This ” 5 Things Thrifty People Will Do ” post describes actions that thrifty people are known for. We can all learn something from these people.
Thrifty is more than just a word to me. It is a way of life ingrained when I was a young boy out of the need and by choice.
Over the years, I have come to live a thrifty life and have no regrets about that. Certainly, I have not missed out a lot in life simply because most of the things I value the most are intangible. Of course, money, clothes, roof over our head, and car are necessities but they mean little to me compared to having a family, healthy body and lifestyle, and friends.
Having said that, I also feel that I am missing out some things in life. Our society now is different from the society of past decades. Now, it has become a society of technology and consumerism. There are a ton of products and services that have come and go. I would say that 99% of these products and services are the ones that I have never been able to take advantage of. Well, that’s because I don’t find value in them.
I am certain that I’m not the only one who is really thrifty. I know I am not alone in that boat. Sometimes, being thrifty equates to being cheap or unreasonable. But being thrifty is more than just that. Of course, I am not the epitome of a perfect thrifty person. That I can admit.
Actions Thrifty People Will Do
I have to say that even in this day of advancement and easy access to just about anything, there are things that a thrifty person like me would never buy. Here are some of the actions that they will or will not do.
They buy what they need on sale
What thrifty people will do is almost always buy products they need when they are on sale and, many times, in bulk quantities. They avoid buying products on sale just because they are discounted. They buy because they need them and don’t want to pay full-tag price.
When I need to buy specific products, I almost always wait for the holiday seasons to come. Chances are they will be on sale and, if I am lucky, I get to use some coupons to even reduce the prices. The only time that I don’t buy on sale is when I need the products right away (e.g. medicine).
I know that we have our own definitions of needs. My definition may be the same or totally different from that of the next person sitting to me. That’s perfectly fine.
I have seen a lot of people who claim they are only buying the products during holiday seasons or when they are on sale. They would spend a lot of money on consumer products and claim that they only buy what they need. At first, it makes sense. But if you look closely into what they buy, you will second guess if the products can really be considered as needs.
I have seen a couple of people who bought 4K TV for hundreds of dollars and they claimed they needed it. Like I said, definitions of needs vary, but I highly doubt that buying a TV that expensive is really a need.
They budget all the time
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They have needs and, then, find products not the reverse
This may sound just like the first one but not necessarily. Some people buy products and try to find the need for them later on. I know you will be like, what? It totally makes sense though.
Normally, when people see a product on deep discount, they tend to buy it and convince themselves they will find a need to use that product. At times, this is not how thrifty people think.
What thrifty people will do is they will stick with what they need. They don’t bother buying products even when they are on sale just because they think they’ll find a need for those in the future. What thrifty people will do is buy products that they know they will need in the future even it means buying them now. This is especially true when the products are on sale and they have a budget to buy them.
People who have a habit of continuously buying stuff because they think they will need them in the future end up wasting money. Why? More likely than not, they will forget about their purchases and place them somewhere where they will remain hidden and unused for a very long time.
The scenario is worse when the products have expiration dates. Once the products expire, they won’t have any choice but to discard them. As a result, money is wasted. Many thrifty people will not buy a lot in advance when the products can or will expire.
They keep using the products for a very long time
One of the known traits of thrifty people is that they will make the products they purchased last for a very long time. I’m talking about years if not decades. They feel like they need to get the most out of what they bought even if it means using them constantly.
What thrifty people will do is they will take good care of these products. They will maintain them regularly while non-thrifty people would just discard them and buy new ones. Just look at old cars. There are old cars that are still running up to this day. Their owners take really good care of them even when they have to put money to repair them.
But of course, some owners are just unreasonable in that they would spend more than what the values of their belongings are. I call this impractical. For thrifty people, it is about balance between practicality and reasonableness.
No kidding, I had a pair of shoes that I wore for 15 years, basically half of my life. When they were at the end of their lives, I tried to glue them, tape them, and did what I could to squeeze some more value from them. Call me cheap but I would say that it’s about practicality. If the shoes still serve their purpose, why would I get rid of them right away?
They find other clever uses of the products
Have you ever met somebody who finds other uses for products intended for something else? If you have, then, you most likely have met a clever or thrifty person. This is basically one of the things that thrifty people will do, almost always.
People who like to save as much as they can always find ways to re-use products for other purposes. They are the DIY people who see treasure out of what other people call trash. Find some DIY projects on Pinterest and you will see how thrifty people are able to transform junks into masterpieces.
Just the other day, I was looking on Pinterest and found pictures of old pallets. Surprisingly, the old pallets were transformed into functional tables, headboards, picture frames, and sliding doors. I was in awe because I never thought about transforming those into other products or maybe because I don’t quite often see pallets enough to make the connection. I was also excited in that I felt that this could be my project for the spring and summer seasons.
They look at the fine print
I call thrifty people as subject matter experts of fine print.
When you buy something, do you even go through the fine prints to see what the product is, the warranty, risks, among others? When you apply for a credit card, do you even read the terms and conditions? I would guess the answer is mostly not.
