Nowadays people seem so quick to call you “cheap” when you would simply rather spend your money wisely. The cost of living is no joke. We all must do what we can to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and keep a decent savings account. There is no shame in that. You must be smart with your money because you never know when one of the lives of unexpected expenses will pop up. There is a difference between being cheap and frugal.
If your fridge is empty, yet you had plans to go with friends to get the latest game dropping this week, you might want to wait. Being hungry is not worth it. You can’t eat the game and when hunger headaches start you will regret it. You must prioritize, above all. People may try to talk you into buying it anyway. These same people are probably living at home being taken care of while you are busting your butt trying to make it. Times like these will show you what is important and sculpt you into a financially responsible adult.
A fugal person might opt for an older model of something to save a little cash. There is no shame in not having the latest version of something. Getting something that is budget-friendly but gets the job done is a great idea when you’re saving. For example, there is a certain camera that I really want. The newer version is nice but there are literally two things different from the old model. One of the different things is just the name and the other you can buy to go on the camera. Not only is the older version just as good, but it also comes in my favorite color. It is twenty dollars cheaper with the warranty. You can call me cheap but I am most than likely going with the older version.
Fugal people are smart people that know how to save and always have “just in case” money. They satisfy their needs and sort through there wants without deflating their wallets. Cheap people can save too but it’s not the same. Having sixty dollars in your pocket and refusing to buy a forty-eight-cent banana on an empty stomach because you have them at home is cheap. Maybe it’s not that extreme but you get what I’m saying. Are you frugal or cheap? Do you know cheap people who won’t buy a banana? What’s your thought process?
