OzBargainers - Are You Stingy, Cheap, Frugal or Thrifty?

scotty on 05/07/2024 - 14:11

Came across this post on r/ausfinance where someone asked about the difference between stingy, cheap, frugal and thrifty. And one of the top voted answer defined them as:

A stingy person is mean with money.
A cheap person is tight with money.
A frugal person is sensible with money.
A thrifty person is resourceful with money.

I know these aren't really 4 different mutually exclusive categories but have lots of overlaps instead. However I am wondering which trait best defines you as an OzBargainer? I don't think I am stingy/mean (or at least I hope I'm not). Unfortunately I'm no longer that resourceful, having time to hunt down all the bargains other than keeping up with OzBargain. However when a good deal turns up here I might lose my sensibility (buy first, ask later). By elimination I somehow ended up being "cheap".

If voted "Other" — what adjective would define you as an OzBargain?

Poll Options

  • 8
    Stingy
  • 27
    Cheap
  • 233
    Frugal
  • 118
    Thrifty
  • 20
    Other (please explain)
  • 29
    I have no money
General Discussion

Comments

  • jv on 05/07/2024 - 14:13
    +50

    Are You Stingy, Cheap, Frugal or Thrifty?

    Yes

    • mapax on 05/07/2024 - 14:16

      No

      • No on 05/07/2024 - 14:50
        +14

        Yes?

        • mapax on 05/07/2024 - 15:22

          How’s your day going?

      • BoltThrower on 06/07/2024 - 07:02
        +1

        Bloody hell. That video was a fever dream.

    • HeWhoKnows on 06/07/2024 - 08:08
      +1

      But most of us HAVE MONEY.
      We just spend it wisely, not wastefuly
      (hopefully not chasing bargains that arent needed)

  • stuffandthat on 05/07/2024 - 14:14
    +14

    All of the above depending on what OzB has that day.

    • Bruceflix on 05/07/2024 - 14:16
      +2

      Exactly. Where is the 'All of the above' option?

  • Clambabula on 05/07/2024 - 14:17
    +4

    No. Liking bargains is different to being a miserable tightwad.

    • jellykingdom on 05/07/2024 - 15:19
      +1

      i always say similar thing. I save money on the stuff i don't like doing/spending on/have some manner of control over their price, in order to spend more on things i do like doing/have no control over the price. Overall spend is probably the same, just a different split

  • flagger on 05/07/2024 - 14:18

    A little bit of this, a little bit of that.

    • Nugs on 06/07/2024 - 06:45

      You can blow with this, you can blow with that
      .

  • Brian McGee on 05/07/2024 - 14:19
    +1

    I am of Scottish descent and could make copper wire from a penny.

    • Muzeeb on 05/07/2024 - 14:30
      +5

      Username checks out. Long pockets, short arms.

    • Bruceflix on 05/07/2024 - 14:53

      I heard you dropped that penny and when you bent down to pick it up it hit you on the back of the head.

  • Iluvfreebies-freeDel on 05/07/2024 - 14:22
    +1

    I m freebieeeeeeeeeeeeee

  • ahmedaman on 05/07/2024 - 14:25
    +5

    It is complicated.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 05/07/2024 - 14:29
    +2

    y'alls got money?

    A frugal person is sensible with money.

    well i must be the opposite of that considering the amount of impulse buys i do a week fuelled by ozbargain…

    • Nugs on 06/07/2024 - 06:46

      How many $12 feasts did you have yesterday?
      .

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 06/07/2024 - 07:29

        None lol

        Had hungry jacks 4 times this week and maybe again today…

  • SBOB on 05/07/2024 - 14:31

    depends how many upvotes the deal has

  • Clear on 05/07/2024 - 14:50

    Resourceful maybe? Take advantage of discounts to save (i.e. super cheap gift cards) but will happily spend big dollars on something that's worth it or convenient.

  • Drakesy on 05/07/2024 - 14:50

    All of the above.

  • BOGOF on 05/07/2024 - 14:51

    Other

    An economical person is prudent with money

  • wordsmith on 05/07/2024 - 14:54
    +3

    This needs shopaholic as an option.

