In this day and age, the price of goods and services keep continuing to rise – or at least, it sure feels that way! There’s nothing wrong with saving money, but being cheap is another story. Here are the top signs of a cheap person and how you can avoid being one of them. Additionally, I’ll explain the difference between frugal vs cheap and why frugality is the way to go if you want to save money and enjoy your life.
Read on to learn about the signs of a cheap person.
Frugal vs Cheap
Before going over the telltale signs of a cheap person, I need to clarify the difference between being frugal and being cheap. The main similarities between both personalities are that:
- Both types are focused on saving as much money as possible
- Frugal and cheap people check the price of items before making a purchase
However, the difference lies in how smart one is being with their money and resources.
Being Cheap
A cheap person is focused on one thing and one thing only: saving, saving, saving! This type of person will always try to buy an item for the lowest possible price, never paying attention to quality.
In addition to the price, a cheap person’s scarcity mindset means that they’ll avoid tipping an appropriate amount and will try to avoid anything that costs money. In general, a cheap person is only concerned about price. However, in the long run, a cheap person may lose money in the long run. If a cheap person buys an item of lower quality, he or she may need to replace it more frequently. Over time, this person usually ends up spending more money due to re-purchasing the same item.
Being Frugal and Thrifty
On the other hand, frugal and thrifty people consider both price and quality. This type of person cares about how long the item will last and also values his or her time. A frugal person may even go extreme for a short period of time by cutting out all unnecessary purchases. Extreme frugal living is fine for a short period of time to save some cash in the long run because it can help you save money for something or kickstart good habits – so long as you don’t do it for too long. Longterm extreme frugal living cuts you off from enjoying treats. Additionally, if you deprive yourself too long, you’ll be a lot more likely to go over budget by doing a spending binge.
Example #1 of Being Frugal: Clothing Shopping
Let’s go over an example to demonstrate the difference between frugal vs. cheap. A thrifty person is happy purchasing a $120 pair of black heels from a quality shop that should last 4-5 years. Why? It’s a better financial move as opposed to buying cheaper items that will wear out faster.
For example, if someone buys a cheap $30 pair of heels from the strip mall that lasts one season, this person will have to spend $150 total to re-purchase the heels an additional 4 times. A person who is being frugal and thrifty values his or her time. Since he or she will only need to go to the mall once, he or she will save hours of time in the long run. Additionally, due to quality construction, a higher-quality pair of shoes usually looks nicer.
Does this mean a frugal person doesn’t care about money at all? Absolutely not! A frugal person will still try to find shoes at a reasonable price – no need to buy those $1000 designer shoes when the $120 ones are just as good. A frugal person considers both price and value.
Another telltale of a frugal person? Focusing on quality instead of quantity when shopping. A frugal person will stock a capsule wardrobe full of minimalist pieces that can be worn with multiple other outfits and in many seasons. Again, a frugal person isn’t afraid to spend more money to stock their wardrobe on quality items that will last a lot longer than cheaper, fast-fashion items.
Example #2 of Being Frugal: Cooking
Another way a person is frugal vs cheap? When cooking, this type of person will plan ahead. He or she will make a grocery list and meal plan. Additionally, this type of person will have a list of go-to frugal dinners or lunches that can be prepared in a snap to avoid spending tons of money on takeout. A frugal person won’t buy the cheapest food items. Instead, a smart, thrifty shopper knows that frugal, healthy meals are made by purchasing cheap yet nutritious foods that are good value for the money spent.
In summary, a frugal person cares about quality, cost over the long run and valuing his or her time.
Examples of Being a Cheap Person
I’ve covered the difference between frugal and cheap. Now, let’s go over ten of the signs of a cheap person. While this list is non-exhaustive as there are many other ways a person can be cheap, they are the main ways you can tell if you or someone you know is being either cheap or frugal.
1. Always Being Worried About Price – Signs of A Cheap Person At the Mall or Restaurant
Being Cheap When Shopping
The number one telltale sign of a cheap person: he or she always orders or buys the cheapest item. When this person goes to the mall, he or she will buy the cheapest pair of socks or shirt with no regard to the price per unit. For example, if a package of 6 pairs of higher-quality socks cost $20 but a single pair of lower-quality socks on their own costs $5, this person will opt for buying one or two pairs of the $5 socks.
