13 Worst Frugal Practices You Should Stop Right Now

There are a lot of discussions regarding the importance of being frugal. Many financial advisors recommend being austere and not spending money on things that make us happy.

However, being stingy or frugal all the time is not necessary. Spending a little more than required for the sake of your mental well-being and joy is not bad. After all, what’s life without living?

In this article, we have compiled a list of 13 frugal habits that you should avoid to make your life more pleasant and worthwhile. Eliminating these frugal habits will also indirectly improve your finances in the long term.

1. Buying Cheap Quality Clothes

If you’re young and are trying to save money, your first attack strategy would probably be to buy cheap clothes. Although several brands are affordably priced but stylishly designed, these are not good for you or the environment.

Fast fashion is one of the biggest causes of ocean pollution, and it is not sustainably sourced. Moreover, these clothes do not last long, and you’ll end up purchasing more and spending more than necessary. Stick to bespoke tailoring and high-end clothing stores.

2. Not Investing in Good Skincare

If somebody tells you that appearances do not matter, run away. They’re lying to you and probably do not have your best interests at heart. Taking good care of our skin and appearance helps improve our mental health and makes us more presentable.

This directly translates to better career and relationship opportunities, which we believe is a significant investment. Most importantly, looking good is a great confidence booster.

3. Not Getting Psychotherapy

We know that psychotherapy is not cheap, and it can cost quite a bit, especially if you contact licensed mental health counselors. Unfortunately, most of us are mired in cognitive distortions and think and behave in detrimental ways to our well-being and success.

Regular therapy sessions will help you understand your cognitive distortions and you can unlearn behaviors that are working against your success. Meanwhile, you will also find strategies to become more disciplined and hard-working, which indirectly helps you get rich.

4. Avoiding Medical Checkups

Regular medical checkups are expensive and depressing at the same time. Nobody wants to get their prostate probed or get pap smears.

However, these are essential checkups that will identify if something is wrong so that you can address them immediately. After all, health is wealth, and the whole world is useless if you’re sick in bed.

5. Avoiding Cancer Screenings

If you’re not at immediate risk of cancer due to genetic factors, you may not be eligible for cancer screenings. This does not mean you should not request them, even if it means you have to pay for them out of pocket.

Detecting cancer at the earliest stages makes it easier to treat it and has a high survival rate. Do not wait until it is too late, and get the cancer screenings you need, even if you have to spend them on your own.

6. Using Questionable Smartphones

There are several smartphones in the market today which are manufactured abroad. These are available for a fraction of the price of an iPhone. Hence, you might be tempted to purchase them.

Many people note that these devices are bugged and are prone to various security risks. They also only last briefly, making them a very poor investment choice. Hence, choose a durable smartphone from a reputable brand and make sure that you use an anti-virus program to keep your devices safe.

7. Most Things Made of Plastic

In recent years, people have begun to understand the negative implications of using plastic. However, many people need to realize that using plastic utensils and containers can contaminate food.

Microplastics enter our bodies and cause immense health damage. Instead, choose stainless steel, silver, and other long-lasting metals, which are a little expensive.

8. Freezing Food for a Long Time

It is easy to cook in batches and freeze food for weeks or months. It may also seem economical to do so instead of cooking every other day in a labor-intensive manner.

Unfortunately, freezing cooked food for a very long time results in nutrition depletion. Try not to store it for a long time and consume frozen food as soon as you can.

9. Avoiding Gym Memberships

Purchasing dumbbells and bench presses at home can be a great idea if you’re disciplined and serious about your strength training. However, most people only purchase these workout gear and do not use it in real life.

They need the motivation and the social atmosphere of the gym to remain motivated. If you are one of those, don’t be stingy. Instead, choose the gym that aligns with your values and visit it frequently for better health.

10. Not Buying Gifts

Long ago, people always bought gifts for their loved ones and friends. Gifts are a token of affection and love and help enshrine long-lasting relationships.

If you avoid buying gifts, you may lose valuable friendships simply because you’re not making enough effort. Reinforce your love and affection by giving something tangible so that you have companions for a long time to come. Now, that’s priceless.

11. Going Dutch Always

If you’re a youngster, you may be used to going Dutch with your friends. You may think this is a frugal way of going out without hurting anybody’s pockets.

However, occasionally buying your friends a drink or two will help. It shows that you care and that you’re willing to go a step ahead to make them feel good. Consider this an investment in valuable relationships.

12. Not Investing in Education

Unfortunately, there is a lot of negative talk regarding education. People have come to assume that they can gain knowledge by watching reels and reading blogs without having to attend school or professional training.

Formal education is essential, and it builds the foundation for future learning. Do not scrimp on education; make sure that you invest both money and time in it.

13. Not Investing in Self-Care

Despite the overemphasis given to self-care and self-indulgence by certain pop psychologists, it is still important to invest in oneself. Do not hesitate to go on that vacation you always wanted to, or make sure you go to that expensive restaurant and have dinner all by yourself.

Of course, this may drain your pocket, but it works wonders on your self-confidence. It also helps improve your social skills and mood, which reflects in your professional performance. It’s important to remember that in life, results are never linear. You’ll usually see indirect benefits of things you do. This applies to getting rid of unnecessary frugal habits as well.