  • soan papdi on 05/07/2024 - 14:55
    +15

    I think of them like this:

    • a stingy person would rather be cold than buy a sweater
    • a cheap person will buy the cheapest sweater available
    • a thrifty person will buy what's best value for money or try and reuse what's available
    • a frugal person will not mind buying an expensive sweater now if it will last a long time, thus cheaper in the long run
    • star-ggg on 05/07/2024 - 15:19
      +7

      What adjective would you use to describe a person that doesn't need a sweater/headphones but it was posted on OzB ATL at 80% off.

    • scrimshaw on 05/07/2024 - 15:21

      A stingy person would be the opposite of a generous person. They don't necessarily have to be a poor individual either. And they might not be cheap or frugal.

      e.g in the reddit post > Stingy: Never shouts at the pub, but happily accepts drinks when others do

      • soan papdi on 05/07/2024 - 15:23
        +2

        Stingy: Never shouts at the pub, but happily accepts drinks when others do

        I'd call those people a moocher or freeloader, not stingy.

        • scrimshaw on 05/07/2024 - 15:30

          Those apply too, but I think Stingy = affecting or depriving others people enjoyment/experience rather than yourself.

          You say moocher / freeloader, but you can't mooch off yourself nor can you freeload off yourself.

          You instead mooch off another person or freeload off another person.

          • soan papdi on 05/07/2024 - 15:36

            @scrimshaw: Yeah, that statement about the pub means that I am happy to take your free beer but won't buy a round, therefore moocher. I always thought of stingy as "not willing to spend any money", irrespective of who it affects, could be a parent not wanting to buy new clothes for their kids or themselves.

        • miwahni on 05/07/2024 - 23:50

          Nah that's a seagull.

    • rickdwp on 05/07/2024 - 19:53

      Nah a Frugal person just wouldn't go outside in the first place and be in a situation they need a sweater. Everyone and everything I've ever read where someone claims to be 'Frugal' is code for "I wanna die Rich and not live life" - Never go on holidays, never go out to dinner, never go see a movie or other entertainment etc.

      I think your example really falls over as well in 2024 - All clothes are cheap and shit, there is no 'expensive' sweater that's genna last - it'll just be the same cheap crap with better marketing and a higher price. Although I would also say the 'stingy' person will borrow (and never give back) a sweater rather then actually buy one at all.

    • FW190 on 06/07/2024 - 03:57
      +1

      I think of them like this:

      and what would you call a person who wears a singlet in the middle of winter in order to show off his biceps? (asking for a friend)

    • Jaspa7 on 06/07/2024 - 05:48

      would swap thrifty and frugal in your example

  • branners on 05/07/2024 - 14:55
    +2

    I consider myself to be generous but I simply hate waste. I would much rather save money so I can spend it on things that I want for myself, my family or friends. I will hunt for a bargain deal on a phone, for instance, and then give it to someone who I am close to. That is the best use of what I have got, which is time to hunt for a bargain

    • datafellows on 05/07/2024 - 16:01

      My feelings exactly.

      I save on every day stable expenses like electricity, internet and phone bill so I can have more money to spend on things I love like tech and overseas travel :)

  • DingoBilly on 05/07/2024 - 14:59
    +1

    It's all contextual. I spend thousands on tech (when it's on special) so you couldn't really call me mean/stingy there.

    But I'd balk at most hipster food places. $25 for a pizza for example is stupid and I'd only really be happy eating at pizza hut/domino's (with a discount code of course) as an example. You'd probably call me mean/stingy in that area.

    • thrillhouse on 06/07/2024 - 07:32
      +1

      What’s a “hipster” food place? Your definition seems to imply anything that’s not a fast food chain, which is a strange take.

  • Wiadro on 05/07/2024 - 15:01
    +1

    im a cheap ass

  • Cheaplikethebird on 05/07/2024 - 15:09
    +2

    What if you spend easily but you always want to get the best value for your money? I think that would apply to a lot of us here on this site.

    • radicalvin on 05/07/2024 - 15:15

      Except it makes us spend more :/

  • bdl on 05/07/2024 - 15:14
    +2

    Toight like a toiger

  • Oldbugga on 05/07/2024 - 15:16

    Thrifty and Frugal, experienced tough times so learnt quickly to financially survive and thrive.

