The Challenge on Being Frugal or Cheap

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The best quality doesn\’t come cheap.
A time tested company service like any of these Columbus AC services or brands undoubtedly provide the best value of our money, and  making an informed decision makes us a happy and satisfied customers.
I recently stumbled upon an article on being frugal vs. being cheap. As we all have various definition and can point out different justification with our choice between the two, as for me, my choice depends on  every situation.
I can be cheap or frugal depending on my list on what to buy first. Distinguishing the difference between  the NEEDS and WANTS always play a major role, and not giving in to the rush and excitement of buying what we want plays a major heart breaker!
\”Measuring things in terms of the lowest price cost is what cheap people do, while frugal people measures in terms of its value for the money.\”
Yes, it\’s always a good choice to be frugal. But admittedly, I sometimes choose to be cheap to afford to be frugal on my next priority purchase. So, choosing to buy cheap doesn\’t really affect negatively, but otherwise helps me to be frugal on what we really need for the moment. 
It was being cheap for the mean time that allows us to save and be able to spend more on quality items that we need.
It was like being cheap not replacing my now \’lagging\’ phone and instead use the money to buy a new \’Super Inverter AC\’ that provides the comfort that we deserve without worrying too much with high electricity bill.
The \’lagging\’ phone can wait, and I still have the patience to deal with it, and wait for the right time when the needs can be met accordingly to give way of what I want (Oh, I  love this mindset!). 
Controlling the purchase behavior is tough… it\’s always been a battle of being frugal or cheap. Holding off  a purchase to give us more time to be a well informed buyer, does help.

21 responses to “The Challenge on Being Frugal or Cheap”

  1. berlin Avatar
    berlin

    I like this post. Made me assess myself if im cheap or frugal. Husband would often remind me to buy only what is needed and anything else we cant call as needs are unnecessary. Good thing we both believe that its better to invest on quality for us to save in the future than buy cheap ones and would end up buying the same to replace it.

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  2. TweenselMom Avatar
    TweenselMom

    Yeah, I think most of us struggle when it comes to being frugal because we don't have patience. Minsan naman talaga, lumilipas din ang craving to buy this and that.

    Like

  3. UnknownMemory Avatar
    UnknownMemory

    Needs over wants, the struggle is real talaga kasi sometimes mas marami tayong wants than needs. Before I had my son I used to buy whatever I want regardless if it only ends up not using them. When I became a mother medyo well informed na ako, I do check our needs firt, prioritize yung kailangan bilhin and set aside muna yung gusto lang. And if it's a need, I always check on the quality kasi gusto ko I can use it longer.

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  4. Mama Coi Avatar
    Mama Coi

    I agree with Cheryl's comment. I was like that as well. When I was not yet a mom, I would always buy what I want, but now, I could not just think for myself obviously. But when it comes to our needs, I always, always choose quality. I always say that it's okay to splurge a little because you know that you could use it for a long time, rather than buy it in a very low price but you wouldn't be able to use it after a week or so.

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  5. EensÜ Avatar
    EensÜ

    I am both, won't deny cause we need to in all honesty

    Like

  6. Joyful Mess Avatar
    Joyful Mess

    I recall an article I wrote for the website I'm working for! It's about this exact topic. While people need to be educated about saving, it's not healthy at all to be totally cheap!

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  7. Rolled Into One Mom Avatar
    Rolled Into One Mom

    That is my dilemma most of the time. Determining needs over wants. I really hope I can totally shrug off my urge to shop for things I dont really need sometimes.

    Like

  8. Mamanee San Luis Avatar
    Mamanee San Luis

    Yes, that forever struggle of \”Do I need this?\” Going cheap for me is a matter of making the right choice.

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  9. Anonymous Avatar
    Anonymous

    Frugality is the way to go, but sometimes, I can't help choosing products based on their price tags if to meet a need.

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  10. Evelyn Marfa Avatar
    Evelyn Marfa

    Good read. We also believe in delayed gratification, it creates an attitude of being content and thankful with what you have.

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  11. Pinions and Plumage of Love Avatar
    Pinions and Plumage of Love

    Frugal. I believe I am. I buy stuff not because it's cheap nor expensive but because it's worth our money. Thank you for sharing.

    Like

  12. Janice Avatar
    Janice

    With three kids and another one on the way, I have no choice but to be frugal. I don't believe in buying cheap things just to save on money. Value for money is always the way to go.

    Like

  13. queenofthebangs Avatar
    queenofthebangs

    Ugh! It's so hard to resist the wants sometimes but as we grow mature, I think instinct's the one pushing us to prioritize the needs before the wants. Kudos to you for resisting temptation. 👏

    Like

  14. mabellisima Avatar
    mabellisima

    I'd like to believe I'm frugal haha! Thank you for this post and the tips 😉 I actually spend a lot of time deciding before I buy something and I find this very helpful as well 🙂

    Like

  15. Nilyn Avatar
    Nilyn

    Sigh! I remember my budget list. When my pay comes, I have so many things on the list, minsan I feel really sad na wala man lang ako nilaan for myself. Sometimes, I'd get a few amount from the savings para bumili ng mga gusto ko. On frugal vs cheap, I hope I'm doing the right choices in life as well.

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  16. Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen Avatar
    Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen

    It's hard to be Frugal but we need to practice it to be able to pass it on to our children.

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  17. EINz Avatar
    EINz

    yep, If I have the money, I also go for durable quality items. But in times of… you know… pa cheap-cheap muna. LOL

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  18. Mommy Lady Blogs Avatar
    Mommy Lady Blogs

    This is one of my personal problem but little by little medyo nagiging budgetarian na din ako and di na basta basta gumagastos. When I was pregnant and my son came to this world, I buy mostly the things we want for him ended up di naman niya nagagamit. I become wiser from now on and learn to control myself when it comes to buying.

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  19. Badet Siazon Avatar
    Badet Siazon

    Being frugal is one thing I want to achieve. The most effective way is to avoid the malls so that I won't see any distractions 🙂

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  20. JC Jane Avatar
    JC Jane

    Frugal vs cheap, frugal people care about the value of something. While, cheap people try to get the lowest price on everything.And, I think i'm a frugal. That's my excuse to think 10 times before buying on something.

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  21. hotel in clark Avatar
    hotel in clark

    I also agree with ElNz, cheap items doesn't mean the quality is not good, and pricey doesn't mean the quality is good. Of course we have our priorities if we have money to buy expensive with durable quality go for it.

    Like

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