Anyone else frugal or just plain cheap?

[Capt57]

Maybe this comes from my father but I just can't pay retail for anything. I've never owned a new car, I frequently eat only off the dollar menu and never order a soda, go to Barnes and Noble, read everything, never buy one book, shop used, used, used. The list goes on...anyone else have this sickness?

[rwyatt365]

Maybe this comes from my father but I just can't pay retail for anything. I've never owned a new car, I frequently eat only off the dollar menu and never order a soda, go to Barnes and Noble, read everything, never buy one book, shop used, used, used. The list goes on...anyone else have this sickness?
I won't say that I am as "bad" as that, but I am decidedly cheap. I'm always searching for a "deal" and I have no problem shopping at stores that sell "irregular" clothing. I don't buy extravagances – you'll never find a gold-plated toilet in my mansion (if…I actually had a mansion), and I wouldn't buy a Rolex (the clock in my cell phone works just fine). I don’t eat from the dollar-menu, but I'll get my Whopper without the fries and drink then get a 20oz of soda from the store 'cause that'll last a week for less. I will spend money for things that will last – I don't mind spending $70 for a cast-iron skillet because I know it'll outlast me and my kids.

The one exception is my car. For that I will spend money (not recklessly, or irresponsibly). If there's something that I want for it, then I will set a budget to save the appropriate money and when I get the funds together, I get what I want.

[Capt57]

The one exception is my car. For that I will spend money (not recklessly, or irresponsibly). If there's something that I want for it, then I will set a budget to save the appropriate money and when I get the funds together, I get what I want.

I do this with fishing gear and stuff for my boat. Save up, pay cash, no credit :thumbsup:

[INTJoe]

Don't think of it as a sickness. 98% of Americans are downright retarded when it comes to money. I like that you are that way. I'm trying to be more and more like that, especially since my folks filed bankruptcy just a few years ago.

For the last 2 years, my gf and I have saved roughly 45%-50% of our GROSS income. Not net. Gross. That is unheard of in most parts. I think it helps that she is ISTJ. I've heard ISTJ's and INTJ's are most-likely to accumulate a great deal of wealth.

I paid my car off last August, and plan on driving it till the wheels fall off, then buying used, with cash.

If you work hard, save hard, and invest wisely, you can have a lot of peace of mind going into your golden years. I look forward to those days, when I can be generous with money. Donating, and starting scholarships and whatnot. But I'm a looong way away from that.

I only know two other INTJ's. One is my father, who, although had to file bankruptcy, was very stingy when it came to himself and taking care of himself. The other is a friend of mine, and he is BY FAR, the stingiest dude I've ever met in my life. He's 28, and his net worth exceeds six figures already, yet it's like pulling teeth to get him to chip in equally for gas money, camping expenditures...etc.

So, to sum up, I'd say yes, I think it's an IxTJ thing. And I think it's a good thing. Be stingy now, take care of your family, and down the road you can be much more generous than you ever could now.

[Allie]

I used to be stingy. Although, when it comes to food, I have never, ever been stingy. I'll eat whatever I feel like, regardless of price, when I can afford it. Must be making up for missing out during childhood :)

We saved and finally are able to afford what we want today. We still continue to save, but will be willing to spend at this point. I am willing to put out the money for luxury goods that we want. Although, I usually don't pay retail either. I like a good bargain, and to get quality things for a good price is what I am looking for.

[Capt57]

For the last 2 years, my gf and I have saved roughly 45%-50% of our GROSS income. Not net. Gross.

Good for you! That is very tough. I live about 30min outside NYC so all the real estate and rent is sky high. Average house in my area is well over $400,000 and a one bedroom is like $1300+ per month. When rent and housing is so far out of whack with median income what do you do? I know what I did...me and the wife moved in with grandma who paid off her house in like 1965! I have a strong hunch the real estate market will continue its downward spiral. In the mean time were putting some serious money away.:)

I forgot, I will also spend a great deal of money and time upgrading my computer to unreasonable levels of performance :rolleyes:

[INTJoe]

Yeah, NYC is tough. I have no idea what I'd do if I lived there.