  • prodrome on 05/07/2024 - 15:22

    Why isn't creepy an option?

  • sumyungguy on 05/07/2024 - 15:28
    +1

    Canny

  • scrambledeggs on 05/07/2024 - 15:31

    Other - I'm ozbargain-y

  • CyberMurning on 05/07/2024 - 15:35

    add: scammer

  • AustriaBargain on 05/07/2024 - 15:49

    I'm just poor.

    • zoombie on 05/07/2024 - 16:21
      +1

      Me too :(
      Others window shop irl, I window shop on ozbargain 🥺

  • cashless on 05/07/2024 - 15:53

    I'm parsimonious

  • Godric on 05/07/2024 - 15:54

    i just want bargains

  • Puglife on 05/07/2024 - 15:58

    Other….All of the Above.

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 05/07/2024 - 16:00
    +1

    im going to say i prefer 'financially Savvy'

    Im not cheap/Stingy as i generally buy what i want but i just have a little bit of patiences and know how to find the best deal - personally cannot stand people who are 'overly Cheap' or 'Stingy' to me these terms are more for people who are happy to spend other peoples money but never spend their own. Ie the mate who dissapears when it is his turn to shout

    • Poor Ass on 05/07/2024 - 16:21

      2 burritos

      • Trying2SaveABuck on 05/07/2024 - 17:35

        2 burritos

        dont hate on my because im fat!

        • Poor Ass on 05/07/2024 - 17:38

          nah I'm saying ya def not cheap to fork out for 2 burritos

          • Trying2SaveABuck on 05/07/2024 - 17:39

            @Poor Ass:

            nah I'm saying ya def not cheap to fork out for 2 burritos

            Also add Sour Cream and guacamole on both ;)

            • Poor Ass on 05/07/2024 - 17:42

              @Trying2SaveABuck: now you have upgraded to rich

              • Trying2SaveABuck on 06/07/2024 - 09:12

                @Poor Ass:

                now you have upgraded to rich

                in fairness, almost everyone i know who is 'rich' is financially savvy and a fair number of them are cheap af

                • Poor Ass on 06/07/2024 - 11:07

                  @Trying2SaveABuck: adding source cream and guac is not financially savvy

                  • Trying2SaveABuck on 06/07/2024 - 13:32

                    @Poor Ass:

                    adding source cream and guac is not financially savvy

                    if we're being 'literal' eating out 'at all' is not financially savvy

  • how2save on 05/07/2024 - 16:20

    I'm not sure, I like a bargain so if I see a deal for something I might want I'll take advantage.

    If I want or need to buy something pricy I'll certainly do my research and look around for the best price or a value for money alternative, but I don't put off buying things I want/need until a deal happens to pop up.

    I'll quickly search for a coupon or deal before making said purchase and aren't opposed to taking advantage of a welcome bonus with my third email address or something.

    But I'm not going to exchange my time for money by driving across town just to save a few dollars or not going to get something I feel like because it's not on sale this week.

  • WaterMark on 05/07/2024 - 16:27

    Can we have an ‘all of the above’ option?

  • SBOB on 05/07/2024 - 16:32

    One of the bottom 2, but one day I hope to just go all out and order 4 Naan
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feJlRDLX0iQ

  • ECE on 05/07/2024 - 16:40

    Is this really Scotty? 🧐

  • foxmulder on 05/07/2024 - 17:01
    -1

    Most likely I'm thrifty one. Plan to pickup mother on law on October. I told her I will wait in Wolli Creek park until she passed custom. Told her to call me once she is out the arrival gate so I can drive to express parking for free 15 min. She is not that happy to walk by herself as she is 75 yo. I just thought the walk is insanely close. I guess I may have underestimate her condition. I told her to just wait in arrival gate, I'll still park in express park to go get her. The worst thing will be the half hour parking for $10.

    With the wife I have to be frugal, happy wife happy life

  • Benoffie on 05/07/2024 - 17:04

    I'm Scottish. It's its own category.

    • Poor Ass on 05/07/2024 - 17:47

      Aussie Scottish or Scottish Scottish?

