car!

[flash]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I think frugal is not wasting money when you don't have to.

Cheap is spending the least amount, regardless of the value.

Think someone posted something earlier.

I don't like wasting money, but I pay my fair share and balance quality and value.

[Ima saver]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I don't like wasting money either, but if it is something that I will enjoy, I will spend the money!

[The Budget Man]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I always enjoy knowing when I've got a bargain. There's the thrill of the hunt and the enjoyment of knowing that you won. Bought new shoes last week. Took more looking than usual BUT every time I wear them I'll have very comfortable shoes at less than half price.

Enjoy Your Money
The Budget Man

https://www.PersonalityBudgeting.com

for when you need a budget