I live in Houston, which is notoriously cheap to live in.

We pay $830/mo. for 1,000 sq. ft. apartment (and this is a nice apartment)

We're not raking in the dough, combined, we earn about 90-95k a year, but we both have college degrees so that isn't much. But our net expenses are only about $2,500/mo. for us and our dog. So we're putting away like $3,500/mo.

But we also drive paid-for cars, and don't blow our money on all the cool Sensory gadgets like the newest cell phones, plasma TV's, iPods, etc......... all that crap is a huge waste of money as far as I'm concerned.

I sleep better knowing I have a Roth IRA than a plasma screen. Most money problems are unfounded, in my opinion. If you work for 45 years, you WILL earn well over a million dollars in your lifetime. The question becomes, how much of that are you gonna keep? Every able-bodied American has a shot at being a millionaire. Unless they live in NYC. :) lol. Seriously, I don't know what I'd do if I lived there.

[Drayakir]

I live in NYC, and while I wouldn't trade it for almost any city in the world... except possibly London or Prague... or St. Petersburg, my home town, I am extremely frugal- with my own money. Since I only recently started working enough to pay for a lot of my own expenses (I pay a part of my rent, but still live with my parents), I've become very stringy. While before I could blow 200 bucks in a week, now it lasts me for about a month.

The only thing where I keep no expense is books. I make about 800 a month, I pay 300 rent, another 100 for food (I cook for myself), and the other 400 go to books, alcohol, presents, and the occasional snort.

[INTJoe]

You spend $100/mo. on food!? Even cooking for yourself, this has to be difficult to do.

That is pretty amazing you live in NYC on 800/mo.

[Zilal]

Yes, I am stingy too. Though less so than I used to be. I woke up finally and realized that I wasn't living in desperate poverty anymore and hadn't been for a couple years, and should probably buy some pants that didn't have holes in them.

My living expenses are fairly low for this area (coastal New England) because I have a basement apartment, no debt, and a fairly inexpensive car. I do commute a lot though, so I could cut my expenses more by moving closer to school. I spend $600 on rent, about $100 on food, $200 on car-related stuff, $50 on connectivity, and $50-200 medical and misc. expenses every month, so about $1000-1200 a month... I don't manage to save much. I just don't make much money. That's why when people talk about having a college degree and making "only" 30k a year, I think, "oh my god! I don't even know what I'd do with all that!"

[INTJoe]

That's why when people talk about having a college degree and making "only" 30k a year, I think, "oh my god! I don't even know what I'd do with all that!"


But keep in mind they are likely paying thousands in student loans. 30 is low for most people with a college education. You don't have much disposable income to work with.

[Siegfried]

I am still quite cheap, but used to be much worse until a while ago.

I eventually realized that I should start living in the moment and stop planning for the beautiful future when everything is suddenly going to be so much nicer. I still don't splurge cash on useless stuff and yet my quality of life has improved quit a bit.

What I now consider quite important is spending well on things that will provide me with a different perspective or will somewhat alter my life. On those I am prepared to spend a bit to get a god quality, but for the rest I am still insanely cheap.

[elsdfr]

My family thinks I'm stingy, my friends think I'm stingy, so umm yeah, I guess I am. But at least I don't owe the bank or anyone else money. Hardly anyone knows this but they probably will when the time comes... mwahaha.

I don't think I'm a miser though.

I also have a fetish for buying the best I can if I think its worth it which I think counters it somewhat.

[Drayakir]

No, no. I still live with my mother, but I pay for my share. Like, rent is 900 altogether, but I pay part of that so it's a) not considered as loser-ish, and b) so that I can legally be able to tell her she can't bother me when I'm in my room.

