Is it Frugal or Just Cheap.

J
Aug 15
3 min read

Lately, I’ve been having this quiet internal debate: Is it being smart with money... or is just being tight?

Because here’s the thing I’m not on some extreme no-spend challenge or trying to out-frugal the internet,. I’m just a 20-something woman trying to build something for herself: A bit of financial freedom. A future house deposit. The chance to say “yes” to life on easy Terms - so I try to outline the limit between Frugal or Just Cheap

But during this time, I’ve realised there's a big difference between being frugal and being cheap.

Three people clink wine glasses, smiling and seated at a dining table with bowls. Warm lighting and plants in the background create a cozy mood.

What’s the Difference?

Being frugal means spending with purpose. Being cheap means avoiding spending at any cost even when it makes things harder.

Example	Frugal	Cheap
Food shopping	Buying own-brand to save	Skipping meals to cut costs
Nights out	Suggesting a coffee instead of dinner	Never paying your share of the bill
Clothes	Waiting for sales or second-hand deals	Wearing broken shoes to avoid buying new ones
Gifting	Thoughtful, budget-conscious gifts	Skipping gifts altogether

My Why: Saving With Intention

I’m not saving just to hoard money. I’m saving because I want:

A future home whether that’s in the city or by the sea.
To invest in stocks or start a business one day.
To stop living paycheck to paycheck.
To have options not just obligations.

That’s the bigger picture. And keeping that in mind makes it easier to say “no” to things that don’t serve me in any way even when they’re shiny, on trend, or just tempting in the moment.

Frugal Habits That Actually Feel Good

Here’s what frugality looks like for me in real life and living:

1. Budgeting Without Guilt

I give myself permission to spend on things that matter to me whether that’s a solo cinema date, new make-up, or going out to see friends.

But I budget for it. Every pound has a job. And if it’s not in the plan? I contemplate on whether or not its worth it or needed.

2. Swapping, Not Sacrificing

Instead of cutting things out, I've found small alternatives:

A walk and a podcast instead of another beach club.
Meal prepping lunches and eating dinner at home.
Assessing if a purchase is worth it right now or it can wait.

It’s not about “going without” it’s about choosing differently for the time being..

3. Tracking What I Actually Value

I started noting what I spent on each week and seeing it written out is an eye opener.

Spoiler: the £3 coffee I got with a friend? Worth it. The everyday costa coffee in the mornings, not so much.

This habit changed everything. I still spend, I just spend on purpose.

Frugal or Just Cheap- when it feels cheap..

Frugal gets a bit iffy when:

I start obsessing over every pound to the point of anxiety.
I avoid social plans because I don’t want to contribute.
I say no to small joys that actually make life feel full.

That’s when I take a step back. Because being cheap isn’t a financial strategy it’s a scarcity mindset. And I’m not interested in living like I’m broke when im not, even if I’m budgeting hard.

Final Thoughts: The Goal Is Balance

I want to build wealth. But I also want to enjoy my life while I’m living it.

Frugal me is saving for the future. Smart me still makes space for the present.

And if that means skipping takeaways during the week so I can say yes to a weekend away and meals out with my friends? That’s a trade to take every time.