In the long run, this person will end up spending more money. How? The lower quality socks not only wear out faster, but if this person bought 6 pairs, he or she would end up spending $10 more ($5 x 6 pairs). On the other hand, a person shopping frugal always considers the cost per unit and will be the larger package of socks if it’ll save him or her money in the long run.
Always Ordering the Cheapest Item at a Restaurant
Another one of the telltale signs of a cheap person: ordering the cheapest item at a restaurant! A cheap person will flip to the appetizer or salad section and order the lowest-priced item. Additionally, this person never orders any type of drink or dessert – “just water, please!”
While you’re under no obligation to order the massive steak and potatoes dish for $40 – aka the most expensive item on the menu, you should enjoy yourself when going out for dinner. If you can’t afford to eat what you want, save up your money and go out when you can.
2. Leaving a Bad Tip or Failing to Tip At All
Related to ordering the cheapest item on the menu, a cheap person will fail to leave a reasonable tip. Restaurant employees work hard. From serving your table, cooking and cleaning, service workers are often very underpaid. In many areas of the world such as Canada or the United States, restaurant workers get paid well below standard minimum wage. They rely on tips to make a living.
If you don’t leave a reasonable tip or leave one at all, workers won’t make a living. Sometimes, restaurant servers need to pay into a tip pool for the kitchen crew – this can often range from 3-5%. If you don’t tip, you’re literally taking money out of waitstaff’s pockets. Again, if you can’t afford to tip, you can’t afford to eat out!
3. Bringing Snacks Into the Movie Theatre
Ah, a classic – sneaking a $2 candy bar and Coke bottle from the dollar store into your massive purse. While this is a quick way to save a few dollars, it’s a cheap move. Sneaking snacks into the movie theater is unethical. If you can afford a $10 ticket to see the latest Marvel flick, you can afford a bucket of popcorn. Plus, isn’t fresh, buttery popcorn tastier than that squashed bag of kettle chips you stepped on in the car?!
4. Consuming Foods Past Their Expiry Date – Signs of a Cheap Person Risking Their Health
Another telltale sign of a cheap person: eating expired food. Consuming food that’s gone past its expiry date is not only cheap, but it’s potentially dangerous. Just because you don’t see visible mold in your Greek yogurt doesn’t mean that there are micro-spores growing in it! Manufacturers put expiry date labels on foods for a reason. When food goes past its expiry date, it’s generally no longer safe to yet.
Yes, you’ll usually be just fine with consuming milk 1 day past its expiry date. However, is running the risk of being sick really worth it? Definitely not. Avoid over-purchasing at the grocery store by planning ahead. Make a grocery store list before you price compare and do your weekly shop.
Like This Article? Pin It!
5. Overeating at All-You-Can-Eat Buffets
All-you-can-eat buffets are popular for a reason. Where else can you have stir fry, sushi, fries and cheesecake in one sitting? These types of restaurants are great value but can also be a potential pitfall for cheap people. A cheap person at a buffet will overfill their plate at the lunch buffet and eat as much as possible. Before they know it, their stomach hurts and they can barely move for the rest of the day.
While this person likely won’t have to eat dinner, he or she will spend the rest of the afternoon laying in bed sleeping off the food. Not only is overeating unhealthy, but it’s stingy. If you can afford to go out to eat, don’t overindulge! There will always be more food available. Don’t eat to the point of discomfort and becoming sick – not worth it!
6. Taking Excessive Samples from the Grocery Store
We all love a tasty sample of crackers and cheese from Coscto now and then – it’s one of the best parts of the experience! However, if you spend half the day filling up on as many samples as possible multiple times a week, this is a super cheap move. Samples aren’t mean to replace your meals – they’re supposed to be a small tasting of a food item! While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying free stuff, overindulging on grocery store samples is one of the top signs of a cheap person.
7. Bringing Cheap Wine to Dinner or Nothing At All – Signs of a Cheap Guest
Friday night is coming up fast and you’ve been invited to your friend’s dinner party! As any polite guest does, you’ll bring along a snack or drink to share. One of the top signs of a stingy or cheap friend: finding the lowest-priced snack, bottle of wine or liquor with no regard to quality or type. Even worse, a cheap person won’t bring anything along at all! Not only is failing to bring along a small gift rude, it’s inconsiderate.
Even if the person hosting you is a good friend or family member, they are taking time to cook, clean and host you at their residence. The very least you can do is bring something over to show appreciation.
