10 Signs You've Taken "Frugality" Too Far

There is no question that being smart about your outgoing expenses is a valuable skill these days. But, let's face it, there are instances where people take things too far. Extreme couponing and the DIY trend (regardless of people's skills) are sweeping our nation and the line between money-saving and money-pinching is getting blurred. Here are 10 signs you may have crossed the line between being frugal and just plain cheap, cheap, cheap.

1. You Use Your Coffee Grinds up to 4X Before Throwing Them Away

Even if you are re-using coffee grinds for the second time, that is a bit suspicious. But, 4 times .... you have clearly crossed the line!

2. You Ignore Expiration Dates

Your milk is a few days late, smelling a little iffy, but you go ahead and pour it into your cereal. Potential Food poisoning vs. Spending $3 ... you choose the first!

3. You Tear a Stick of Gum in Half to Save the Rest for Later

Clearly, the woman in this photo is being too self-indulgent!

4. For Halloween, You Go Trick-or-Treating For the Free Candy

Since the holiday for candy-lovers & cheapskates is coming up, we had to make a point for Halloween! Please let the kids go ahead of you ...

5. You Will Drive Around for Hours to Find the Cheapest Gas Station

This one is especially hilarious when the driver is stubborn beyond the point of common sense. Go ahead, keep wasting gas while trying to find the absolute cheapest option ... oftentimes going far out of your way for pennies of a difference per gallon.

6. You Refuse to Take a Shower For Weeks to Conserve Water & Money

When you sacrifice your cleanliness for what you perceive as 'saving money,' you know you have a problem .... and so do all the people around you.

7. Turn on the TV and Waste Electricity?

Heaven forbid, no way! Books & solar LED lanterns are cheaper!

8. You Hoard Items Just 'Cause You Got a 'Good Deal' on Them

Just because there's a sale on buying 100 toothbrushes in a pack does mean you need to buy them. Nor does having those 100 toothbrushes in your house have any use to you!

9. Your Name Has Become Synonymous With 'Stingy' and 'Cheap-o!'

If your latest nicknames sound like, 'cheap,' 'cheapskates,' stingy-ass,' or similar, maybe it's about time you take an honest look at yourself.

10. You Spend More Energy Trying to Save Money Than Earn Money

You have seen those people on the grocery line with an overflowing envelope of coupons. Finding, cutting, and organizing coupons takes a lot time. Hours. Imagine if that time was spent at a job .... a paying job ....

Leading a Healthy Frugal Lifestyle

Time for an intervention! Which of these have you been guilty of? There are so many other ridiculous and extreme examples of frugality. What is there to add?