Same with food. 100 a month just from me. We buy more, but since I do all the cooking, she chips in more. Although to be honest, I can't wait to make enough money to live by myself.

[Danisty]

I've become more stingy as I've gotten older. We had a lot of debt racked up when we were younger and I'm finally getting it paid off. I don't like paying full price for anything. I don't like to buy cheap things either though (because I don't like the poor quality of most cheap things). I look for good deals on nice things.

[Capt57]

I've become more stingy as I've gotten older. We had a lot of debt racked up when we were younger and I'm finally getting it paid off. I don't like paying full price for anything. I don't like to buy cheap things either though (because I don't like the poor quality of most cheap things). I look for good deals on nice things.

I maintain a yearly subscription to consumer reports online. I look at all the rating systems even for stuff I don't need. If you want to know the best dishwasher in any class...I'm the man. But I seriously use them as a guide to quality in order to save my brain from the burden of choice. To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Even in the same class you don't always get what you pay for.

[Rick]

Stingy? I prefer...frugal.

I've been divorced for two years. I gave my ex- pretty much everything, including the house and the 30 year mortgage.

Now, if I don't have enough cash to buy something, I don't need it.

I bought a 36 year old 5th wheel trailer ($1500) and am living in it on a campground, although I make enough to rent a beachhouse down the road if I'd been willing to spend the money. Camp space rent is $360 per month which includes water and a certain amount of electricity (which I haven't exceeded). The roof leaks when it rains hard, but luckily not much over where I sleep. I haven't had hot water since I've been here (a year), because I'm investing every penny instead of spending it on, say, a hot water heater. I did, however, put in completely new cold water plumbing and completely rewired the 110 volt electrical system from the ground up. The old system was shot and scared me. I did the work myself instead of paying someone else to do it. My heat comes from a 1'x1' electrical heater from Wal-Mart. Coldest night this winter has been 20 degrees or so. It's fine. I sleep in a good sleeping bag. While I'm typing this, the thermometer here inside reads 52 degrees and I'm wearing a coat.

Now, the other side of the coin. I'd rather not state my income, but I have a degree in chemical engineering and am a supervisor for one of the largest chemical companies in the world. My salary and bonus is more than I ever expected to make in my life.

So...why this situation, you may ask.

Like I said, I don't believe in credit. If you live on credit, you're making yourself a slave to your job and to your creditors. Living like I am, I should be able to buy a good home, paying cash, in 2-3 years. After that, living a much more comfortable yet self sufficient lifestyle, I can see complete financial independence 2-3 years further down the road.

Like I said...frugal.

[Capt57]

Stingy? I prefer...frugal.

I've been divorced for two years. I gave my ex- pretty much everything, including the house and the 30 year mortgage.

Now, if I don't have enough cash to buy something, I don't need it.

I bought a 36 year old 5th wheel trailer ($1500) and am living in it on a campground, although I make enough to rent a beachhouse down the road if I'd been willing to spend the money. Camp space rent is $360 per month which includes water and a certain amount of electricity (which I haven't exceeded). The roof leaks when it rains hard, but luckily not much over where I sleep. I haven't had hot water since I've been here (a year), because I'm investing every penny instead of spending it on, say, a hot water heater. I did, however, put in completely new cold water plumbing and completely rewired the 110 volt electrical system from the ground up. The old system was shot and scared me. I did the work myself instead of paying someone else to do it. My heat comes from a 1'x1' electrical heater from Wal-Mart. Coldest night this winter has been 20 degrees or so. It's fine. I sleep in a good sleeping bag. While I'm typing this, the thermometer here inside reads 52 degrees and I'm wearing a coat.

Now, the other side of the coin. I'd rather not state my income, but I have a degree in chemical engineering and am a supervisor for one of the largest chemical companies in the world. My salary and bonus is more than I ever expected to make in my life.

So...why this situation, you may ask.