What thrifty people will do is they will read the fine prints. They find value in reading in them. They read them because they contain information they can use when the products break or is no longer usable. They understand when the warranty expires or what is covered. They will take their time to talk to customer representatives to clarify information.
Tip: if you use your credit card to purchase a product and the product breaks or is no longer functioning, go back to your credit card’s terms and conditions. You may find the extended warranty for your product. Don’t discard the product and buy a new one. Get in touch with the credit card company and seek assistance on replacements under the extended warranty clause.
Conclusion:
Thrifty people are often called cheap, unreasonable, stingy, and so many things. But if you really dig deeper and understand where they are coming from, you’ll realize that they are just practical people. They are people who find the need to stretch their dollars because they know how to do so.
Are you a thrifty person? Do you know of any thrifty people who will do just about anything to save money? Do you think thrifty people are practical or something else? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
I think thrifty should be a lifestyle 😀 It’s definetly mine
Lol. I like that line.
I am happily a thrifty person! But with moderation…
I like to save money whenever I can, without being obsessed by it though.
I think everything in moderation is good. Anything in excess is bad.
I never considered myself a super thrifty person until I read your post! haha! I totally do every one of these things. 🙂
Thanks. It’s never too late to be a frugal person.
To funny, I feel like your last two posts were written to me.
I am almost done with a DIY post showing a table I made out of pallets.
Whenever shoes wear down, they become repurposed for yard work until they are unusable.
Haha. I guess frugal people have the same line of thinking.
I am thrifty in some ways and not in others. I’m good at finding new ways to use old products. I normally wait for sales, find discounts, etc. My biggest downfall is if I really want something I will find a way to get it. Usually, selling something I don’t want to get that item. I should read more about being thrifty. *guilty*
Good for you. In my own opinion, I think it’s not bad to succumb into buying a want as long as it doesn’t interfere with finances or doesn’t harm your finances.
I loved reading every single point. The most important being reading the fine print. I believe thrifty or not, we all should read that ! Great read Alan!
Thanks. A lot of people make the mistake of not reading the terms and conditions. I believe there’s a reason that lenders give those terms and conditions information.
As always, I love your posts. I consider myself a thrifty person and do several of these myself! A lot of people get needs and wants confused!
A lot of people do get confused between needs and wants. I think one of the tests that one can apply is to take out a need from a picture. If the person can live without it, then, it’s a want. If he can’t, then, it’s a need.
I’m all about being thrifty. It’s so much easier to cut out the unnecessary and lead a frugal lifestyle.
Absolutely, I am with you on that.
In our fast-paced world it seems one thing that people are doing less of is reusing products. I think it’s a generational thing as well. I know my great-grandparents and grandparents made great use of everything they consumed and re-used products for things people today simply wouldn’t think to do. It’s too easy to recycle or trash things and move on.
We live in a world of consumerism, a world where a lot of things are disposable. I’m with you when you say that elders tend to re-use a lot of products. My grandparents were like that.
Yet another lovely and educational post Allan! We all should follow those advices, less is not only more but less is also creative
Thanks.
This sounds just like my dad! And because he values his time, money and himself, he is one of the most successful businessman in the city. it saddens me to see how consumerist culture has led people to find their needs in the products. I don’t say that one should not enjoy life but for once, try living close to nature!
That is good to hear. The reality is that there are ways that you can do and still be a frugal person. Just like what you said, that is, try to live close to nature. I know of a couple of people who live in the mountain and they have a happy life.
This is a FANTASTIC post. I’m pretty frugal even I learned a thing or two. Thanks so much!
Thanks. There’s always an opportunity to be more frugal.
I wish I was more thrifty because I have a habit of spending when I shouldn’t. Your so right.
There’s always a chance to become frugal. Sometimes, it only takes one step at a time.
Ahhhh I’m totally not thrifty, but I should be. Older I get the more I realize saving money is so important!
I always say to a lot of people that it’s better to save now than to save later. By saving now, you are allowing money to grow more (through compounding interest). The more you save now, the less you need to save in the future.
Great list and great reminders all. The fine print reminder is especially important. It seems every time you buy something there is more and more fine print.
Yes. Fine print after fine print and never ending of it. It’s always good to read the fine print because you’ll always find some treasures in there that will help you later on when your products break.
I love everything about this post and could see quite a bit of myself in it. I got looked at funky when I read the credit card fine print at the bank … but I didn’t care. I just don’t like signing anything I don’t fully understand 🙂
It’s really in your best interest to read before signing. You’ll never know what you are getting into if you don’t read the fine print.
oooo the fine print is a good one. Great post!
Thanks. This is something that a lot of people fail to take a closer look.
I adored reading through this post! I found tremendous value in your last point about reading the warranty etc. because it’s not something I’m particularly good at!
I am frequently called stingy, ironically, it’s those same people who complain that they never have enough money, or that I go on holidays so frequently! ^_^ Keep up the amazing work! 🙂
Lo, how ironic right. If that’s the ok, then, I’d rather call myself stingy than not having enough money.
I can relate to this so much because I’m a thrifty person myself.
That is good to know. Thanks.
