Cheap vs Frugal 節儉還是吝嗇?

The key differences between cheap and frugal are:

• Cheap is when you buy the least expensive item offered, regardless of the quality, even when you can afford to pay more. Frugal is when you have means, but are smart enough to shop around for the best price. Frugal people know the retail prices of just about everything and know where, when and how to get the best price.  

• Cheap looks cheap; frugal looks full price.

• Cheap is settling for what costs the least; frugal is paying a ridiculously low price for the same item for which someone paid four times as much.

• Cheap is not caring about the longevity of the item you bought; frugal knows that most purchases should be thought of as long-term investments.

• Cheap is frivolous; frugal is practical.  

• Cheap is not spending any money even when the need exists; frugal gets the best price possible and buys in quantity to sustain the savings.  

• Cheap is a mindset that prevents you from appreciating some of life's finest things, places and people. Frugal sees the opportunities to enjoy, despite the price, knowing their value.

• Cheap thinks of price; frugal thinks of value.

• Cheap deprives; frugal thrives!! Ask any family member or friend who grew up during The Great Depression about their spending habits. Most will tell you that they are thrifty, stretching out using an item rather than throwing it away.  The Greatest Generation values quality and knows the importance of buying the best you can afford so it lasts a long time.  This generation embodies frugality, which is a timeless value.