Cheap vs. Frugal: What’s The Difference?
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A lot of people think that being cheap and being frugal are the same thing. After all, they both involve spending less money. Turns out, there is a big difference between the two, and it’s important to understand that distinction if you want to be good with your money. Here’s a quick rundown of the difference between cheap vs. frugal people.
The Definition of Frugal
Careful in the use of one’s money or resources.
Merriam-Webster
According to Merriam-Webster, the word frugal derives from the Latin word frux which means “fruit” or “value“. If you trace the origins of the word far enough, you’ll find ties to the Latin word for “enjoy“.
The Definition of a Cheapskate
A miserly or stingy person; One who tries to avoid paying a fair share of costs or expenses.
Merriam-Webster
On the other hand, Merriam-Webster paints an uglier picture of someone who is a cheapskate.
One of the most well-known cheapskates in literature was Ebenezer Scrooge. His ultimate goal was to amass wealth at any cost. Even if he had to sacrifice his own comfort and friendships to do so.
What Is the Difference Between Being Cheap and Being Frugal?
The main difference is that being cheap is all about spending as little money as possible in the short-term while being frugal is all about getting the most value for your money in the long term.
Being cheap means buying the cheapest option available without considering its quality or whether you actually need it. For example, buying the cheapest food possible regardless of whether it’s healthy or not.
Being frugal, on the other hand, means looking for ways to save money without sacrificing quality or what you need. For example, buying in bulk or finding coupons for items you were going to buy anyway.
Cheap people are stingy.
They’re the ones who always try to get something for nothing.
Cheap people will haggle over every penny, refuse to tip, and will do anything to save a buck.
You know, the “friends” who are always trying to get you to go halvesies on things or who never have any cash when it’s their turn to buy rounds at the bar.
In short, cheap people are no fun to be around.
Frugal people are smart with their money.
On the other hand, frugal people know how to find a bargain.
They instinctively know when it’s worth splurging, yet they always have a little bit of cash set aside for a rainy day.
Frugal people also tend to be generous—they’re happy to pick up the tab every now and then and they’re always quick to offer help when someone else is in need.
In short, frugal people are the kind of people you want as friends.
Cheap vs. Frugal: Quality
One of the biggest differences between being cheap and being frugal is the importance that each group places on quality.
When you’re cheap, you don’t care about quality because you’re only concerned with finding the cheapest option.
This often leads to buying products that break easily or don’t last very long.
On the other hand, frugal people are more likely to invest in higher-quality items because they know that it will save them money in the long run.
Not only will they have to replace the item less often, but they’ll also avoid any headaches or hassles that come with dealing with a subpar product.
Cheap vs. Frugal: Quantity
Another key difference between being cheap and being frugal is the number of items that each group purchases.
Cheap people will often buy things in bulk because it’s cheaper per unit.
However, they often end up wasting a lot of these items because they never use them all before they go bad.
Frugal people, on the other hand, are more mindful of how much they’re buying and only purchase what they need. They might pay a little bit more per unit, but they’ll waste less in the long run.
Common Misconceptions About Being Cheap or Frugal
There are several misconceptions about being cheap or frugal that often lead to misunderstandings or judgments about these two terms.
- Frugal people are always deprived and can’t enjoy life.
This is not true, as frugal people can still enjoy their lives without overspending. They prioritize their expenses and find ways to cut costs on things that are not essential, so they can spend more on things that matter to them.
- Cheap people are always miserly.
This is not always the case. Some people may be cheap due to financial constraints or personal circumstances. However, being cheap can also lead to unhealthy behavior, such as hoarding or refusing to spend money on basic necessities.
- Frugal people only buy low-quality products.
This is a common misconception, as frugal people are known for buying quality products that last longer and save them money in the long run. They look for deals and discounts on high-quality products rather than compromising on quality for the sake of saving money.
- Cheap people are always focused on saving money.
While it is true that cheap people prioritize saving money, they may also compromise on quality and ignore the long-term consequences of their actions. Frugal people, on the other hand, focus on saving money while also considering quality, longevity, and environmental impact.
The Cons of Being Cheap
People may take advantage of you. One downside of being cheap is that people may take advantage of you financially if they know that you’re always looking for a bargain.
You may miss out on experiences. Another potential downside of being cheap is that you may miss out on certain experiences in life because you aren’t willing to spend the money on them.
People may think less of you. Unfortunately, some people may think less of you if they know that you’re always looking for ways to save money.
