One bad habit I’ve developed over the last few years is putting off buying something that I know I “need” or really would like to have because it is “too expensive”. I might pass this item in the store…I might even head to the store to buy it; then decide that I simply can’t spend the money. To me…this is the true definition of being “cheap”.

One thing in particular is a weather radio. Every year I think that having one would be useful. Every year I look at them when I go to the store…and every year I think to myself “I’ve been fine this long without one…I’m not going to spend that much money now.” Then the next time a big ol’ storm rolls through, I find myself wishing I wasn’t so cheap.

My family buys most everything with cash. That is to say, we only buy what we have the money on hand for. We don’t use any credit cards except for the one we pay off each month. We have a savings account. There is no reason that I should put off buying some of these things. Several months ago my really nice Phillips Sonicare Toothbrush broke. I’ve made multiple trips to Target, coupon in hand, ready to purchase another one; only to come home empty handed because I couldn’t stand to spend THAT much money on a toothbrush (Dr. H if you are reading I finally DID replace the toothbrush!!)

I never used to be this way. I’m pretty sure that when we started using coupons and really watching our budget is when I started to slide a little more towards the cheap side. When you spend time and effort saving money, you begin to notice when you don’t. You start to realize just what that dollar amount could do for you somewhere else. I also think that once you have a savings account and you can actually see the number growing, it is much more difficult to spend it.

So am I cheap? Or am I frugal? The lines are blurred for me. I DO know that I found a $1.99 app for my iPhone tonight that works just as well as a weather radio….. see? If you wait long enough you WILL get a better deal! (I’m kidding, I’m kidding.)