Situation - You are observing someone being frugal / mean
Frugal is defined as "characterised by or reflecting economy in the use of resources".
Cheapskate, tightwad, penny-pincher canny, careful, meticulous, prudent, stingy, and thrifty are just a few of the words that may come to mind when someone says that they are frugal.
While trends like minimalism and simple living have made frugality more popular, there are still many negative connotations surrounding this concept.
Generally, the negative commentary tends to come from individuals who prefer to spend their money freely and possibly even irresponsibly.
There are many reasons that people choose to be frugal, either out of necessity or due to personal beliefs and their general behaviour pattern plays a role as well.
Frugal is also related to being mean. That is also on this page.
Leaders in frugality are the Practitioner and Objective Thinker. Other frugal patterns are: Director; Developer; Investigator; Agent; Perfectionist and Enhancer.
They are designated with a post-nominal title (F. Gal)
Others are entitled as a Spendthrift™ (S. Thrift).
1. Director - ESTJ
Why? Good saver, if financially-focussed can develop a reputation for being cheap. Wealth may used to be seen as high status. Motivated by work. May adapt to the spending habits of their friends.
Watch out for: Cost cutter; susses out deals; pursues compensation for errors or poor service. Biggest earner. When you consider their net worth, downright frugal, but will splurge on club memberships and anything else that will get them 'seen' where they (think they) belong.
Modus Operandi: Often frugal as they dislike being without money. They want to be responsible and will save their money when they can. Do not want to be seen as reckless and will be very aware of their finances. Instead of just spending, they want to be sure they have plenty of money in order to do what they want with it. They do like to spend their money on lavish things, but want to be sure that they can afford it before they do. They enjoy gift-giving, saving up for group experiences and buying tasteful, high-end clothing.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): F. Gal
Meanness: Only show their mean side because they do not know or care about others' feelings. They are actually as mean as goat sh1t, apart from those close, due to how their authoritatarian tendency is based on their strictness.
by E. Hunter™
2. Developer - ENTJ
Why? Good income producer, lackadaisical attitude towards saving. Work hard, play hard, make money to spend freely on what they want is a consistent belief about money and actions.
Watch out for: Invests high amounts on themselves for large returns. Second highest earner. Absurd tolerance for financial risk and will not bat an eyelid at a six-figure loan balance if it helps them get to the top.
Modus Operandi: Are often very frugal and dislike spending recklessly. They want to be able to save plenty of money in order to afford the things they like. They are not the type of people to spend foolishly before they have enough money to do so. They believe in being responsible and doing things in the most efficient and intelligent way. This applies to the way they handle their finances, which makes them rather frugal. When they have extra money, they enjoy using it towards investment, education, travel, charity or experiences that will broaden their perspective on life.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): F. Gal
Meanness: Only show their mean side because they do not know or care about others' feelings. They actually are only generous to special individuals.
by E. Hunter™
3. Results - ESTP
Why? Fun focussed. High spender for events - travelling and dining out with lots of friends.
Good income but high spending habits may lead to trouble continuing adventurous lifestyle.
Watch out for: Huge on themselves. Risktaker. Indulgent from food to massages.
When they are wrong, the financial losses are big but they are usually able to recover.
Modus Operandi: Can be a bit frivolous with their finances even though they are responsible.
They enjoy being able to buy nice things and will sometimes get swept up in the moment. When they go out
to buy one item, they might find themselves spending a little more than expected. They enjoy being
able to purchase the things they like and do not want to feel held back by finances. They are not
always the most frugal people, simply because they enjoy living in the moment and getting what they want.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): S. Thrift
Meanness: Shows their mean side due to their directness and blunt words. They actually believe that if their own needs are not being met, they will not go above and beyond for someone else.
by E. Hunter™
4. Inspirational - ENTP
Why? Takes one day at a time. Income producer but ability to save for the future will usually come second to spending on things they want now. Spends as much as they make.