You may live a less comfortable life. If you’re too cheap, you may live a less comfortable life than you otherwise could because you aren’t willing to spend money on things like housing, food, clothes, etc.
You could miss out on opportunities. One final downside of being cheap is that you could miss out on certain opportunities in life because you aren’t willing or able to pay for them.
The Pros of Being Frugal
You save money. This one is pretty obvious. When you’re frugal, you don’t spend a lot of money.
When you don’t spend a lot of money, you save a lot of money.
You’re resourceful. People who are frugal are often very resourceful. They know how to get the most out of what they have and they know how to find the best prices on things they need.
You’re not materialistic. Frugalistas usually aren’t very materialistic. They don’t care about having the latest and greatest designer labels or gadgets.
They would usually rather save their money than spend it on things that don’t matter.
You’re Practical. Frugal people are often very practical. This means that they’re not going to buy something just because it’s trendy or because everyone else has it. They’re going to wait until they actually need it or until they find a good deal on it.
You’re disciplined. People who are frugal have to be disciplined with their spending. This can be a good thing because it can teach you how to be more disciplined in other areas of your life as well, such as saving money, sticking to a budget, etc.
You’re independent. Frugal folks are often independent people. This is because they don’t rely on others to buy them things or take care of them financially.
You don’t need much to be happy. Frugal people often don’t require much to be happy.
This means that they’re not going to be constantly chasing after material possessions in order to feel fulfilled.
You have fewer possessions. Another benefit of being frugal is that you have fewer possessions.
This can be liberating because you won’t have to worry about spending money on repairs and you won’t have as much stuff to clutter up your home.
You’re less likely to get into debt. Another benefit of being cheap is that you’re less likely to get into credit card debt because you aren’t always buying things on credit.
You can teach others about frugality. One final benefit of being a frugal guru is that you can teach others how to make wise financial decisions.
Related: 150 Frugal Living Tips to help you save money while having fun.
The Environmental Impacts of Cheap vs. Frugal Choices
The choices we make, whether cheap or frugal, have an impact on the environment. Here are some ways in which our choices can affect the environment:
- Cheap choices often lead to environmental damage.
Cheap products are often produced using low-quality materials and with little regard for their environmental impact. They may be produced in ways that harm the environment, such as through excessive waste or pollution.
- Frugal choices are often eco-friendly.
Frugal people tend to make choices that are eco-friendly, such as using reusable products or buying products made using sustainable materials. They also tend to avoid excess consumption, which can help reduce waste and pollution.
- Frugal choices can lead to less waste.
Frugal people tend to make choices that lead to less waste, such as repairing and reusing products rather than throwing them away. They also tend to buy products that are made to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Cheap products may be shipped from far away, leading to more emissions.
Cheap products are often produced overseas and shipped long distances, leading to more emissions and pollution. Frugal people tend to buy local products, reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
How To Be Frugal (Instead of Cheap)
Do your friends tell you you’re too cheap?
If you’re set in your cheapskate ways, it can be hard to find a happy medium between being frugal and being too cheap.
Here are a few tips to help you adopt a frugal money mindset.
Make a budget and stick to it
The first step to being frugal is knowing where your money is going.
Track your spending for a month so you can see where you can cut back.
Then, make a budget and try to stick to it as best as you can.
There will be times when you have to spend more than you planned, but if you’re conscious of your spending, you should be able to stick to your budget the majority of the time.
Shop around for the best deals
Don’t just buy something because it’s on sale or because it’s the first thing you see.
Take some time to compare prices and find the best deal possible. This takes a little bit more effort, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Invest in quality items that will last long-term
It’s better to invest in a few quality items that will last a long time than to buy a bunch of cheap things that will fall apart after a few uses.
For example, buy a good pair of jeans that will fit well and last for years instead of buying five pairs of cheaper jeans that will fall apart after a few washes.
Don’t be afraid to DIY
If you’re handy, there are a lot of things you can do yourself instead of paying someone else to do it for you.
For example, if your car needs an oil change, you can do it yourself instead of paying someone at a garage to do it for you.
You can also save money by cooking at home instead of eating out all the time.
Know when to splurge—and when not to.
There are some things that are worth splurging on, like travel experiences and quality items that will last a long time.
But there are other things where it doesn’t make sense to spend a lot of money, like fast fashion items that go out of style quickly.
It’s all about finding a balance and knowing when it makes sense to spend more and when it doesn’t.
