Be Frugal, But Don’t Be A Cheap Bastard.
I always talk on here about watching your spending, staying out of debt, to stop spending on useless “stuff” that doesn’t bring real benefit to your life, etc.. But that doesn’t mean you should be a cheap bastard with your money, either. Being frugal is one thing, but not spending a dime, including not on great life experiences or time with friends, means you are missing out on your sole purpose of being on this earth – living. I am all for saving and watching what I spend, but as an example, I spent quite a bit of money this weekend visiting friends, going to a Colorado Rockies game, going out to nice dinners, and doing a few things I don’t get a chance to do living in a small town…and I enjoyed every single minute of it, even if it cost me a pretty penny. Sometimes, it’s totally worth the money spent.
- If I were truly a cheap bastard, I would figure a way out of paying my share (or the entire bill) when eating out with friends.
- If I were truly a cheap bastard, I wouldn’t have spent the money to buy my psuedo niece and nephew some ice cream when I was taking care of them.
- If I were truly a cheap bastard, I wouldn’t have spent the money on tickets, parking, $6 beer, and all the crappy food we could eat at the baseball game.
- If I were truly a cheap bastard, I wouldn’t have taken my buddy out for a few beers to discuss some important stuff. That’s what friends are for.
- And if I were truly a cheap bastard, I would have snuck my own bird feed into a “Birds of Prey” exhibit instead of giving the kids some money to buy the appropriate feed, which benefits habitat restoration for the birds.
Might I have to tighten my belt for the next couple of weeks to make it up? Maybe. But the lesson here, of this post, is that money can be replaced – life cannot. Don’t be a cheap bastard when it comes to the important stuff in life.
Featured photo by Shutterstock
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Thanks for the reminder, it’s easy to get caught up being frugal and turn into a cheap bastard.
If you’re already one then breaking out will be fun and your friends will enjoy the change; just don’t go overboard!
Absolutely Josh – amaze your friends once in a while!
Good for you! I’m baffled sometimes at the lengths people will go to save a dime. No matter what anyone says, you cannot beat the experience of catching a ballgame live; sure you could watch it on tv but that’s boring and slow. I can even hear some people now, saying that you could have gone and watched a little league game for free if you wanted to see a live one! People need to remember that saving is good, but what’s the point of working hard for the money if you are never going to do anything to enjoy it? Tomorrow may never come for you to spend all that you have saved so live a little each day within reason.
On a similar note, when we took our granddaughter to the zoo a couple of weekends ago, we bought a few handfuls of food for the fish and ducks (at 50ยข a handful), some wafers for the giraffes (at $2.00 for 4) and a $2.00 soda (which was all that was available – even water was $2.00). All of this for our granddaughter’s enjoyment and experience. My brother-in-law made several comments about us buying these “overpriced” things.
I’d like to give him the benefit of the doubt and say that he didn’t realize the money went back into more feed for the animals. But I can’t, because this is the same man who refuses to tip in restaurants because he feels it’s the owner’s responsibility, not his. He’s a cheap bastard sometimes.
Tough line between the two some days. I’m cheap B for ‘not’ buying the shampoo I thought too expensive (for my 11 yr old) but the iPod touch I got her sent a message. You can save enough day to day that you can afford something nice now and then.
Apologies for being “that poster” but you need to change your first bullet point to *wouldn’t* find a way to pay your fair share.
This is a biggie for me because I enjoy paying my fair share when out with friends even though I will skimp when doing things alone or with one of my frugal friends. I’m learning to let it go, but have several friends with whom I try not to have dinner because they try to avoid paying for anything (fair share or no).
On the other hand, my frugal friends and I discuss our preference to spend less before going out and still find ways to go to ballgames and the like without breaking the bank. It’s a win win .. frugal without becoming a hermit.
Actually, no – I said “I would figure a way out of paying my share”, as in, ” I would figure my way out” of doing it. Thanks!
I agree that you should treat yourself, but you should also try to maintain control over that inclination. It’s too easy to think things like, “I’ll go out for lunch — I work hard, I deserve it,” “I’ll buy some new clothes, it’s been a while,” and “I’m going to go to a Cubs game — this is why I work, right?”
The key is moderation — and having a budget doesn’t hurt, either. I’ve started an investment fund with the money I used to spend on eating out for lunch. I’d like to think these peanut butter & jelly sandwiches will pay off, when it comes time for retirement.
Even when I’ve been short on cash, I’ve never resorted to being cheap. On the other hand, I’ve observed people with lots of money who pinch pennies all the time. I remember one well-to-do engineer that used to steal the one-ply toilet paper from the men’s room, and show up first for the leftover food from meetings. I think you need to strike a balance, and let yourself enjoy life. Otherwise, someone will call you a cheap bastard!
I always insist that whoever I’m with, whether that’s my wife, friends or colleagues that they always pay half. I don’t care what they think because they ain’t taking me for a ride!
Cheap bastard? Possibly
Cheap bastard with money? Definately!
dude, i was getting ready to argue this one, but after reading it you are totally right. The little things are important, especially when it comes to family and friends
Taking a buddy out for a drink can sometimes get expensive but it’s definitely worth it, as I recently realized. If you’re in a pinch, a good friend is priceless.
Like those before me have said, these days, not only is it hard to be frugal because of the economic troubles, but we also still have all of the same temptations that were around pre-recession. I try, with each paycheck, to set aside a small amount of money to spend as I choose. This way, when its gone, its gone, but at the same time, I don’t feel like I’m cheating myself…although sometimes, that’s easier said than done!
It sounds like you have control over your life. For me, being cheap can sometimes be extremely stressful. Why not save the extra 30 cents? It’s so easy…but I also know that the more I limit that type of behavior, the more I’ll program myself to spend my time on the people in my life I care about most.
A recent Dear Abby addressed this, with a letter from a woman who who was frequently treated to expensives lunches by wealthy friends. She was unhappy that they left only 10-12% for excellent service, and wanted toknow if it was OK for her to leave cash to make up the difference.
i dont think that i am a cheap bastard. But i am trying very hard to impress frugality in my young mind so that it will not be hard to live this lifestyle in the future. I want to be subconsciously frugal while spending the money that i make. I like this post BTW