The difference between FRUGAL and STINGY

Being frugal is a wonderful quality. You're setting yourself up for a sound financial future and a comfortable retirement. However, sometimes you can go too far in your quest to stretch your dollars. Take this quiz to find out if you've gone from thrifty to downright stingy.

1. Your best friend is having a baby shower. You:

A. Shop around to find the best price on one of the items on the registry list.

B. Buy a nice toy or outfit you found on sale, even though it wasn't on the list.

C. Regift an outfit your child didn't wear.

D. Pretend you are sick the day of the shower so you don't have to come up with a gift.

2. You child needs a school lunch. You:

A. Refuse to pay for expensive extras every day, but allow your child to buy a special treat from the lunch counter once or twice a month.

B. Pack lunches every day, but make sure the food is appetizing.

C. Fill a container with some of the leftover casserole from the night before.

D. Encourage your child to trade homework help for his classmate's snacks.

3. Your car finally breaks down for the last time. You:

A. Carefully research all of the pros and cons of several economy cars that suit your needs. Once you have decided on the right model, you make sure you get the best financing and price on the car you buy.

B. Find a used car with low mileage that is still under warranty so you don't have to lose money just from having your brand new car drive off the lot.

C. Look into alternatives such as riding a bike or taking the bus, even though you could afford a used car and it will take you several extra hours a day to get where you need to go without one.

D. Try to find out where Fred Flinstone found his car.

Answer Key

A - You are sensible with your money choices and can proudly tell the world that you are frugal.

B - Sometimes you skate a bit close to the danger zone, but you are frugal, not stingy.

C - You've crossed the good taste line on occassion to save money and are somewhat stingy.

D - You make old Ebenezer Scrooge look like a spendthrift. You may want to try becoming a bit less thrifty with your money!