Are you cheap or frugal

August 13th, 2010 - Now a days with the economy being what it is, everyone is trying to save a little money. I get that. Folks are spending a little less, maybe making your own coffee instead of buying already made, which sometimes cost so much you have to put a cup on lay-a-way. Having what is referred to as a staycation instead of a vacation, although when you add up what you spent to stay home and visit your attractions in your own town, you may find out you are really not saving anything. And renting movies instead of going out to a movie, which is the difference between spending 20 bucks for an evening of movies and snacking at home and spending 40 bucks at the movies on tickes, popcorn and one drink.

So when does being frugal turn into being cheap. Let's take the case of someone I know well, but will not mention names. Apparently in their house, toliet paper is a commodity. So first, you really don't need anything that is three ply, and second, 4 to 5 squares is the max that you will need. Now, I am not sure how they go about policing that, but I wasn't taking any chances, so when I visit, let's just say I pack my own paper. Would you call that frugal, wouldn't want to waste paper, or is that cheap. I know a fellow, but won't mention his name, who cuts his own hair. Says he hasn't been to a barber or salon in over, well in over a lot of years. Says, you can't tell the difference, yet I noticed immediately something was, well let's just say a 'little off', oh but only in certain places. I asked, "what was the look you were going for", "you might want to reconsider". Not sure what the look was he was going for, but at least if he went to a salon, he could sue for damages. Now since this person had been doing this for a while, quite a while before the economy tanked, I am thinking a little cheap! What about folks who eat the core of the lettuce, claiming it has really good nutritional value. Or does not trip the ends of aspergus, and even eats the core of an apple. Hmmm, finding that one hard to swallow, if you know what I mean, going for cheap again. How about the person who brings their lunch and diligently folds the wax paper, or baggie to bring back home for tomorrow's lunch. What he says is he is saying the planet, what I say is cheap, cheap, cheap. And the top of all cheapness is when someone, really not going to give a name, but I know you all know someone like this. Says let's go to 'Sam's Club', it is 11:30, t is a great time to shop as the store will be empty. Bull Dukey, the store is packed it is sample day, and at the end of each aisle is a snack, know as food samples. Not only did he know that, but it is a little embarressing that the person who suggested this has baggies stapled in his pockets, so he can 'sample' a few before he desides to buy. This is the king of the cheapskates. Says he has had many a good dates doing this...Note to self, when looking at the dating on-line service, be sure to weave this question into the conversation, or I may find yourself meeting at Sam's, as it is a very public place. Don't fall for it.

I never thought of myself as snobby or too loose with a buck. I am all about saving a dollar, unless it involves shoes, that I throw caution to the wind, as you can't have enough shoes. But I do make my own coffee, and don't take unnecessary trips in the car, so as to conserve some gas, and I even, yes this will surprize you, get a pedicure only once a month, even though I so want one every two weeks. But then I grew up in an era where we did watched our pennies. But to count your toliet paper squares, cheap, to cut your own hair, cheaper, and sample day at Sam's, really really cheap. Am I wrong? What say you?