Like I said, I don't believe in credit. If you live on credit, you're making yourself a slave to your job and to your creditors. Living like I am, I should be able to buy a good home, paying cash, in 2-3 years. After that, living a much more comfortable yet self sufficient lifestyle, I can see complete financial independence 2-3 years further down the road.

Like I said...frugal.

Wow...I would do this in a heart beat, makes total sense. I remember when Ross Perot ran for president and he would urge people to pay cash for their homes. Considering our current housing crisis I take it not many people listened. The only thing that stops me from living off the grid, so to speak, is my wife. She is less concerned about being a slave then I am.:(

[Zilal]

But keep in mind they are likely paying thousands in student loans. 30 is low for most people with a college education. You don't have much disposable income to work with.

Yeah, I don't have much of a grasp of what debt does to finances... I have always managed to find other sources to pay for college.

I'd love to be able to buy a house with cash too someday. If I had the money to save, I'd definitely be saving it... or investing it... right now. It'd be cool to live in a campground too. I actually considered doing that... in a tent... but the only places that stay open all winter here are a few RV joints.

[INTJoe]

Yeah, I don't have much of a grasp of what debt does to finances... I have always managed to find other sources to pay for college.

Whether or not you borrowed money to get through college, the point remains, college is EXPENSIVE, and people go to it expecting to come out the other end marketable, and able to land a "nice" job, making more than 30K per year.

Think of it this way, if most employers want a college grad, they are going to have to expect to pay more than 30K per year for that employee. The embodied energy of getting a college degree is not only time, and effort, but money. And lots of it.

Of course that isn't to say somebody who spends $20K/year on college to get a "general studies" degree or a "sociology" degree is also allowed to whine about only earning in the thirties, because that is just a bad business decision, in my opinion.

You hear people all the time "I got my degree, and it's in Music Theory. There just aren't any jobs for me! And the ones I find only pay twelve bucks an hour! That's why I work at Starbucks and am loaded with debt...I HATE THE SYSTEM! IT'S WORKING AGAINST ME!!!" lol. Gee...yeah, the SYSTEM is what put you where you are.

My 5 year professionally-accredited degree only cost $17,000. That was 1997-2002 dollars. Of course I didn't feel the need to go to some big, fancy, overpriced school. I went to a State school, and the program I enrolled in was one of the better ones anyway.

[Seven]

I would consider myself frugal. I always try to spend money wisely. I only purchase things I need. I have never purchased a new car and will walk an extra block to withdraw cash from my bank machine to avoid bank charges. I usually commute to work by public transit. Other than on my home mortgage, I have never paid a penny on credit card or loan interest. My purchasing decisions are almost always based quality, I do not mind paying a higher price for something that will last longer and work better. I also do not mind paying a bit more to support local businesses or growers. I try to avoid paying full retail price, so if the purchase can wait, I will put it off until the item goes on sale.

Having said that, if I feel like an overpriced latte once in awhile, I won’t think twice about it and I won’t hesitate to enjoy a nice dinner now and then. I spend generously on friends and family and donate considerably to charities. I also spend a good portion of my disposable income on travel as I view that as investing in life experiences. I work hard and earn a good income so I figure I am entitled to splurge once in awhile. I try to balance spending wisely and enjoying life.

[quentin]

I didn't pay for college. I went on an academic scholarship with room & board provided at a big state school. I could have gone to a more prestigious school with more name recognition but I didn't see why the bother - it would have seemed like a waste of money & your early 20s is no time to get yourself into mountains of debt.

I have never held or used a credit card in my adult life. I'm smart that way.

[yondyr]

Sometimes getting access to monies in the bank for the isolated means instead using a credit card, so 'smart' is relative to circumstances.

[Zilal]

I've never had a credit card either, and apparently no credit score. And I couldn't get the lowest rates offered by my car insurance company. So I've been thinking about getting a credit card just so I can try to get a good score for those things.

[INTJoe]

So I've been thinking about getting a credit card just so I can try to get a good score for those things.

I wouldn't do it. I think you are doing things right.

