Thoughts about being "cheap"

**katybug** · 12-02-2008, 07:15 PM

I was pondering the other day and had some thoughts about cheapness. It seems to me most people think Frugal = Cheap. These people seems to fall into 3 categories:

1) They are trying to sell you something (retailers, etc)

2) They are expecting something from you like gifts, etc (family or friends)

3) They know their spending is out of control or feel guilty about what they have spend their money on, or know they really shouldn't be spending their money. So because you aren't spending like they are, you are cheap.

Anyone else notice this pattern?

~KB

**peanut** · 12-02-2008, 08:35 PM

Yep. I just smile all the way to the bank.

Jean

**monkeywrangler71** · 12-02-2008, 08:57 PM

No, everyone I know that thinks I'm cheap wants nothing from me and lives within their means, they simply can not understand why I would choose to live below mine. If they want something and can afford it, they buy it. I don't and it makes no sense to them.

**Pemberleyan** · 12-02-2008, 09:22 PM

So many people make assumptions and don't realize it. Case in point: DH and I have been working 8+ years building our house. We got a very small construction loan in the beginning. My job income was used to pay the loan off early and to buy construction materials. Also we haven't had a car payment in about 17 years. A year and a half ago we made a quality of life decision for me to quit my job because it was difficult for us to have different off-days, and it was difficult for me physically. I love being at home. I was 45 when I quit and I was amazed at how many people had the attitude, "Oh, well, it must be nice to abe able to afford that." I felt rather defensive, which I shouldn't have, but while they were driving new or newer vehicles and going on vacations, we weren't.

This is a bit off the subject, but I imagine I was considered cheap by my co-workers, who were regularly selling something like overpriced cookie dough and magazine subscriptions which I usually would not purchase.

**Momof3girls** · 12-02-2008, 09:46 PM

I think you are right on!

**kittykatstrong** · 12-02-2008, 09:59 PM

I get that at work sometimes when I dont want to buy something even if it is not from them. Or if I buy a diff. brand then my hubby likes he will lovely(or not so lovely) call me cheap. I just smile and think to myself, me not buying that will one day pay for a vacation.

**3tomboys** · 12-02-2008, 10:33 PM

I am sure people think I am cheap, but that's fine. I know that I am making choices on how are hard earned money is used and the goals and dreams that are becoming realities because of those choices.

**Contrary Housewife** · 12-03-2008, 12:40 AM

People who want your money will always think negatively of you if you don't give it to them. Some like to think they are selling a valuable service or product, and some think they deserve it from you, and some think they are 'helping' you.

It's your money and the only opinion that matters about what you do with it is yours.

**rainbowgc** · 12-03-2008, 10:20 AM

I don't care what people think or call me

**cheapskate 49** · 12-03-2008, 10:54 AM

I take it as a compliment being called cheap and if retailers are pushing me to buy "stuff" I always ask why they are trying so hard to part me from my hard earned money...this is especially good on the phone.Of course if anyone really gives me a hard time I start trying to convert then to frugalness and then they either see the error of their ways or run away(usually it's the latter)

**justpeachy92** · 12-03-2008, 11:25 AM

I am honestly not sure if anyone has ever called me cheap. When it comes to dealing with salesmen, I am always straight forward. I am here to buy X,Y&Z and this is what I will pay for it, if you can help me I will go somewhere else. When they try and talk me into the add ons; I usually say if I was out today to buy fluff I would be at the grocery store.
As for friends and family they actually generally ask how we do things, have things we have, without the use of credit cards. Yet they don't really want to hear the answer.

**katybug** · 12-03-2008, 01:41 PM

I'm not called cheap, but people did tell me I had interesting *views* about how to spend my money.

It is just I get that "they probably think I'm cheap" vibe from what I mentioned above.

That being said, I don't care what people think of me. My in-laws are the only ones I worry about. They are very free with their money and much more comfortable being in heavy debt then I am. So when I say I don't want to do something or can't because it just isn't in the budget they probably think I'm nuts. Never mind the mess they are into.

I'm surprised they aren't happier with the way I spent the money. You know, I'm not wasting their son's money.

Never mind that we are both making money.

Most of the people I run into that are frugal and conscience about their money usually completely understand what I'm saying.

~KB

**mmy2grls** · 12-03-2008, 02:16 PM

I used to think my ex in laws were cheap, saving their money, never going on vacations, buying used cars, just being cheap.

They have a beautiful house they built with cash, retired, and enjoying life right now. I see now they were being smart.

**Sassyclass** · 12-03-2008, 02:17 PM

Honestly the people I know who consider me cheap have more money than brains. One of these days their money may be gone, maybe soon with todays economy, but I'll still be using my brain and using it to smartly spend my money. What is going to happen to these people when the bottom drops completely out from under them? Who are they going to turn to? Us! And when they do I'm going to tell them "Sorry no hand outs here, I'm too cheap for that!"

Cat

**katybug** · 12-03-2008, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by Sassyclass

What is going to happen to these people when the bottom drops completely out from under them? Who are they going to turn to? Us! And when they do I'm going to tell them "Sorry no hand outs here, I'm too cheap for that!"

BWAAA HAAHAAAA HAAAA!

love it!

~KB