I am a thrifty person and I must agree that I am a practical person. Being a thrifty person sometimes it’s useful. 🙂
I totally agree with your statement.
Loved the post. Very honest and I can totally relate to it. I can’t call myself thrifty, but if people around me start calling me that, it would be fine! For #3 my phone 3 years and they keep asking me when am I going to change it.
I wouldn’t mind being called thrifty. I should change my name to thrifty starting now. lol
You’ve listed some very helpful tips here! One thing that has worked for me is the approach I take on larger or out of the ordinary purchases. First, I’ll identify what I want. I’ll then wait a day, or maybe a couple (unless there is a specific sale), and come back to it. If I still want it, it is probably worth buying, if I don’t, then I probably didn’t need it in the first place. This little change has saved me a lot of money and clutter of unwanted items around the house.
Yes. That’s a good way to determine if what you need is really a need or a want.
I think every person has a little frugality in them. Agree, thrifty people are often called cheap and so on. They often prefer products that meet practical needs, trying to get the lowest price on most things, but they also spend a lot on items they really care about! I would call it the art of economical management, it is important just try to find the right balance of frugality and fun! The point isn’t to be miserable, but try not overpay for things!
That’s a good way of thinking or putting it. I have not heard economical management in a long time.
These are great! I love using products for a long time – like wearing items until they’re worn, and using things to the last drop. I only buy what I need.
Yes. Same here. I always do that until the products are no longer usable.
Good points. Making a habit of waiting to make your purchases when they go on sale will save you lots of money down the road especially if you incorporate weekly grocery shopping based on what’s on sale on the local grocery flyers too.
Yes, it is a good idea. Sales and discounts will come and go. You just need to learn when they are in.
These are all very true. I’m not a thrifty person. I usually do the opposite of all of these but since my hubby lost his job this year I’ve had to learn to cut way back.
Sorry for your loss. Sometimes, situations presented us to do more that what we can do just like your situation and what you are doing.
I never would have thought to include the part about looking at the fine print. Lots of truth and good points here!
There are reasons that fine print is there. You’ll find treasures there that you don’t know exist.
Hahah! I guess I’m thrifty! I do all of these things naturally :p
Kudos to you. Keep it up and you’ll save a lot of money in the long run.
This post is right on! I’m a thrifty shopper and sometimes get called cheap by my family members because I shop at thirft stores the majority of the time. Which I am not lol, I just love saving money!
Same here. I love saving too much because I want to retire early.
I can defnetly relate the point about the keep using the producrs for a long time and they read the fine print. I like to use things up until they are like completely done. I hate wasting things or replacing things just for the sake of it. i had my old cell phone for 4 years before I replaced it. same with my laptop. I still own a perfectly functioning mp3 player from sony, which I use occassionally when I go for my runing. Its just the way that I am, I don’t like being wasteful if I can help it. from food, to clothes, to electronics. good post
Yes. If something is still working there, then, there’s no reason to discard the stuff. It’s just a waste of money. Almost all of the products I have are the ones that I have been using since I came here in the US. That’s around 10-11 years ago.
I am not what would be considered a “thrifty” person. But I will say in some ways I am…both our cars are paid for and have over 200K on them. Just don’t see any reason to upgrade!
That is so true.
Yes my family is very thrifty and yes, I think thrifty people are very practical! I think a big differentiator between thrifty and non-thrifty people is whether you can control impulse buying or not. Thrifty people are able to think through a purchase before pulling the trigger. Asking many questions you have in this post. Spot on!
Thrifty people tend to think twice, three times, or quadruple times before buying something. They will ask themselves again and again if what they are buying are needs or wants.
We are in debt from losing money farming. We are budgeting to spend 25000 less of personal expenses this year. I have been savings tons at the grocery store now that I am trying.
We call benefit something for being thrifty. This will help us save more and pay our debt in the process more quickly.
Great tips. I especially like the idea about keeping products for a long time. I kept my car for 24 years before buying a used car that was in great shape. It was satisfying to know I drove as much as I could out of my old car.
Yes. As long as it works, then, use the product.
looks like those people have it all figured out! great tips on how to be thrifty!
Thanks. We all can benefit from being thrifty.
This post made me smile because I’m guilty of the opposite. LOL. Like, I’ll buy products and find what I can use them for. Hahaha! Thank you for this post. I need to remember this..
Thank you that you got something out of this post. I’m always glad to hear that people find something valuable in what I write.
These are some great tips to copy. I tend to do a couple of these but not all of them. Being prepared to shop around saves a fortune too.
I had a flip phone for years. People esp. family made fun of me mercilessly, but why pay $100 a month when you don’t really need to… I only upgraded when I got a smart phone for a gift. -_-
You are right about that. Phones are phones whatever they look like. They serve almost the same purpose.
I buy nearly all my clothes at consignment shops and thrift stores. I love the hunt, too. Every time I end up at a retail store, the prices seem so huge compared to what I’m used to.
Yes, the prices are so high they are so ridiculous. I like going to thrift stores because a lot for a small amount of money.
Buying what you need instead of rationalizing that you need what you buy is an incredibly important distinction!
I absolutely agree with that.