Example 1:
Cheap: He would rather 1 ply toilet paper.
Frugal: He doesn't complain when I buy the good stuff.
Example 2:
Cheap: He drives a vehicle that has no air conditioning and the windows don't roll down.
Frugal: He drives my old van because he bought me a
Example 3:
Cheap: He never lets me buy any big purchase.
Frugal: He shops around until he finds it cheaper (although sometimes he can't find one, and once he agrees to the purchase, the item/sale is gone!)
Example 4:
Cheap: We bought a 5000 sq ft house 6 years ago, and have only finished remodeling 3 of the 4 bathrooms (actually one was a half bath and we only changed the floor and the commode).
Frugal: We bought the house as an investment and have already increased the value by $60,000!
Example 5:
Cheap: He always wants to know how much I have paid for things
Frugal: He never complains or makes me return the purchases- he just likes to know that I looked at the price. I used to be a pretty bad shopper and would spend $300-500 in a day, and not really even know what I bought.
I think, in the end, maybe he really is cheap, but he has taught me to be frugal, and since I am the one who does 99% of the shopping for the family, maybe, just maybe, his cheapness is a good thing! We've never been able to do the classic budget cuts since those things usually weren't options to begin with- Prince Charming makes most of the repairs on our home (he's very handy), I don't get my hair colored (no grays yet!), we don't spend a lot on clothes- buying on sale and off season), we eat at home 6 nights a week, etc.
I think this is a good exercise to use when feeling frustrated about money. My husband and I don't always see eye to eye about finances, but I have found that I can have some pretty bad spending habits. When we disagree, it's usually because I feel embarrassed that I do spend a lot of money, so it's easier to call him cheap. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter. :)
ReplyDeletePlan my meals 2 weeks in advance and then paruse the weekly circulars. I only go to one store most of the time since Wal-Mart price matches on things that aren't labeled buy one get one or 10/$10. I can spend around $50 for 2 weeks worth of meals for our family of 3(4- my hubby eats enough for 2 but my 3MO only eats from me). The next week's shopping trip is usually only staples. I also make my own detergent and fabric softener etc. :)
ReplyDelete@The PatesThanks for reminding me! I keep thinking I need to check the circulrs, but that is one habit I haven't started yet.
ReplyDeleteLisa!
http://sunla-designs.blogspot.com
My husband is very handy too... saves a lot on car repairs. The past couple of months we have had some issues with each car. But thanks to him instead of a mechanic bill of $800+ we got out for parts & his time. About $250! What a deal!!??! Frugal or Cheap, either way we saved a bundle!!
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