8. Swiping Hotel Toiletry Samples – Signs of a Cheap Traveler
So you’ve treated yourself to a night in a luxury hotel – or maybe you’re just in a budget hotel since you’re being frugal as normal – nothing wrong with that! Typically, hotels provide small samples of shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Feel free to take the samples from your room home – you paid for them! However, a cheap person will see the housekeeper’s cart and might swipe 2 or 3 each of each item.
Not only is this stingy, but it’s stealing. You didn’t pay for these items. If you can afford to stay at a hotel, you can afford to buy decent shampoo, conditioner and body wash at home – even if it’s the budget variety.
9. Taking Condiment Packages from Restaurants
We all know one person who empties the sugar bowl and condiment tray at the diner. Taking condiments from a restaurant is tacky and stingy. If you can afford to eat out, you can probably afford bottles of ketchup at home. Don’t be cheap!
10. Wearing Clothes Too Many Times
Ever heard of the ‘sniff test’? Most clothes can be worn once or twice before being thrown in the wash. While a frugal person will ensure that he or she wears clothing for an appropriate amount of time, a cheap person will wear an item of clothing until it starts to smell. Not only is wearing less-than-fresh clothing cheap, it’s unhygienic. When you wear clothing wicked with sweat, it can cause bacteria to become trapped, making you susceptible to acne and infections.
If you want to save money on laundry, buy detergent in bulk and run your laundry machine during off-peak electricity hours (if this exists where you live). Additionally, cut down on your electricity bill by hand-drying your clothes instead of throwing them in the dryer.
Signs of a Cheap Person – How to Avoid Being Cheap
I’ve covered the many ways a person can be cheap. Wondering how to be frugal but not cheap? First and foremost, being frugal instead of cheap is a mindset. When you’re frugal, you’ll focus on quality – getting the best bang for your buck. This means you’ll be willing to spend more money if it’ll save you time and money in the long run. Additionally, frugal people undertake the following three practices:
1. Invest in Quality Items Instead of Quantity
If you want to practice frugal living, invest in quality pieces rather than constantly trying to buy the cheapest item. While it may cost you more in the short-term, investing in higher-quality clothing and shoes that last longer means that you’ll spend less money in the long run through repurchasing items every season. For clothing, you can try creating a capsule wardrobe of quality items that are versatile and last long.
2. Plan Ahead and Set a ‘Fun’ Budget
One of the top tips for avoiding the cheapskate lifestyle: plan ahead! Create a budget with:
- How much you make per month (income)
- Expenses divided into three categories: needs (rent, utilities groceries etc.), saving/investing and fun
Always set aside money for fun stuff so you can buy what you want at the store (within reason!) and avoid stressing out when going out for after-work cocktails with your colleagues. When you have a set budget per month, you’ll know how much you can spend on fun stuff.
3. Plan Low-Cost or Free Activities
One of the telltale signs of a cheap person is when someone only wants to do free activities. While it’s no fun only finding free stuff to do, it doesn’t mean you have to forgo it altogether! There are tons of free things to do. From outdoor festivals, nature walks and simply enjoying a cup of coffee with a loved one on the porch, engaging in simple pleasures can help you continue being frugal. When you find value in activities that don’t cost a lot of money (or anything at all), you’ll get used to enjoying the simpler things in life.
Conclusion – Signs of a Cheap Person and How to Avoid Becoming One
There are many ways a person can easily slip into being cheap. While there’s nothing wrong with planning ahead and being frugal, being cheap deprives you and others of happiness. If you’re cheap, you can damage relationships and impact others’ livelihoods – for example, restaurant and service workers.
The difference between cheap and frugal is simple: when you practice daily frugal living, you value your time and money. One of the top signs of a frugal person is that this type of person isn’t afraid to invest in high-quality, valuable items that cost less in the long run. Before you go shopping or go out with friends, ask yourself “Am I being cheap or frugal?” Thinking before doing will help you practice intentional living.
The benefits of being frugal cannot be understated. When you practice this lifestyle, you’ll enjoy higher-quality food and clothing, will appreciate the simple things in life and will end up spending less money in the long run!
Like This Article? Pin It!
Janita is a frugal living expert and owner of Frugal Fun Finance. With over five years of personal experience finding and trying out the best ways to make and save more money, she's eager to share her knowledge. Janita's strategies have helped her save thousands of dollars for funding investments and traveling to over 20 countries.
Janita completed training in personal finance at The University of Western Ontario and McGill University, two prestigious Canadian universities. Her expertise has been shared on GoBankingRates, Yahoo Finance, and NASDAQ.com.
