There is a subtle difference between being frugal and being cheap. Understanding it is crucial. While frugality means being smart with money, being cheap suggests reducing expenses at the cost of quality.
Here are 12 signs suggesting you lean more towards cheapness than frugality.
Skipping Out on Tipping
You do not tip at restaurants or tip well below the standard rate of 20 to 25% on the bill. This behavior shows hesitation in acknowledging the service you receive, and it can be considered an act of cheapness.
Reusing Disposable Items Excessively
You often wash and reuse disposable items like plastic forks and paper plates. It is good to be resourceful. However, reusing disposables meant for one-time use can signify cheapness and a possible health hazard.
Compromising on Quality for Low Price
You choose the cheapest option regardless of quality. This often leads to items that do not last, costing more in the long run. Frugality values quality that saves money over time, not upfront costs.
Avoiding Healthcare Expenses
You put off visiting the doctor or skip necessary medications to save money. Neglecting health to avoid spending is not wise. Investing in health is a wise choice to prevent more considerable expenses later.
Never Treating Friends or Family
You avoid your turn to pay when out with friends or family, constantly dodging the bill or never treating others. Not only can this strain relationships, but it also is cheapskate.
Wearing Worn Out Clothes
You continue to wear old or damaged clothes to avoid purchasing new ones. On the other hand, a frugal person would replace items when necessary. Wearing older or damaged clothes shows cheapness.
Haggling Inappropriately
You haggle over small amounts in inappropriate situations, like fixed-price stores. This behavior can show a lack of respect for fair pricing and business practices.
Not Valuing Your Time
You spend excessive time and effort to save small amounts of money. Frugality respects the value of time; being cheap often overlooks this important factor.
Using Products Past Expiration
You use products like food or medication past their end dates to avoid wasting them. This can be dangerous and is not a sign of being frugal but cheap.
Regifting Repeatedly
You often re-gift items, even if they are not a good fit for the receiver. While regifting can be acceptable in some situations, overdoing it can indicate a lack of thoughtfulness. It is important to consider whether the gift is suitable for the person or not.
Skipping Basic Home Maintenance
You avoid necessary home maintenance to cut costs. These essential repairs are important to prevent more severe and costly issues later. This approach is not about being frugal. It is cheap.
Taking More Than Your Fair Share
You often take more freebies than necessary, such as hotel condiments or toiletries. Hoarding free items goes beyond being cheap.