Watch out for: Savvy with their purchases given the right attitude. Only understands money in the context of using it to do other things, so it will be 'easy come, easy go' the whole way through.
Modus Operandi: Are capable of being frugal, but often they do not want to be. They do not like being held back by responsibilities or the idea of money. They want to feel free to make their own choices and enjoy being a little reckless from time to time. They might want to spend their money on some new idea or a big project about which they are passionate. They might take these risks with their finances but always find a way to bounce back and make things work.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): S. Thrift
Meanness: Shows their mean side due to their directness and blunt words. They actually expect people to take care of their own needs, those close exepted, so they come across as mean.
by E. Hunter™
5. Persuader - ENFJ
Why? Does not care about money. More controlled than Promoters though. Good time with friends is done without too much spending. Does not plan to become rich but have a modest amount of savings to spend when they want.
Watch out for: Controlled and aware of expenditure but can be a sociable do-gooder, most likely to throw a lavish birthday party for their best friend. Struggle with major purchases - house, car.
Modus Operandi: Are often very frugal especially when they have people depending on them. They know how to be responsible, especially when they need to save their money for something important. When they have a surplus of money they do enjoy being able to spend it on gifts and things that will make their loved ones happy. They enjoy showering others with presents and affection, especially when they are capable of doing this. They also enjoy being able to buy themselves a few things, but will only do this if it is feasible.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): S. Thrift
Meanness: Hides their mean side until they explode with emotion. They actually are definitely generous people, who give until they have nothing left.
by E. Hunter™
6. Appraiser - ESFJ
Why? Good savers but may be susceptible to becoming very focussed on showing off wealth, depending on the values they grew up with. If public consumption of wealth was valued, then could spend high amounts on clothing, dining out and travel.
Watch out for: May use to show off - “high status”. Likes to spend, especially if it is on someone else. Expect these folks to flex with big houses, luxury cars and a designer wardrobe for them and their children. They are invited to every party where they always show up with fine wine or a lavish gift for the host. Carries big debt but always makes the minimum payment.
Modus Operandi: Capable of being frugal, especially when they need to be responsible for their loved ones. They know how to save their money and can often impress others with their ability to go without certain items. They know how to be responsible when they have to be but, at the same time, they often enjoy being able to spend their money. They love being able to buy gifts for their loved ones and enjoy surprising them with something new. They might be a little reckless with their money, especially during the holidays.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): S. Thrift
Meanness: Hides their mean side until they explode with emotion. They actually can often be so generous that they neglect their own needs for the sake of others.
by E. Hunter™
7. Promoter - ENFP
Why? Money takes form as an expression of their zest for life, but will have a good life anyway.
Have an endless list of ideas that they can come up with to spend things on.
Watch out for: Carefree and irresponsible spender; the worst. It is likely they will not fix their
finances until at their credit limits and do not have any choice! Never willingly pays for their shout.
Modus Operandi: Are not always the most frugal since they dislike feeling controlled by money. They
want to be able to buy the things they like, without feeling like they are doing something wrong. This is
often why they enjoy having a sense of independence in their lives so that they feel free to make their own choices.
They want to spend money on things they like and are not always frugal when they see something they truly want.
They do know how to be responsible when they have to be and will find a way to make more money if they have overspent.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): S. Thrift
Meanness: Hides their mean side until they deserve it. They actually will give in ways when is truly matters, but reciprocating to others is totally foreign.
by E. Hunter™
8. Counselor - ESFP
Why? Resourceful and sometimes inefficient. Emotion drives highly desired purchases even
even though they know it is a logically bad decision.
Watch out for: Spends often but in small bursts. Does not have trouble saving and investing
but will need guidance on how much to put away and exactly how to do so.
Modus Operandi: Can little reckless with their finances and are not usually frugal. They prefer
to live in the present moment and this often ties into how they spend their money. They dislike having
to hold back when they really want something, so they rarely find themselves feeling like they have
to save their money. They will overspend on occasion, simply because they want to enjoy the moment
and realize they cannot take that money with them in the end.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): S. Thrift
Meanness: Hides their mean side until they deserve it. They actually can be generous when they can afford to be.
by E. Hunter™
9. Specialist - ISFP
Why? Has finely tuned aesthetic tastes and is generally interested in expressing identity to people with money.