      • Benoffie on 05/07/2024 - 18:21
        +1

        Aussie Scots with Scottish and Irish folks. Like 5c pieces are spotted from 50 paces in our family 🤣🤣

  • gromit on 05/07/2024 - 17:36

    Frugal where it makes sense so that I can be as relaxed and free spending on things I enjoy like holidays.

  • mbck on 05/07/2024 - 18:06

    As a guess, most would be thrifty. Ie, they buy something coz it's cheap.

    I don't think people here are necessarily cheap or stingy.

    I also don't think a typical ozb would be frugal. Most are buying because they're cheap. Not because they need it. Thrifty implies they only buy things they need…

    • scotty on 05/07/2024 - 18:26

      they buy something coz it's cheap.

      I think collectively we are thrifty. However as an individual I am certainly less thrifty now and relying on many other much better bargain hunters on OzBargain to figure out what's cheap to buy these days.

  • ihbh on 05/07/2024 - 18:27
    +3

    You forgot to put wasteful as an option for many OzBargainers… you know, they buy now, think later when an apparently great deal surfaces.

  • Eeples on 05/07/2024 - 18:50

    I’m at the time of life in which I am learning to spend; instead of saving.

    Having said that I’m not a sucker; I’ll pay a fair price.

  • Homr on 05/07/2024 - 19:01

    Whats the difference between Frugal and Thirfty? They both kinda look the same to me

    • payless69 on 06/07/2024 - 09:36
      +2

      one hires out cars

  • Miss B on 05/07/2024 - 19:08

    Nah. I'm addicted to bargains. I also hate spending more on something than I need to, so will feel some regret if I realise I could have had something cheaper at the time.

  • localhost on 05/07/2024 - 19:21
    +1

    me or my wife?

  • altomic on 05/07/2024 - 19:31
    +1

    opportunist.-

    if i see a washing machine beside the road then I'll stop , pick it up, take it home, repair it, and then sell it for $100 the next day on facebook marketplace.

    or alternatively -

    at the supermarket the other day and Annalisa canned tomatoes were being cleared out at $0.55 each. so I bought all 20 cans. because I will use them with in a few months. and if I didn't buy them then any future cans (e.g. coles canned tomatoes $0.95) I would think of as being nearly double the price. so I'm saving $8.00 , which isn't much, but that is for just one essential item. and if i can save $8 for another 10 essential items- then that's $80, which isn't much in the grand scheme of things - but I'd rather spend less than more.

  • rickdwp on 05/07/2024 - 19:59
    +3

    I would never say 'Frugal' because I have no desire to be associated with those that do.
    Stingy, certainly in some regards - When I bring Aldi soft drink to a gathering instead of vastly more expensive Schweppes/Coke then i'll get called 'Stingy/Cheap' - don't care, people can argue flavour to a point but I've found all lemon and lemonade to be comparable (except sugar free).
    Thrifty also goes with cheap/stingy - Anyone whos had kids and isn't just insanely wastful will buy 85% of the things the need on Facebook for 50-90% less then RRP all with minimal use. You can buy baby clothes for example for about $10 a bag (with 10-20 articles) vs $25 an article in store.

    Ozbargain is extra weird though, you'll get really sketchy 'deals' that are "sign up to sketchy thing and get 54c for free" and it gets 500+ upvotes but a legitimate thing comes on sale for 30% off that doesn't gos on sale or there was a sale where it was 31% off and it gets like 30 upvotes.

    • SuperLate on 05/07/2024 - 23:33
      +1

      I agree about the upvoting weirdness that prevails here. I sometimes think that bots do it. Can't be sure and genuinely not concerned. We live in a fake world and people come aggressively defending a deal if someone has downvoted it, not caring about others opinion/experience on it.

    • Miss B on 06/07/2024 - 08:54

      When I bring Aldi soft drink to a gathering instead of vastly more expensive Schweppes/Coke then i'll get called 'Stingy/Cheap' - don't care, people can argue flavour to a point but I've found all lemon and lemonade to be comparable (except sugar free).

      If it's just for you and you find no difference in flavour/enjoyment I feel it's just you buying the cheapest option that meets your needs and that is just good sense.