[rwyatt365]

Credit cards are not evil, uncontrolled use of credit cards is evil!

(doesn't that sound familliar? "Guns don't kill people, people kill people.")

[dandylion]

I guess I am a mix of frugal and stingy. I try to go for the cheaper things when I can.

I remember once when my friend and I were at the grocery store picking up food for a BBQ at the park, and she wanted me to buy bread for the hot dog buns. So I agreed. I went to the buns aisle and looked for the best deal, and I grabbed a couple bags. Later my friend came by and decided that two packs of a dozen or whatever quantity wasn't enough so she grabbed like 4 more. I was really annoyed. I mean, this was coming out of my own pocket! And I didn't think anyone was even going to eat over 60 hot dogs! Geez. I couldn't say anything much because she accused me of being "cheap" but I tried to reason with her, saying I was only being practical (practicality rules my life!). But later she had to apologize to me when we had lots of leftover hot dog buns. INTJs know best...

So I guess I'm not really stingy. I mean, if I was rich, I would buy all the hot dog buns anyone could ever want. But no. I am not. So I don't. But if I could, then I would!

Besides, why waste money if I don't have to? The money saved up could be used for something else.

[Capt57]

I guess I am a mix of frugal and stingy. I try to go for the cheaper things when I can.

I remember once when my friend and I were at the grocery store picking up food for a BBQ at the park, and she wanted me to buy bread for the hot dog buns. So I agreed. I went to the buns aisle and looked for the best deal, and I grabbed a couple bags. Later my friend came by and decided that two packs of a dozen or whatever quantity wasn't enough so she grabbed like 4 more. I was really annoyed. I mean, this was coming out of my own pocket! And I didn't think anyone was even going to eat over 60 hot dogs! Geez. I couldn't say anything much because she accused me of being "cheap" but I tried to reason with her, saying I was only being practical (practicality rules my life!). But later she had to apologize to me when we had lots of leftover hot dog buns. INTJs know best...

So I guess I'm not really stingy. I mean, if I was rich, I would buy all the hot dog buns anyone could ever want. But no. I am not. So I don't. But if I could, then I would!

Besides, why waste money if I don't have to? The money saved up could be used for something else.

I would have made her eat all the left over hot dog buns.:irked:

[Wapiti]

Credit cards are not evil, uncontrolled use of credit cards is evil!



I agree, credit cards can be used to your advantage to actually make money. Discover gives you maoney back - even if paid off every month without paying a dime in interest. You can get airline miles for free, free air tickets - just remember don't use a credit card if you don't have the money to pay it off every month.

I consider myself frugal (for the most part, hunting excluded). I am not stingy, I will give if warranted.





whyme1234 added to this post, 2 minutes and 42 seconds later...

Another thing, my wife has a higher credit rating than I do. she doesn't even have a job. All the money she has to pay back her creditors comes from me - and i have a lower rating, i don't get it.

[xhaan]

Maybe this comes from my father but I just can't pay retail for anything. I've never owned a new car, I frequently eat only off the dollar menu and never order a soda, go to Barnes and Noble, read everything, never buy one book, shop used, used, used. The list goes on...anyone else have this sickness?

I'm so cheap, I consider around $8k a year comfortable living. (seriously. And I really do get that, and make it work.)

[INTJoe]

Another thing, my wife has a higher credit rating than I do. she doesn't even have a job. All the money she has to pay back her creditors comes from me - and i have a lower rating, i don't get it.

Because FICO score is a retarded thing set in place to get people to use credit. Going into debt, and making the minimum payments every month, ON TIME, will boost your FICO score. That is absurd. I rack up about $600-$800 a month on my card for convenience things like gas, car rental for work (which I get reimbursed), etc., but pay it off every month. Not spending money to go into debt to boost my FICO. That is lame, and that is what they WANT you to do.

