Minimalism isn’t just a trend to me – it’s a conscious choice.
Before I spend money on anything, I ask myself: Do I really need this?
But often, that question is followed by another one:
Am I being smart – or just stingy?
For me, there’s a clear difference.
It all comes down to how meaningful the expense actually is.
How I Decide Whether to Buy Something or Not
Before I buy anything, I ask myself three questions:
1. How often will I actually use it?
I calculate the price per use.
If I use something daily, it’s usually worth it.
If I use it once every few months, the cost per use is high – and usually not worth it.
Example:
A €50 frying pan used every day costs just cents per use after a year.
A €300 kitchen appliance used once a year? Total waste of money.
2. How many hours do I have to work to afford it?
This is the most important factor for me.
I always calculate how much of my life I’m trading for this purchase.
Example:
A €1,000 TV might not sound terrible at first.
But if it takes 40 hours of work to pay for it – that’s a full week of my life.
Is this TV worth that much of my time? Or could I use that money more wisely?
This way of thinking completely changes how I view consumption.
Many things don’t seem worth it anymore once you realize how much life they cost.
3. Sleep on it before you buy
Impulse buys are dangerous.
I’ve trained myself to sleep on any bigger purchase.
If I still want it the next day – and it passes the first two questions – then maybe it’s worth it.
More often than not, though, the excitement is gone by morning. That’s when I know: I didn’t really need it.
Smart Saving vs. Stinginess – What’s the Difference?
Now comes the big question: Am I being thrifty or just stingy?
People often confuse the two, but to me, there’s a big difference:
What Does It Mean to Be Thrifty?
Being thrifty doesn’t mean denying yourself everything.
It means being mindful with your money.
I don’t spend money on useless stuff I don’t really need.
→ Example: I don’t buy a snack at every corner just because I feel like it.
I focus on spending money where it actually adds value.
→ Example: I save for a trip or a new car instead of spending it on random junk.
I compare prices and choose smart over status.
→ Example: Why buy the expensive brand when the cheaper version is just as good?
When Does Thrift Become Stinginess?
To me, stinginess begins when you stop allowing yourself any enjoyment, even if you can afford it.
Stinginess is denying yourself things that would bring you joy.
→ Example: Saving your whole life but never taking a trip or treating yourself to a nice meal.
Stinginess is also denying others.
→ Example: Never tipping, avoiding any cost that helps someone else, or hoarding instead of helping.
Stinginess is when money becomes the goal, not the tool.
→ Example: Living in discomfort despite having the means to improve your quality of life.
Conclusion: Balance Is the Key
For me, it’s about finding a healthy balance between saving money and living well.
I prefer to invest in things that bring long-term value or genuine joy – rather than waste money on short-term gratification.
I’m not stingy – I’m consciously thrifty.
I spend money where it makes sense for me.
And that doesn’t mean I never treat myself – it just means I choose why and when more wisely.