      If it's to share and other people notice differences in flavour or fizz that change their enjoyment of it I can see why they may feel like you're being stingy/cheap especially if they're providing more expensive items for said gathering.

      If your contribution is roughly equivalent when buying the cheaper drinks then I see no issue. Also if they're not happy with the drinks you buy they just shouldn't get you to buy the drinks.

  • Ciderfizz44 on 05/07/2024 - 20:15

    All of the above

  • imurgod on 05/07/2024 - 20:28

    None I think.

    I'll buy things that I don't need or may have little use for when I see them on sale on OzB… I have a lot of sneakers that I haven't worn and a decent amount of Eneloops, for example.

    But I like the finer things in life and I can afford them… expensive cars, expensive wine, designer clothes, etc. so I just buy those types of things and enjoy them.

    I didn't work hard to live like a peasant.

    I think I mainly visit this site because the comments section is very entertaining.

  • SuperLate on 05/07/2024 - 23:23

    Other: mostly Moody. I can be any of them depending on what's my mood, how am I feeling that day. If it's raining or sunny, if I had a good or bad day at work, did I earn more than expected this week. So things like these. Sometimes shop more when sad to feel good and sometimes see bargains as tricks when sad as doing more thinking. Same with when overjoyed. But when I'm sane I would say Thrifty. I have stopped myself from impulse buying on deals which have been voted 500+ if I don't need it and I like that self-control (Please don't ban me from Ozbargain 😊).

  • ozbargainsam on 06/07/2024 - 00:12

    What's the term for someone who looks for the cheapest way to waste money?

  • S Baldrick on 06/07/2024 - 00:12

    Frugal is probably the most relevant one for me, though I try to buy good quality things when on sale - not a fan of buying eg. cheapo electronics that'll fall apart after a year.

    I try to minimise dining out etc. to fund the above.

  • p1 ama on 06/07/2024 - 00:14
    +1

    Why each group uses OzBargain:

    • Someone who is stingy uses OzBargain to monitor prices of things they already want, and jump when the price is low

    • Someone who is cheap monitors OzBargain for a price error, to then either harass the store into honouring it, or harassing their local Officeworks into price-matching it

    • Someone who is thrifty enjoys the fun of finding a rare bargain, and gets a kick out of scoring a win

    • Someone who is frugal is in it for the practicality, helps to save a bit of money, but also nice to find some cool bargains, and perhaps might get some useful things at good prices

  • payless69 on 06/07/2024 - 03:04
    -1

    Do we have internet?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKQhrNKUjTc

  • morse on 06/07/2024 - 06:07

    I’ll say thrifty based on these definitions. I invest money so I guess that means being resourceful, i.e. spend money to make money. Also I like to make sure I get go value, e.g. travel and eat well, but make sure I get the best deal for what I choose and make good use of points. But also a little frugal, as in make sensible choices like Japanese cars over European cars. And a tiny bit cheap, e.g. I’ll never buy discretionary foods from the supermarket full price unless they are the supermarket house brand. My kid has known since he was 3 and when we’re at the shops asks “is it on price?” and accepts that if something not being on special or too expensive as a reason not to buy it.

  • FocusRider on 06/07/2024 - 06:10

    What do we call this person?

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/382306

    • morse on 06/07/2024 - 08:38

      Stingthrift

  • kevkay on 06/07/2024 - 08:55

    It depends on my mood, and if I don't look at my bank account balance.

  • payless69 on 06/07/2024 - 09:20

    Add poll option: Splurgy: I ONLY shop at Gerry and are very proud that the RSPCA given me a reward to pamper his dog….

  • cnrmlj on 06/07/2024 - 09:44

    Happy to spend money on what i see value in. Don't want to overpay. Love a good deal.

  • wfh on 06/07/2024 - 09:45
    • Will hop onto an Ozbargain if is a pricing error or an absurdly cheap price (if there is a slight chance I will need it)
    • Will check for coupon codes / promo codes on every online purchase
    • Will buy an expensive higher quality product if there is a rare sale / i.e. stuff that never goes on sale often, but this would be after a lot of research / observing the market.

    Although then I sometimes use my ozbargaining to justify splurge purchases or dinners…

    I also tend to avoid lower tier brands for consumables, electronics, clothes.

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