It’s good to be smart with money, but there’s a fine line between frugality and being a total cheapskate.
While frugal people make wise financial decisions, cheapskates often take things too far, potentially damaging relationships and missing out on important experiences. It’s crucial to recognise when your penny-pinching habits might be crossing into cheapskate territory. Here are some tell-tale signs to watch out for.
1. You consistently under-tip or avoid tipping altogether.
If you’re always looking for ways to skimp on tips or justify not leaving one, you’re veering into cheapskate territory. Service workers often rely on tips as a significant part of their income. Frugal people budget for appropriate tipping, recognising it as part of the cost of dining out or receiving services. Consistently under-tipping isn’t saving money; it’s short-changing hard-working people.
2. You reuse items in ways that compromise hygiene or safety.
Being environmentally conscious and avoiding waste is great, but not when it puts health at risk. If you’re washing and reusing disposable items like plastic cutlery or stretching the life of products like contact lenses way past their recommended use, you’re being cheap, not frugal. True frugality involves making smart, long-term decisions that don’t compromise your wellbeing.
3. You always expect other people to foot the bill.
Constantly “forgetting” your wallet or coming up with excuses why you can’t chip in for group expenses is a classic cheapskate move. Frugal people budget for social activities and are willing to pay their fair share. If you’re always the one who owes money to friends or relying on other people to cover you, it’s time to reassess your habits.
4. You hoard free items you’ll never use.
Taking home dozens of ketchup packets from fast food joints or stuffing your pockets with napkins at every opportunity isn’t frugal — it’s wasteful. Frugal people take what they need and will actually use. If your home is cluttered with “free” items that serve no purpose, you’re crossing into cheapskate territory. True frugality involves mindful consumption, not pointless accumulation.
5. You choose the cheapest option regardless of quality or longevity.
Always opting for the lowest-priced item without considering its durability or effectiveness is short-sighted. Frugal people understand the value of investing in quality items that last longer, even if they cost more upfront. If you’re always replacing cheap, poorly made items, you’re not saving money in the long run — you’re being cheap.
6. You skimp on necessary maintenance to save money.
Neglecting regular car servicing, avoiding dental check-ups, or putting off home repairs to save a few quid now can lead to much bigger expenses later. Frugal people understand the importance of preventive maintenance and budget for it accordingly. Ignoring these necessities isn’t frugal; it’s a cheapskate move that often backfires expensively.
7. You’re always looking for ways to get out of social obligations that cost money.
Source: Unsplash Constantly making excuses to avoid birthday dinners, group outings, or any event that might require spending money is a sign you’re prioritising pennies over people. Frugal individuals budget for social activities, recognising their importance for maintaining relationships and overall wellbeing. If you’re missing out on significant life events to save money, you’re being cheap, not frugal.
8. You take advantage of other people’s generosity without reciprocating.
If you’re always happy to accept favours, meals, or gifts from people but never return the favour, you’re exhibiting cheapskate behaviour. Frugal people understand the value of reciprocity in relationships. They might not be able to match expensive gestures, but they find thoughtful ways to show appreciation within their means. Constantly taking without giving back isn’t frugality — it’s selfishness.
9. You refuse to spend money on experiences that create lasting memories.
Skipping important family holidays, avoiding concerts or cultural events, or never treating yourself to new experiences because of the cost is short-sighted. Frugal people budget for meaningful experiences, recognising their value in personal growth and happiness. If you’re missing out on life’s precious moments solely to save money, you’re being cheap, not frugal.
10. You inconvenience people to save a small amount of money.
If you’re always asking for rides to avoid petrol costs, insisting on splitting restaurant bills down to the penny, or expecting friends to go out of their way to accommodate your money-saving schemes, you’re being a cheapskate. Frugal people consider the impact of their actions on other people and are willing to spend a bit more for the sake of convenience and social harmony.
11. You compromise on personal hygiene or grooming to save money.
Skipping necessary personal care items or stretching their use well beyond what’s hygienic isn’t frugal — it’s cheap and potentially harmful. Frugal people find ways to save on these items through bulk buying or sales, but they don’t compromise on basic hygiene and self-care. If you’re avoiding haircuts, using barely there toothpaste, or wearing worn-out clothes to save money, you’re crossing a line.
12. You’re unwilling to pay for services that save you significant time or stress.
Always doing everything yourself, even when it causes significant stress or takes up valuable time, isn’t necessarily frugal. Smart money management involves recognising when paying for a service (like occasional house cleaning or car maintenance) is worth the cost in terms of time saved and reduced stress. If you’re spending hours on tasks you hate just to save a few quid, you might be being cheap rather than frugal.
13. You frequently complain about prices or try to haggle inappropriately.
Constantly grumbling about costs or trying to negotiate prices in situations where it’s not customary (like at supermarkets or standard retail shops) is cheapskate behaviour. Frugal people research prices, shop around for deals, and know when and where haggling is appropriate. If you’re making cashiers and salespeople uncomfortable with your persistent attempts to lower prices, you’re being cheap, not savvy.
14. You prioritise saving money over your health and wellbeing.
Skipping doctor’s appointments, ignoring health issues, or choosing the cheapest food options regardless of nutritional value isn’t frugal — it’s potentially dangerous. Frugal people understand that investing in their health now can prevent costly problems later. They find ways to eat healthily on a budget and prioritise necessary medical care. If you’re compromising your health to save money, you’re being short-sighted, not financially responsible.
