11 Iconic Television Characters Who Are Secretly Penny Pinchers (and What We Can Learn From Them)

Because sometimes the coolest characters are the ones with the "darkest" secrets.

1. Omar Little (The Wire)

"Omar comin, yo!" Who knew one of the most intriguing and beloved characters in television history (even President Obama is a fan), a stick-up man on the mean streets of Baltimore, has such a "taste" for frugality? Sure, when Omar goes a walkin', people go a droppin' cash. But Omar could subsist on reputation alone and appears to have no shortage of cash on hand, eventually retiring away to San Juan. For a self-proclaimed king, however, Omar sure does love his honey nut cheerios. No luxurious ham and eggs or organic bread, just good old fashioned heart healthy cereal found for $3 at the corner store. Hopefully he at least splurges on some almond milk.

Lesson: Feel like living like a king? Eat your grains.

2. G Callen (NCIS: Los Angeles)

NCIS Special Agent G Callen moved through dozens of foster homes as a child, never spending too much time in one place. This has translated into adulthood; Callen spent the show's entire first season homeless, couch surfing with fellow agents and even sleeping in the office. Although Callen eventually purchases his own home a season later due largely to the efforts of supervisor Hetty Lange, it remains devoid of most furniture. Is this a manifestation of childhood tendencies, or frugal living at its finest? Why not a little bit of both?

Lesson: Home is where the heart is. Home does not necessarily have to be where the furniture is.

3. George Costanzo (Seinfeld)

Some people would say a concern for money is the root cause of all the world's problems. George Costanzo would beg to differ. In Season 7, George, unhappy with his engagement to fiancée Susan Ross, goes shopping for wedding initiations. The suave spendthrift he is, George picks the cheapest cards available, despite repeat warnings of poor quality and low adhesiveness from the salesperson. Upon licking the envelopes, Susan overdoses on the poor quality glue and dies. Was the frugality worth it, George?

Lesson: There is a difference between being cheap and being frugal. Sometimes it pays to pay for quality. It may even save your life.

4. Frank Reynolds (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia)

In his pre-Sunny life, Frank was a successful and wealthy businessman. However, his time with the gang has been marred by drugs, alcohol, and crazy exhibits of insanity. Despite his seemingly unlimited wealth, Frank lives with Charlie in a bed bug infested apartment with little living space (both sleep together on the couch) and no heat. Frank lives in squalor despite having serious heaps of money. Don't judge – rent in Philadelphia can get expensive!

Lesson: Having a lot of money does not equate to having a lot of happiness.

5. Walter White (Breaking Bad)

Throughout his dramatic personal transformation, there has been one constant in Walter White's life – his Pontiac Aztec. The Pontiac Aztec has been voted by Time Magazine as one of the 50 worst cars of all time and one of the 50 worst inventions of all time. It has even been called as ugly as six-week-old cottage cheese. Even so, it is still Walter White's baby. Walt's Aztec has had its windshield broken (and replaced) several times. The car has gotten him arrested, saved him from being arrested, and has even been used as a weapon to run over rival drug dealers. Walt eventually has all the money in the world but does not care about public perception of his ride or "cruising" in style. He sticks with what gets the job done. Gotta respect that.

Lesson: If it ain't broke, don't fix (or replace) it. Your wallet will thank you.

6. Ron Swanson (Parks and Recreation)

Ron Swanson is a man's man – lover of wood, meat, alcohol, and the great outdoors (not necessarily in that order). Ron knows how to use his hands; throughout the show we see him building instead of buying. Need a present for Leslie? Ron builds an intense wood model of her desk, recognizing that doing it yourself is oftentimes money-saving (and self-gratifying). He even buys all his food and stuff at the discount store Food and Stuff. Ron and his mustache may be a universally recognized symbol of masculinity, but that does not mean he overlooks the value of the everyday low price. Ron Swanson: breaking gender stereotypes and saving money. All in a day's work.

Lesson: Be more like Ron Swanson. Learn how to DIY.

7. Taco (The League)

Taco is the Mark Cuban of slackers – he is eccentric and has an unmistakable entrepreneurial spirit. Unfortunately, he is also not the sharpest tool in the shed. Despite this shortcoming, Taco understands the importance of long-term saving. While Taco's decision to purchase forever stamps (they never lose their "value") and use them as a form of currency was inherently flawed, it is this frame of mind that defines a successful penny-pincher. Taco also saves money by constantly mooching on his brother's food, and even by making his own deodorant.

Ruxin:Why are you making your own deodorant?
Taco:I'm just trying save a bit of money, do you know how expensive deodorant is?
Ruxin:Like four bucks.
Taco:I know right.

It all adds up. Keep doing your thing, Taco.

Lesson: Even if people think you are dumb, you can still make smart financial decisions.

8. Sawyer (Lost)

Even on a "deserted" island, frugal tendencies die hard. Directly after the crash landing, Sawyer hoards lost luggage, medicine, and weapons. He understands that everything, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, has the potential to increase his power and further his interests. Unfortunately, when stranded on an island with others in desperate need of supplies, hoarding equates to quick deaths. No wonder everyone thought he was a jerk. There's a time and a place for everything, Sawyer.

Lesson: Hoarding ≠ Being frugal. Take what you need, and pass what remains on to others. They may need it.

9. Buster Bluth (Arrested Development)

Don't hate on young men who still live at home with their mothers. Buster Bluth may be socially awkward, but his boyish personality and immaturity pale in comparison to his financial shrewdness. Buster saves money by living in an apartment with his mother Lucille, and even gives out back rubs in order to contribute to the household in some tangible way. He has to feel welcome, after all.

Lesson: Don't be afraid to live at home to save money. You may want to eventually move out though...

10. Dexter Morgan (Dexter)

Dexter's "kill shirt", an olive green thermal Henley, has gained an enormous cult following – it is even available for online purchase. You would think that after all of those sweaty Miami nights and bloody kills, Dexter's shirt would need replacing. Nope – he continues wearing it day in and day out, and with cotton prices on the rise, who can blame him? Hopefully he at least washes it once in a while.

Lesson: Feel free to pay to spice up your wardrobe, especially if you are trying to hide something.

11. Jax Teller (Sons of Anarchy)

(this one is a stretch)

A constant criticism of Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club president Jax Teller is his wardrobe – more specifically, his white tennis shoes. Those oft-criticized tennis shoes are said to be unrealistic, unsafe, and unworthy of a bad boy like Jax. Why not dress in some boots like a real Harley rider?

Jax probably knows how difficult it is to earn a legitimate dollar under the watchful eyes of the local police and federal government. Motorcycle boots can get quite expensive, and the current motorcycle club business environment is not susceptible to such a large purchase; it could break the bank. Jax does not seem to be a bargain hunter, but he probably gets his Nikes discounted from the local Foot Locker in exchange for free vehicle tune-ups. How else could the MC have such a steady stream of business? And with that USMC KA-BAR fighting knife on his waistband, SAMCRO vest, and "stellar" reputation in the community, Jax drives a hard bargain. Who said haggling was dead in America?

Lesson: Negotiate on price (without a knife). You never know what can happen.