Likes money they can feel, right on their skin, like absurdly high-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. This can also
lead to high spending on clothing especially along with dining out with friends.
Watch out for: Will scale back when required. Expect quiet but profitable investments in luxury real estate,
wineries or original paintings. As much of their net worth is going to be tied up in heirlooms as it is their
bank account.
Modus Operandi: Are not the most frugal because they enjoy living in the present moment. If they see something that
they want to buy, they will not be held back in that moment. They can get a little swept up sometimes and might overspend
when they should not. They simply dislike having to follow some set of rules and want to live freely. They realize that
they cannot take their money with them, so they want to enjoy it while they can.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): S. Thrift
Meanness: Hides their mean side until they deserve it. They actually will only help others if they take care of themselves first.
by E. Hunter™
10. Investigator - INFJ
Why? Good savers but when surrounded by peers may feel
tempted to spend more due to stress and momentary carelessness. Does not care about money much but it
is something that is important when making career decisions.
Watch out for: Can be tempted out of frugality. Cares for causes and is more
likely to be protesting rising tuition costs or big bank bailouts than paying off their own debts.
Expect them to be setting aside money to prepare for the non existent climate crisis.
Modus Operandi: Know how to be responsible when they have to be and will be capable of saving money.
If they do not have too many people to be responsible for, they will enjoy spending their money from time to time.
They realize they need to enjoy the present on occasion and want to be able to buy things that they like. They are not
obsessed with materialistic things but on occasions they enjoy having the things they like. They are responsible
and will be very frugal when they have people who are depending on them.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): F. Gal
Meanness: Hides their mean side until they explode with emotion. They actually will often give the shirt off their backs for the people they love.
by E. Hunter™
11. Agent - INFP
Why? Carefree. Spending habits are reflective of the going environment. If from a money-conscious
household, will be money-conscious. Need right people to guide them if not.
Watch out for: Takes risks beyond what can be managed. Lowest earner.
Best if their savings are completely removed from their everyday banking or they will spend it.
This friendly and idealistic individual likes money, but they
always expect it to come easier than it really does.
Modus Operandi: Rarely care much about material things but on occasions they find items they really enjoy.
They are not always responsible when it comes to their finances, simply because they do not want to feel controlled by them.
They realize that there are certain bills that need to be paid, but at the same time they are not obsessing over them.
They are not likely to spend all of their money on something foolish since they rarely find themselves swept up in
something materialistic.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): F. Gal
Meanness: Hides their mean side until they deserve it. They actually need to retreat and maintain a sense of space for self-reflection. Without that, they will have a hard time being useful to anyone. What a surprise.
by E. Hunter™
12. Achiever - ISTP
Why? Big risktaker wanting to experience life to the full. Likes travel and new experiences with dining along
with other material luxuries.
Watch out for: Makes brash decisions and spends much more than should.
Expect to find them chanting, 'experiences not stuff!' as they drop five-figures on an African safari
on credit. Bigger financial risk taker than the Director!
Modus Operandi: While capable of being frugal if they have to be are not excited by the idea of being held back.
They want to feel free to do their own thing, especially when it comes to their own money. They enjoy being able to spend
when they want to, which can make them a little reckless sometimes. They will spend money on something they want but
they are perfectly capable of making that money back if they spend a little too recklessly.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): S. Thrift
Meanness: Shows their mean side due to their directness and blunt words. They actually are caring but do not always believe in generosity to severe degrees.
by E. Hunter™
13. Practitioner - ISFJ
Why? Good savers. Does not require much from purchases to be satisfied with life.
Likes to spend on a few social displays of wealth such as eating out at restaurants with friends, clothing, etc.
