This is a guest post from Mercedes of Common Sense with Money. If you enjoy her article, consider subscribing to her RSS feed!
A couple of weeks ago I was explaining to a friend our frugal lifestyle. She concluded the conversation making note that she wished she could be cheap like I am. At the time I didn’t make much of the comment but further thinking about it I realized there is a difference between being frugal and being cheap.
I don’t like when people use the terms cheap and frugal interchangeably. There’s actually a big difference between the two of them.
For example:
- I am frugal when I research baby car seats and get the highest rated and best value based on this research. But I am cheap when I buy a popular model at a garage sale.
- I am frugal when I buy a quality used car. I am cheap when I decide to buy the cheapest new car my money can buy.
- I am frugal when I find an unopened bottle of my sister’s favorite perfume at a garage sale for $2. But I am cheap when I get her whatever I can find as long as I don’t spend more than $10.
Don’t confuse frugal with cheap. Frugality is about living large for less. It is about making the most of what you have. Frugality is about making smart spending decisions. It is about realizing that safety and quality are above price. Frugality is about making sure your decision to live with less doesn’t impact other people.
While I may love a great bargain, I don’t like to be cheap. I always keep safety, quality and other people’s feelings in mind when I spend my money wisely.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Hear, Hear. I couldnt agree more. I feel the same way.
Sister, you hit the nail on the head. I really hate when people compliment my “cheapness.” I know they mean well, but I don’t think of myself as cheap, but frugal!
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I commented on Mercede’s post… I agree wholeheartedly. In my comment, I also mentioned how I consider ‘cheap’ to be those who have no problem ripping off other people to get ahead. That’s definitely not something that coincides with the values of frugality.
~ Jennifer
P.S. I like your blog header.
~ Junkyard Jennifer´s last blog post..A little inappropriate?
Um, does your “friend” read your blog? I hope she wasn’t offended.
I agree 200%. There’s a very negative connotation to the word “cheap”. It’s a word that does have its place, but it does not apply to what we do. I’m trying my best to stretch what I have to make the most of what I’ve got… that is definitely not cheap. It’s smart. Frugal is smart, period. Cheap applies to buying low quality to me.
I agree! Call me “smart”, “thifty”, “frugal” or “financially responsible” but don’t call me “cheap”.
You can “frugally” purchase quality items..that’s what it’s all about :)
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Being “frugal” has enabled me to put my first son through college and presently putting my second son through college with no bills when they graduate. Being “frugal” has enabled me to keep my home and have no worries while a good portion of the country is barely making it. I always bring coupons with me. I didn’t win the lottery and, even if I did, I’d still be bringing my coupons. They’re cash, people. Money in your pocket. Too many people don’t realize that you can live very well without going into debt. Joanne
Hi, I loved this article and would like to post it on my blog. Would you give me permission?
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Yeah baby! What a wonderfully put sentiment!
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You are so right! Anyone can be cheap and have a house full of cheap, useless things. But it takes patience, wisdom, and skills to frugal!
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Being cheap is always letting somebody else pay for things. Being frugal is examining ways of making intelligent purchasing decisions.
We have reached a point in our being that only a lucky few can throw money away without thinking. It’s not being cheap, it’s about being smart!
I enjoyed your post
F
You know, you’re absolutely right! This morning when I met the group of you ladies for breakfast, I called myself “cheap” and was corrected by all of you. :) I always have said it as a joke (about myself, never about others), because it does earn a laugh, but you’re absolutely right. I’ll choose my words more carefully in the future.