Thrifty Mommy

Thrifty vs Cheap

by kellys on February 13th, 2006

Ever wonder whether you are cheap or frugal? Linda Mata, a school teacher, had to learn to live on a single income due to a car accident that kept her husband from working. She tells her story in an article the Chicago Sun-times, which is worth reading. I personally enjoyed the Thrifty vs Cheap sound-off. Tell me. Which one are you? I am officially “frugal”.

Wonder whether you’re merely frugal or straight-up cheap? For some folks, it’s a fine line. As Frugal Living for Dummies author Deborah Taylor-Hough says, “Sometimes cheap is in the eye of the beholder.” But consider the following:

You’re frugal if you proudly present coupons for dinner at a nice restaurant.
You’re cheap if you think the $1.50 hot dog-and-soda special at the minimart qualifies as a classy night out.

You’re frugal if you buy a family pass for use at local theme parks, museums or zoos.
You’re cheap if you sneak family members into the service entrance to avoid entrance fees.

You’re frugal if you shop for your family’s clothing and accessories at clearance sales.
You’re cheap if you sort through the lost-and-found box at the mall because you need a new umbrella.

You’re frugal if you reuse fabric softener sheets after just one spin in the dryer.
You’re cheap if you ask your apartment-building neighbor for theirs after they’re done.

You’re frugal if you recycle the plastic deli containers you get at the grocery store.
You’re cheap — and flirting with bacterial infection — if you recycle styrofoam meat trays.
Maureen Jenkins

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