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cheap vs. frugal

I am FRUGAL not cheap. I just wanted to clarify!LOL I think some ppl think those words mean the same thing and to me they don't. One of my good friends from college had a baby shower and I wanted to get her something really nice. I spent about $20, but they gift was wroth about $80. THAT to me is frugal. I bought lots on clearance, made some and got creative for some.

I think frugality exercises my brain muscle. I have to find ways to be frugal. That requires thinking (most times out of the box) and often times tapping in on some creativity. This from a person who really does not appreciate the arts!LOL But I do like problem solving. As a challenge to myself, I once fed us for less than $10 one week (I totaled all the money spent on each meal). I ENJOY doing things like that tho.

I'm also frugal in some areas so I don't have to be in other areas (Vera Bradley comes to mind!LOL). But I know if push came to shove, we could live off a drastically lower income.

But for me, cheap means just that--CHEAP! Tacky, typically very little thought, etc. Just buying the cheapest thing they could find. That isn't always the most frugal thing to do BTW.  Buying five $1 items cuz it keeps breaking isn't cheaper than the $3 better made one (and saves the landfills).

So I much prefer to be referred to as frugal vs. cheap. I know cheap ppl. I don't want to be like that.

Untitled Comment

04:45, 2006-Mar-29 .. Posted by kayinpa

Yeah! Me too.

You Said It!

04:52, 2006-Mar-29 .. Posted by FoggyMountainFarm

I totally understand what you are talking about!

I am frugal too but not cheap... my sister thinks the two things mean the same but they aren't.

Frugal is much more. Frugal is learning to live below your means.

Cheap is well... just cheap. I think of cheap like buying margarine because it's only .39-49 for a pound package because butter costs $2.59 a pound (prices for what I pay here). The margarine is so unhealthy with all it's additives where as the butter is better for you because it's more natural. So why pay the .39 per pound and end up having to pay for more doctor bills in the long rong. (just an odd example there. LOL but I hope it made sense)

Blessings,
Laura

Cheap vs Frugal

12:32, 2006-Mar-30 .. Posted by Anonymous

Yes, I would definatly say that there is a difference between cheap and frugal. And you definatly fit the frugal bill.

My mother's husband is CHEAP. He has the money and the means to pay for things (he's very well off, if not close to a millionaire) but won't because it cost money. There's a difference between saving money because you need to and refusing to spend money because you don't want to.

Anonymous is me

12:33, 2006-Mar-30 .. Posted by Anonymous

Danielle. LOL