Examples of frugal vs. cheap people
Here are a few examples to illustrate the difference in spending habits between cheap and frugal people.
| A Cheap Person Will | A Frugal Person Will |
|---|---|
| Buy the cheapest car even if it’s not cheap to maintain and fuel. | Research cars in their price range, and choose a vehicle after weighing the initial cost and long-term value. |
| Buy whatever clothes are on clearance, whether they need them or not. | Take inventory of their wardrobes, and buy clothes on sale when they actually need them. |
| Buy cheap sunglasses for $5 at a discount store. | Buy quality sunglasses for $50 (on sale) from an optometrist. |
| Buy the cheapest can of paint then use 3 coats to cover their wall. | Buy a mid-priced can of paint (using a coupon) and use 1 coat to cover their wall. |
| Argue with the store manager over the price of a $20 item. | Decide they don’t really need the $20 item and happily leave the store empty-handed. |
How To Encourage Frugality in Others Without Being Judgmental
Encouraging frugality in others can be a delicate task. Here are some tips to help you encourage frugality without being judgmental:
- Lead by example: Show others how you live a frugal lifestyle by sharing your experiences and successes.
- Focus on the benefits: Explain the benefits of frugality, such as financial stability, reduced stress, and a simpler lifestyle.
- Offer practical tips: Share practical tips on how to save money, such as meal planning or finding deals on products.
- Be respectful: Respect the other person’s choices and priorities, and don’t pressure them into making changes they are not comfortable with.
Listen and empathize: Listen to their concerns and empathize with their struggles. Focus on offering support and encouragement rather than criticism or judgment.
Does Being Frugal Make You Happier?
There are a number of reasons why you might want to consider being frugal.
For one, it can help you save money. If you’re able to stick to a budget and only purchase what you need, you’ll be in a much better financial position than if you’re constantly buying things that you don’t really need.
Being frugal can also help reduce your stress levels.
If you’re always worrying about money and whether or not you can afford your lifestyle, it’s going to take a toll on your mental health. But if you’re living within your means and not overspending, you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
Finally, being frugal can also make you happier.
A lot of people think that they need material possessions to be happy, but that’s not necessarily true. In fact, research has shown that people who live simpler lives and don’t have a lot of stuff are often happier than those who do.
So if you’re looking for ways to boost your happiness levels, being frugal is a great place to start.
How Can I Tell if I’m Being Cheap or Frugal?
If you’re constantly looking for ways to save money and aren’t concerned with the quality of the products you buy or the convenience of the services you use, then you’re probably being cheap.
On the other hand, if you’re willing to spend a little extra on a high-quality item if it means saving money in the long run or if it will improve your quality of life, then you’re probably being frugal.
Is There Anything Wrong with Being Cheap?
There’s not necessarily anything wrong with being cheap.
Everyone has their own definition of what it means to be cheap, and as long as you’re happy with your lifestyle, there’s no need to change.
However, if you’re finding that being cheap is causing problems in your life—such as preventing you from enjoying activities with friends or family because you refuse to spend money—then it might be worth reconsidering your approach.
Why Is It Better To Be Frugal Rather Than Cheap?
- When you’re frugal, you’re often able to get better quality items because you’re willing to spend a bit more to get something that will last longer.
- Being frugal means you end up spending less in the long run because you’re not constantly having to replace cheap items that fall apart quickly.
- Being frugal usually means you end up with things you actually need instead of a bunch of junk you’ll never use.
How Can I Be More Frugal?
If you’re looking to incorporate more frugality into your life, there are a few questions you can ask yourself:
- Do I really need that take-out coffee every day?
- Can I buy in bulk and save money on groceries?
- Are there any recurring subscriptions that I longer use or need?
- Can I take some time to compare insurance rates to save money?
Cheap vs. Frugal: Finding the Balance
So, what’s the takeaway here?
Ultimately, you decide whether you want to be cheap or frugal.
You can be a penny-pincher, always looking for ways to save money, even if it means sacrificing quality or experiences.
Or, you can be frugal, and smart about your spending and only spend money on things that matter to you.
The next time you’re considering a purchase, ask yourself if you’re being cheap or frugal.
If you’re just looking for the cheapest option available without considering quality or whether you need it, or, if you go out of your way to save money, even at the expense of others, then you’re being cheap.
But if you’re looking for ways to save money without sacrificing quality or what you need, then you’re being frugal.
In my opinion, being frugal is always the better option!
