Comments on: What is the difference between frugal and cheap?

By: Ruschel Ernacio

Ruschel Ernacio — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 09:28:22 +0000

Nice, the dictionary defines frugal as economical in use while cheap is one of its synonyms but there are really difference between the two. Nice information.

By: Money Saving Dad

Money Saving Dad — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 17:19:45 +0000

To me frugal is somebody who just wants to save money and get the best bang for their dollars. It is having wisdom with money and caring not to waste any money at all. When buying a quality product for instance, they’ll shop around for sales, use coupons, or specials. However the product is usually good and sought after. Frugality is a thinking man’s/woman’s game.

Cheap is somebody who carelessly and almost ridiculously does not spend money… Almost insulting in ways.

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:31:15 +0000

Where does taking advantage of others come into play? Cheap/stingy people might use others for their gain whereas frugal people manage resources so that nothing is wasted. I associate selfishness with one and not the other.

By: Until Debt Do US Part

Until Debt Do US Part — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 11:02:42 +0000

Wise with money is a lot more favorable than frugal or cheap. To me frugal seems to give a sense of lacking as in they are frugal because they have very little money. While this may be the case it can also be the case that some rich people are frugal. So for me ‘wise with money’ is a lot better all round.

By: John

John — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:47:31 +0000

Shoot, Ron said what I was going to say I like how you associated cheap with hoarding – I think that’s very true.

I view frugal as searching for the best “value” for an item and this does not necessarily equate to getting the cheapest one. Also, in the definition, the term “resources” is used. I think that frugality can apply to other areas of your life like your time, for instance. A person might spend money to hire someone to do a certain job for them to save them time and get a better job done – I think this still could qualify as being frugal.

I aim for frugal but often miss and end up at stingy.

By: Ron@TheWisdomJournal

Ron@TheWisdomJournal — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:33:29 +0000

Acting in a frugal manner is a state of mind where you see yourself as a steward, trying to maximize the resources you have at your disposal. Frugal people save so that they can bless the lives of others.

Cheap/stingy is hoarding everything and worrying that you won’t have enough for yourself.

By: bob

bob — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:01:54 +0000

The pattern that I am seeing is that everyone seems to think that cheap is more of the short-sighted, me first mentality that as Crossn81 puts it wastes more money in the long run… I completely agree. There is some real sound wisdom in spending a bit more upfront or waiting to get something a little better that will last longer. Its kind of like looking for the overall value of an item rather than the best price…

By: crossn81

crossn81 — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:28:24 +0000

My parents divorced when I was quite young and so I grew up with two families and two perspectives on money.

Cheap – buy the least expensive brand b/c we need it now and don’t want to wait for it.

Frugal – we’d like to have that, lets do some research and save money to make sure we get the best bang for our buck.

I think in the long run cheap people end up wasting more money than frugal people.

By: Jan

Jan — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:04:44 +0000

To me frugal means using what you have wisely. It also involves being creative…in that use.
Cheap is as you say..stingy. Usually a cheap person has the money to buy better items but buys the least expensive…seems like the “love” of money comes into play in his thinking.

By: MInTheGap

MInTheGap — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:42:42 +0000

I actually see frugal as someone who has a budget, keeps track of their funds, and is to some degree money minded. These people don’t mind spending on quality items, but will try to negotiate price.

I see cheap people as those that are out for the cheapest goods. They’ll spend money on cheap items instead of looking for the best quality for the best price. They’re view of money is more selfish.

The difference is subtle, and depending on what end of the transaction you are on can be different!