Debt guru Dave Ramsey hasn't borrowed a dime in like 15+ years. He's worth multiple millions of dollars, and he said it best when he said that he can't rent an apartment because his FICO score is zero, but he can buy the whole complex with cash!

[Colette]

Maybe this comes from my father but I just can't pay retail for anything. I've never owned a new car, I frequently eat only off the dollar menu and never order a soda, go to Barnes and Noble, read everything, never buy one book, shop used, used, used. The list goes on...anyone else have this sickness?

No I don't much like used stuff (except for clothing, where I like to pick up label stuff at bargain basement prices). I'd never buy an appliance or electronics second-hand, but I would look for a really good cut-price deal on new, and will spend time researching it.

So yeah...frugal, I guess, is my natural instinct. I hate to waste money, and will never buy lottery tickets and suchlike.

[xhaan]

No I don't much like used stuff (except for clothing, where I like to pick up label stuff at bargain basement prices). I'd never buy an appliance or electronics second-hand, but I would look for a really good cut-price deal on new, and will spend time researching it.

So yeah...frugal, I guess, is my natural instinct. I hate to waste money, and will never buy lottery tickets and suchlike.

Lottery is just another tax in the USA.
One way or another we are paying...

[spiritdetectivegirl]

I'm cheap. My brother tell me it all the time. But I'm proud, I'd rather save-up money than spend it.

[Uytuun]

Hmmm...not really. I just don't need that much and I make sure not to waste any money on stupid things. I could probably live a really frugal, life, though. So long as no one touches my Internet connection. :D

[Caramel]

I have an excuse, I'm Dutch.

[Evalind]

Wow, I'm really digging up an old thread here... but I didn't want to start a whole new one since it's the exact same topic. :)

I'm definitely frugal, sometimes to the point where it seriously annoys me. For example, I want to learn to cook, but the idea of spending money on ingredients and then having the final product be inedible is horrifying. Similarly, when I was studying photography I'd use as little film as possible due to the expense of developing/printing/etc.

My dad is really frugal as well, and I wonder how much of my habits came from him and how much I'd have anyway just from being so drawn to efficiency.

[Homini Lupus]

My most evident characteristic about that is that I've become No-Logo much before I ever heard of that movement, just because I tought that paying a corporation a lot of money more than another just to bear their logo (wich is to say becoming a living ADvertising for free) seemed very idiot to me. When my classmates told me I wore "false" stuff I really felt superior to them because of that. It has never been ideological opposition to corporatios tough.

Also, I try to get what I want spending the least. This doesn't mean I'm really stingy. I think I could live simply as long as I can pay healty food, transport, gym and internet. Some more cash in order to have a good computer doesn't hurt tough.

[hypervel]

A little tight, but believing the buck is going to get much weaker-so I've been a spending fool for the past 7 months. Not on Cheetos...more like a big freezer, meat, weps, metal. Unusual times are upon us. Duck and cover. Open the wallet and spend the fat if ya got it.

[JessicaHavenLea]

*raises hand*

I don't like to spend money unless it's on something that's worth paying for (which isn't very much). I tend to believe that food, clothes and shelter should be free. :p

[zibber]

I'm with rwyatt in that I don't spend money on unnecessary things, prefer a $2 pack of juice from the supermarket over a $5 GLASS of juice at a bar (I mean, what the hell?) and don't mind spending money on things I know will last me a long time (like quality jeans/shirts, of which I buy three or four a year at most, really good shoes and videogames/records I'll play the living crap out of). My girlfriend is less fussy about spending, which definitely leads to some tension every now and then. To her, spending $5 on a cup of coffee at a café terrace is just part of a "nice day out", even though you can get $1 coffee in a plastic cup at the bakery and drink it on a bench. I mean, does that make me "cheap"? According to her it does. I just don't buy into the commercial bullshit system, where the fact that drinks come in luxurious containers and stressed out waiters with fake smiles deliver them to your table half an hour after you've ordered (after spending half an hour trying to get a waiter to your table) is enough justification for insane overpricing.