Watch out for: Very reserved with money. The most frugal. Never buys what they cannot afford.
Small minded, particularly in business. May be the most reserved money managers of all, crafting budgets
for small and major purchases alike, while not pulling out the plastic until the full total is saved.
Modus Operandi: Are very frugal people and are good at keeping track of their finances. They do not want to be
reckless and believe in being responsible with their money. They are often good at keeping organized records of everything,
which makes them good at keeping track of things in their lives. This helps them become more aware of their financial
situation, which helps them to save more effectively. They do enjoy spending their money on nice things, but they want to
be sure they are doing this responsibly and not recklessly as they will never take risks.
.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): F. Gal
Meanness: Hides their mean side until they explode with emotion. They actually are only generous within the family.
by E. Hunter™
14. Objective Thinker - ISTJ
Why? Nest builder. Spends little on luxury goods (do not like luxury) and goes for quality and durability instead compared to
other patterns. Can have a tendency to
spend large amounts on a few image items such as expensive cars, clothing or other items. Provides a “good life” for
their loved ones. Part of the money is spent on important and practical things while the rest is saved for future needs.
Watch out for: Cheap for the most part. Pays off student loans ahead of schedule, buys homes early and
takes care of their families with steady pay cheques. If they ever make a financial mistake, they beat themselves
up for it relentlessly, often long after they have remedied the error. No credit card debt.
Modus Operandi: Definitely frugal who believes in being responsible with their finances. They are capable of spending on
lavish items, but only when they know it is logically acceptable to do so. They often keep an informed record of their finances
and enjoy being aware of what they can and cannot afford. They are responsible people who believe in being efficient in everything
that they do. They are definitely very frugal and believe in paying close attention to what they spend.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): F. Gal
Meanness: Only show their mean side because they do not know or care about others' feelings. They actually will not be generous with strangers, but they work hard to care for the people close to them
by E. Hunter™
15. Perfectionist - INTP
Why? Life is an endless amount of possible experiences which they wish to experience some day and spending
focussed on this which may involve expensive tastes. Can scale back. If in the money, may spend more exuberantly
than they should.
Watch out for: Frugal in general. Has good intentions but often spends more time strategizing
than actually doing. Expect them to craft elaborate spreadsheets comparing ETFs in an attempt to
reduce risk and taxes, only to find the allocations have changed by the time they are finally
ready to invest.
Modus Operandi: Are complex which means they can be both frugal and little reckless with their finances.
They will definitely keep track of their money and how they are spending it but have moments of wanting to be a little
spontaneous. They will risk their finances for a big idea sometimes, or simply because they get caught up in the moment.
They are super intelligent and will always find a way to make back whatever money they recklessly spend. They are capable
of being frugal and can save plenty of money in order to achieve whatever goals they have in mind.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): F. Gal
Meanness: Shows their mean side due to their directness and blunt words. They actually can have a hard time being open with strangers and prefer to save their generosity.
by E. Hunter™
16. Enhancer - INTJ
Why? Future-oriented and goal focussed and generally will not spend above income. Will
spend high amounts on items they feel are important to them after extensive analysis;
more than other types would even consider. Can be susceptible to randomly
high spending due to stress.
Watch out for: Often frugal. Over compares then it's superceded so
process starts again. Are arrogant and judgmental, so they will vocally criticize anyone
who does not follow the same financial path.
Modus Operandi: Are often very frugal and responsible and do not believe in letting money control them.
They will definitely maintain a wise and organized plan for their finances, which helps them keep it all together.
They have plenty of self-control and are not the type of people to go out and spend frivolously. They realize that
in order to be free to spend money on items they like they need to save money and keep things in good standing.
Frugal (F. Gal) or Spendthrift (S. Thrift): F. Gal
Meanness: Only show their mean side because they do not know or care about others' feelings. They actually are not generous with things they deem unnecessary. They believe in being independent and feel that most people should handle their problems themselves.
by E. Hunter™
seeing if the other person is frugal,
mean or not.