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StitcherForget reusing tea bags and hoarding ketchup packets because some “frugal hacks” don’t actually save you money, they just make you look cheap. In this episode, we’ll break down the habits that don’t give you the payoff you think they will, what to do instead, and why looking cheap actually costs you more in the long run.
Cheap people are not bad, cheapness is unhealthy.
Sponsors:
Hacks. Not to be confused with something mediocre or fraudulent – but rather clever tricks to solve your problems quickly! Kinda, exactly like our meal planning spreadsheet! You get everything you need to keep your meal planning and prepping organized. There’s a favorite recipe tracker, pantry, fridge, and freezer trackers, measurement conversion sheet, and our pride and joy: 1000 meal ideas. You’ll also get a copy of Jen’s book Meal Planning on a Budget absolutely free! Head to frugalfriendspodcast.com/mealplanner and head to our YouTube description for 30% off code!
When is Frugality Not A Good Thing
Jen and Jill are all about frugality but like any other things, it has its limits too. When frugality goes too far and starts causing harm to others or even yourself, it stops being sustainable or empowering. Like when someone takes advantage of others, haggles to the point of embarrassment, or tips poorly, those aren’t signs of being smart with money. They just make you look cheap, disrespectful, and straight up rude.
Additionally, they add that frugality is a good thing, but when your whole world revolves around money and saving becomes the top priority at all costs, it can keep you from feeling content. Instead of peace of mind, it leaves you constantly stressed about how to save a few extra dollars.
Consequences of Cheapness
It pains Jill to hear the reality of people pushing themselves to the edge just to save money, only to end up paying more later because they went with the cheaper, temporary option instead of something high-quality that lasts. She admits this can be a gray area because DIY and learning a skill are great ways to save, but when the extremes end up costing more in the long run, that’s energy they’re definitely not claiming.
They point out that none of us can be completely sure what’s truly worth the money until later, but prioritizing your needs over luxurious wants will always work out in the long run.
When were you cheap?
Besides DIY-ing some home renovation, Jen once refused to pay whole for her friend’s bridal shower. Jill, on the other hand, refused to pay for a hike in Switzerland.
Bill of The Week
Thank you Grace for sharing your bill about paying off your final installment of a medical bill!
Thanks so Much for Listening!
Thanks so much for listening. We love love love reading your kind reviews of our book Buy What You Love Without Going Broke and we especially loved this one from:
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For someone who's read just about every self help/budgeting/frugal living tips/get out of debt book without finding last results, THIS is the book that will change everything!! Jen and Jill are real people with alternative methods of going about how to live frugally without being miserable. Throw what all the gurus have upsold you on and READ THIS BOOK! If you've pinched pennies and attempted to maintain a bare bones lifestyle, but have been Miserable in the process - This book is for you! If you have tried all the baby steps, and all the other methods and creating budgets, but still fall short every month - this book is for you!! Enough of the guilt and shame from reading yet another self help book that doesn't set realistic goals and leaves you feeling completely hopeless. This book has quickly become one of my top reads of the past decade!
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