Of course that isn't to say somebody who spends $20K/year on college to get a "general studies" degree or a "sociology" degree is also allowed to whine about only earning in the thirties, because that is just a bad business decision, in my opinion.

You hear people all the time "I got my degree, and it's in Music Theory. There just aren't any jobs for me! And the ones I find only pay twelve bucks an hour! That's why I work at Starbucks and am loaded with debt...I HATE THE SYSTEM! IT'S WORKING AGAINST ME!!!" lol. Gee...yeah, the SYSTEM is what put you where you are.

Hold on.. what if someone's interested in music theory or, say, art history, or philosophy? (Gee, wonder why I picked those examples? :P) You're saying everyone who is financially able to should base their choice of study on future job opportunities?

I'll probably end up in a humble, pretty menial job, just making an "O.K." salary, but I'd rather do that than spend my days in a suit stressing out over the Smith account, which laws to cite in my next case or worrying whether my businesscard looks up to par.

[Fej]

Frugal. But when it is something I really like or want and that is worth the money I'll but it even if its expensive.

[Seppuku Savant]

Frugal with some things, but there are items that the cost can't be cut on. Unless I'm willing to downgrade quality. I won't when it comes to my body.

[Tenacious B]

I tend to be quite frugal, but I'm willing to spend on things that are important to me/long lasting.

Certain items I'll spend quite a bit if it is the right item. I have a really hard time finding shoes, so when I find a pair that really fit I'll get them. I recently had to buy dress shoes, which really kill my feet. I found a pair from Ecco that fit wonderfully, so I put out the $180 for them (they'll last decades since I don't wear suits that often).

Guitars too...I'm not going to spend thousands on one, but I (in the past when I played a lot) spent $1k-1.2k on a few different guitars. Keep in mind that guitars last basically forever and after a certain point start to appreciate. One of them was already vintage when I got it so it will just keep appreciating.


I tend to get really cheap when it comes to small things, particularly those that don't last a long time. I rarely eat out and never go to movies (don't like them anyways) etc. If you spend $5 at Taco Bell (etc) for lunch each working day that is $25 per week, or $1250 during a 50 working week year. For that much I can get a nice guitar, or more realistically, spend half that on lunch from home and have $625 in the bank. Those little things (starbucks, CDs, smoothies, lotto tickets etc) really add up.

[bricklayer]

I have seasons. One I'll be frugal, the next I'm spontaneously spending on lavish luxuries that should have been thought through.

[Beery Swine]

Hell yeah. I've been waiting for Xbox 360 to drop in price and I'm still not sure I wanna pay $300 for the Jasper model when it comes out. Dollar menu, oh yeah, me too, but not exclusively. I got a $90 (retail) overdrive pedal for about $39 on ebay, an $80 metal distortion pedal for about $35 and a $150 wah pedal for $72, all prices include the shipping costs. I rarely buy a game if I can't get it for $20 or less.

[TheReal]

Frugal at the moment. I got it from my dad, it was a trait i hated in him. I hated winters because our house was chilly all the time. My hands would always be cold because my dad didn't like the thermostat being turned up. I spend enough to be comfortable. I don't eat a lot. and I've bin wanting a new pair of shoes forever, but I don't like what I see, and i don't want to spend over 50$ on a pair. I drive a used geo metro - hardly ever. I refuse to buy a 1 liter coke for 1.75 when i can get a 2 liter for .99. I guess i'm just at a starving artist stage, because i wish to spend money frivolously.

[Madrigal]

Nah. Money vanishes from my hands. My logic is that I'll always be able to work for more. And I don't want to save for "big" things like a car or an apartment. I have no interest in either of those things right now (and I'm 28). I'd feel tied down to an apartment, and driving is too great a commitment for me.

So I just spend with the certainty that if I ever need a lot of money, I can find a way to make it/raise it/get it.

I feel very uncomfortable around cheap people as we always have arguments about little things like where to go, what to do, what to eat, etc. I think they have to embrace the moment a little more.

