Understanding when our efforts to save money stray over that line and become excessive, insensitive, or even unethical is critical. Here are some telltale signs that your frugality is bordering on cheapskatism.
Bringing With You Complementary Hotel Supplies
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While traveling, hotels kindly offer complimentary toiletries to make our stay more enjoyable. But those overzealous, frugal folks go a step too far, nabbing extra soap and shampoo bottles to take home. Let’s face it: not only is this behavior sneaky and unfair to the hotel, but it’s also a waste of your precious time. The savings from swiping a tiny soap bar are hardly worth boasting about.
Packing Extra Food
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Most hotels provide a generous selection of food for their continental breakfast. The hotel breakfast buffet is open to unlimited consumption, including returning for more. But going too far and coming prepared with a Tupperware container to pack food for later qualifies as “cheapskate.”
Refusing to Tip or Tipping Very Poorly
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The service industry is notoriously low-paying, so even a tiny tip can significantly help. It’s not frugal to routinely skip out on tipping for whatever reason. It’s terrible etiquette that makes one a cheapskate. Surprisingly, you can afford to eat out, yet skimp on the tip.
Neglecting The Comfort Or Well-Being Of Others
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Saving money is essential, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of others’ comfort. Are you the type who cranks down the thermostat to Arctic levels in shared spaces? Or switches off the AC on scorching hot days? Remember, they deserve the same consideration if your loved ones wouldn’t subject you to an uncomfortable climate. Warm up to the idea of keeping everyone cozy rather than being obsessed with being frugal.
Constantly Bargaining or Haggling Over Small Purchases
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For small purchases, haggling may not be worth it. Think about all the time and effort you’ve spent going in circles to save a negligible amount of money. Additionally, there are situations where haggling is inappropriate, such as fixed-rate items like train or bus fares. Don’t be caught in a cheapskate moment by attempting to negotiate in non-negotiable situations!
Always Choosing The Cheapest Options
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Don’t be trapped in the bargain basement! While choosing the cheapest options is always tempting, it’s worth considering the long-term value of splurging on high-quality items. Remind yourself that you deserve the best that money can buy, and treat yourself to the premium experience of owning top-notch products. After all, life’s too short to ALWAYS settle for anything less than fabulous!
Reusing Disposable Items Excessively
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You have undoubtedly crossed the line from being frugal to being obsessively frugal if you continue using disposable cups, plates, or cutlery after completing their intended usage while ignoring hygiene and practicality.
Taking Advantage of Other People’s Generosity
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You enjoy receiving freebies and actively seek opportunities to obtain them. Yet unwilling to assist others when they genuinely need your help. To be a cheapskate is to habitually expect others to pay for the lion’s share of the expenditures associated with group activities, outings, or shared expenses without volunteering to participate proportionally.
Borrowing Money Without Any Intention Of Paying It Back
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Beyond being a cheapskate, it is self-centered to believe that you are the only one with money problems or financial goals. This preoccupation with frugality causes you to leverage the kindness of others by borrowing money you have no intention of repaying.
Returning Used or Worn Items After Use
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Deceiving retailers or individuals by returning used, damaged, or unwanted items to get a refund or exchange shows a lack of integrity and fairness. Only cheapskates exploit return policies like this.
Re-Gifting Presents Received From Others
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Re-gifting presents received from others can be tempting when you don’t need certain gifts. It’s understandable to pass them along to someone else who might appreciate them. However, if your sole approach to gift-giving is constantly re-gifting what others have given you, the gesture loses its sincerity. Consider making the sacrifice of spending some money to ensure a meaningful and worthwhile experience for both yourself and the recipient.
Overly Obsessed With Couponing and Discounts
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Sometimes, coupons and discounts can really be out of your reach. This is the case if you Spend excessive amounts of time searching for coupons, deals, or values, which can take away from other important aspects of life. You settle for subpar items or experiences because you prioritize discounts over quality.
Going Overboard With Free Mint And Candy
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It’s one mint or candy per person. You show consideration for others and the providers of free mints in public places when you resist the urge to take a handful. If you constantly break this rule, you’ve passed the cheapskate test. Consider going about with your candy or mint (lots of them) to break this bad habit.
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Amaka Chukwuma is a freelance content writer with a BA in linguistics. As a result of her insatiable curiosity, she writes in various B2C and B2B niches. Her favorite subject matter, however, is in the financial, health, and technological niches. She has contributed to publications like ButtonwoodTree and FinanceBuzz in the past and currently writes for WealthofGeeks. You can connect with her on Linkedin and Twitter.