[IF3157]

Frugal. But when it is something I really like or want and that is worth the money I'll but it even if its expensive.

me too.

[Jenny Penny]

Nah. Money vanishes from my hands. My logic is that I'll always be able to work for more. And I don't want to save for "big" things like a car or an apartment. I have no interest in either of those things right now (and I'm 28). I'd feel tied down to an apartment, and driving is too great a commitment for me.

So I just spend with the certainty that if I ever need a lot of money, I can find a way to make it/raise it/get it.

I feel very uncomfortable around cheap people as we always have arguments about little things like where to go, what to do, what to eat, etc. I think they have to embrace the moment a little more.

I agree with your last paragraph. It's nice to have friends that will get you a beer and not ask for the $2.50. It should be understood that it's give and take and it will basically all come out even in the wash. If you nitpick like that with friends they will get sick of your presence.

However, I suppose being frugal or cheap doesn't necessarily mean someone is not generous with others.

I get my clothes at JC Penney and don't spend much money because I'm paying off college loans. I used to be much more lavish in my spending when I was younger. I'm paying for that now, so I've had to scrimp and save in most areas. I usually buy generic brands for the little things.

With important things (I suppose like most people) I'm willing to spend as much as it takes to get the quality I desire.

[dissident]

I'm frugal. I have a hard time justifying the cost of a new car even though I'd like to upgrade my 8 year old grand am for a more reliable toyota Corolla. People's ability and willingness to go into debt has driven up the prices of homes and cars and if I can just wait a year or two, I'm convinced as the economy crashes that prices will come down to reality as nobody has the money to afford a new car.

[Lupin]

Frugal.....less is definitely more on the material front for me. But buy cheap, buy twice ;).

[hypervel]

We have a Corolla. '03. It gets 38-40 mpg in mixed driving. Moderate hypermiling used. It gets a little lower in winter, naturally.
Pontiacs........never met one I liked. Oprah was being CRUEL to give them away to unsuspecting folks. Or maybe they suspected and were greedy. I seriously would decline the offer of a free Pontiac. It just isn't worth it.
You, however, are being reasonable to keep what you've got. Keep a kitty for repair and don't touch it. The money, that is.
Frugality is all just a matter of knowing when to part with your money, and parting based on priorities and cost benefit.
Cheap is ignoring everything and just going for the bottom line. Just
how I buy my hookers....
heh heh........jk....don't tell my wife.....

[malachi]

Im Frugal. I am trying my best to save money because i want to build wealth. The most wealthiest people on the earth are frugal...and you wouldnt even know that they have lots of money. I recommend a book to everyone called THE MILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR. Its called that because theyre saying that the millionaire lives right next to you; not in the million dollar house. Just like you would get better at basketball when you practice, the same thing will happen when you practice frugality while reinvesting the money into WHATEVER YOU WANT. ..as long as you receive a return on your money.

[Lillium]

Yes, I'm frugal, though most people I know are big spenders. I think it's smart to be aware of what you spend. I buy used books, clothes, some furniture (vintage usually, I like to buy things that are real wood and have a classic design) I see no reason in buying a book new for $20 when I could get a used copy for $2. I do work myself if possible, such as yard work, painting walls, repairs, instead of paying someone.

People used to scoff because I shopped discount food stores, but I think they're great. I've never bought anything bad, and there's no chance of food being expired if you check the date before you buy it. It cuts the bill down by half usually.

Really, why pay more?

[Zionoxis]

I am not frugal, but I hardly ever spend money. I am not a deal searcher, but I only get what I need.

[vad1981]

Maybe this comes from my father but I just can't pay retail for anything. I've never owned a new car, I frequently eat only off the dollar menu and never order a soda, go to Barnes and Noble, read everything, never buy one book, shop used, used, used. The list goes on...anyone else have this sickness?

You totally just described me...the one thing i splurge on ...food